“We’re running lean today. Hope that’s okay. It’s a turn and burn, right?”
“Yes. I need ninety minutes on the ground but may need a little give or take.”
“No problem, Mr. Murphy. We’ll make it work.”
They return to the cockpit and close and lock the door.
“TheMr. Murphystuff is weird, right?”
“I’ll never get used to it,” I admit.
“You ready for this?”
“I better be.”
Cian lets it drop until we’re at cruising altitude, when he whips out his phone and spends the entire flight showing me pictures and videos of Wills. We’ve begun our initial descent when he asks, “Want me to go with you or would you like me to stay here?”
“I need to do this alone. But I appreciate you asking.”
After the process of landing and disembarking, I catch arideshare and find myself standing on unfamiliar porch steps. Removing my sunglasses, I adjust my suit and ring the bell.
The door is pulled open by a graying man who appears to be in his mid-sixties. He’s got a kind, friendly face, but suspicion mars it. He also has the exact same eyes as his daughter.
“Mr. Anderson?”
“Who’s asking?”
“I’m Liam Murphy. May I come in?”
Lorien
A glance at the clock says it’s time for me to leave. I’ll be so grateful when I’m done with all the doctor’s appointments, rides to and from work, all the things that make me feel less of a professional and more of someone playing work as a role.
William: Here when you’re ready.
Me: On my way. Good day?
William: Let’s just say it’s one I never plan to repeat.
Me: Well, that’s ominous.
I shut down the lab and take the elevator to the lobby and stop on a dime.
My husband is hot. I mean, he’s hot anyway, but in a black button up and charcoal gray trousers? Wow.
“If I knew how to whistle, I would cat call you.” I reach for his beard and tug him to my mouth. “You look good enough to eat.”
He palms my butt for anyone to see and moves his lips to myear. “Let’s let your doctor say that. Or that you’re well enough for me to eat, because I’m dying to taste you.”
Sucking in a sharp breath, I pull back to face him. “Let’s go then.”
He threads his fingers through mine and leads me to the waiting car.
We’re out on the road when curiosity gets the best of me and I finally ask, “Why are you all dressed up? And… no, that’s what I want to know. Where did you go all dressed up?”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” He turns on the main highway to Denver.
“Try me.”
