Page 21 of Sullivan

I never thought I would find mine. I had never avoided relationships, nor had I ever sought them out. I’d never felt loyalty and a sense of need like Finn carried for Una. Or the dread Niall hid behind a wall of denial.

Yet, a few hours with Autumn, one night of passion, and my life was suddenly upside down. The future in front of me was totally different from the one I had envisioned only a few days ago.

I realized once Finn and Niall found out, the ribbing and teasing would be hard, fast, and loud. And surprisingly, I was okay with that. I knew they would be pleased for me and anxious to meet her. I also knew when I told them I needed help, they would be there for me without hesitation.

I mulled over how to tell Bonnie. We were close, and I knew once she saw Autumn and me together, she would know instantly. I wondered if perhaps a quiet lunch or drinks after work with her alone might be for the best. I hoped she wouldn’t object—not that I would stop seeing Autumn even if she did. But I had a feeling it would upset Autumn, and I didn’t want to cause a rift in their relationship. I knew Bonnie was very fond of her, and Autumn returned her affection. Bonnie would have questions and concerns, and I planned to do my best to soothe her worries. Assure her I was serious and had no intention of hurting Autumn. I could already hear her asking about my plans for the future. How having a relationship with someone halfway around the world would work.

The look on her face when I informed her I didn’t plan on allowing an ocean between us for long would be one of shock.

But that would shut her gob. And be worth the lecture I would get once she recovered her voice.

I rested my cheek on Autumn’s head, breathing in her lovely scent.

This weekend had been full of surprises. Something I normally disliked, but these were remarkably welcome.

I gently shook Autumn awake. “We’re almost there,” I murmured, smiling as she blinked up at me, confused and still half asleep. She had been right earlier. I had kept her up most of the night, and we’d only taken a brief nap after I’d had her by the fire earlier in the afternoon. Twice. It was hardly a surprise that she was tired.

I kissed the end of her nose with affection, and she scrunched it, sitting up and rolling her shoulders.

“Did you sleep?” she asked.

“No. I caught up on some work stuff.” I grinned and winked at her. “I discovered how good I am with one hand.”

“I can vouch for that,” she replied with a cheeky grin.

“Don’t rush to get off the train,” I advised. “The station will be busy. I don’t want to lose you in the crowds.”

We waited until most of the passengers around us had disembarked, then I swung down her small case and my carry-on. She went ahead of me and waited on the platform as I joined her. I crooked my elbow. “Grab on.”

She slipped her hand around my arm, and I held it close. We strolled through the station and outside to the waiting cabs. She smiled at me, looking sad.

“I guess this is where we say goodbye.”

I gaped at her. “I think not.”

“You need to get home, and I have to get to the hotel.”

“I’ll make sure you get to the hotel first,” I informed her firmly, waving at a cab and opening the door for her. “No arguments.”

She slipped past me inside, and I gave the driver the name of her hotel.

“Really. Just drop me off.”

“Do you have someone waiting there for you?” I teased.

“No.”

“I will escort you to your door.” My tone brooked no argument.

It was a fast ride, and she huffed a little as I paid the fare, still holding her bag. I followed her inside and up the stairs to the third floor. I waited as she inserted the key into the lock and trailed behind her as she went inside. She turned on a lamp, and I looked around in curiosity. It was a decent room with a good-sized bed and a basic chair and desk along the opposite wall. I spied the roomy bathroom through the open door, and I casually walked over, flicking on the light and peering in.

“Are you checking for something?”

“Unwanted visitors.”

She looked amused and grateful at the same time, shaking her head.

“He doesn’t know where I am. And he has no passport.”