Page 29 of Sullivan

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” I muttered, ignoring the stares and grins. “Why don’t you announce it to the whole town?”

“Sullivan. Brady. Black. I sent her there to relax and unwind, not get sexed up and ravished by you! Oh my God, you have no idea what she’s been through!”

“I know about the stalker.”

That made her pause. “You do? She told you about that?”

“Yes. She fainted when I walked in since it frightened her. Later, I asked and she told me.”

“She doesn’t talk about it with many people.”

“I’m not many people. We’re different.”

She lifted one eyebrow at me.

“I didn’t just jump her, Bonnie. For God’s sake, you know me better than that. We talked about a lot of personal things.”

“In between…”

“Yes. We’re grown adults. There was, is, something between us, and we explored it.” I tried not to smile but failed. “Many times.”

“Aye,” she muttered. “You both look tired—for the same damn reason.”

I leaned over the table. “We have a connection, Bonnie. An unexpected, deep connection. We talked and shared all weekend. Laughed. She’s a breath of fresh air to me.”

“For how long? She lives in bloody Canada. She has an aunt she cares deeply for.”

“Until she doesn’t,” I retorted. “And her aunt would send her on her merry way the same way Roisin would do to me if she thought it meant my happiness. Autumn knows how I feel. I didn’t mince words. And I think she feels the same. We talked about her moving here. Getting a job. I’d marry her if it made things easier.”

Bonnie gaped, stared at me, speechless, which was unusual. Then she stood. “I need another pint.”

I gathered my thoughts while she was gone. She slid back into the booth, looking calmer.

“Let me get this straight. I send her to the cottage to relax. You show up. You have a connection and proceed to fully explore it.”

I winked. “Like one of yer books,” I said with an exaggerated roll of my tongue. “A storm, two strangers, one bed. So much time on our hands. So much to⁠—”

She held up her hand. “Oh my God. Do not finish that sentence. Listen to yourself.”

I laughed, then leaned my elbows on the table. “I think she is amazing, Bonnie. Smart, funny, sweet, kind, all of it. Sexy as hell too. Why haven’t you ever introduced us?”

“Because she wasn’t looking for a relationship and you are too busy all the time. I did try a couple times, but it never worked out.”

“Right. Well, we took care of that ourselves.”

“She wanted to tell me something today but never got a chance. I guess I know what it was now.”

“Autumn was concerned about your reaction. She cares for you a great deal.”

“I care for her. She is a good friend. Jesus, Sully, don’t hurt her and mess this up.”

“I don’t plan to. I think I might be in love with her.”

Once again, Bonnie’s eyes grew round. “Not words I ever thought I’d hear you say.”

“I know. But you have to help me. Get her on permanent at the company. Or help her find something. I’ll hire her if need be, but I don’t think she wants to work for me and live with me.”

“Probably a little much,” a droll voice spoke beside the table. “I don’t think you want me bossing you around either.”