Page 45 of Sullivan

He headed to the door, stopping as he grabbed the handle. “And I know you’ll remember it was me who sent you to the cottage where you met the love of your freaking life. And I also know you’ll remember that the rest of your life and will always be grateful to me for insisting you go. You’ll probably buy me lots of presents to say thank you. Like iPads and new motor scooters and things. And I especially know you’re going to remember that when it’s bonus time and you try to put a price on the fact that I helped create your eternal happiness.”

With that dramatic speech, he exited, leaving me laughing. New scooters. He was obsessed with motor scooters. Then he opened the door again. “And you’ll be only too thrilled to approve extra spring rolls with lunch later. Remember—eternal happiness.” His eyes widened. “Now I have to call Frank with the news! He’ll be thrilled too.”

I stared at the door, amusement making it impossible to get back to the task at hand. I picked up the phone to call the florist.

My eternal happiness had started my day off with a bang. Two, actually, once we were done.

That deserved flowers. Then I had presents to think about. New motor scooters to research. And a bonus.

Apparently, a big one.

AUTUMN

I peered at the forms, filling in the boxes as I read them. There were a lot of questions. I paused, once again thinking of what a huge step this would be.

Giving up my life, the places I knew, that I was familiar with, for a brand-new home. Having to relearn everything. Where to shop. Directions. A new doctor, dentist, coffee shop. The best yoga studio. My favorite pizza spot. Chinese takeaway. How to drive on the opposite side of the road.

I didn’t have a lot of friends, but I was close to a few other women. We met for drinks, dinner. The occasional girls’ weekend. I had office friends too. Friday night drinks. Lunches. Office parties where we hung out as a group.

I would be leaving all of them behind. I would miss them. Miss the familiarity of my life.

And Auntie Lynn. I would miss her terribly. But Sully was right—she would want me to live my life and be happy. And I could visit. It wouldn’t be the same, but she would insist my happiness was what mattered.

I shut my eyes, trying to tamp down my panic.

It was overwhelming and, at moments, scary.

Then I thought of being here. The smaller office with lovely people. Bonnie, especially. The beautiful country to explore. A new, slower way of living. New adventures waiting for me.

And, of course, Sully.

I sat back, a smile pulling on my lips. He would help me find all my favorites. They would become our favorites. Bonnie would advise me about medical needs. Sully would teach me to drive if I asked him. I wouldn’t be alone anymore.

And I would make new friends.

I thought of this morning. Waking up and watching him sleep. Reaching over and stroking his warm skin. Grinning as his cock sprang to life when I ran my fingers over his abdomen. He hadn’t moved as I pulled back the blankets and sat up, taking his dick into my mouth and sucking. I knew when he woke up, his groan loud and needy. I loved how he instantly reached for me, murmuring my name and coaxing an intense orgasm from me as I pleasured him. Then after, the teasing and the way he used his mouth to bring me to yet another earth-shattering release before making me coffee and letting me watch him get ready for work. He had bent down and kissed me before leaving. “I’ll see you tonight, mo fhiadh beag. You’ll be here, yes?”

“Tonight,” I repeated. “Yes. Have a good day.”

He winked. “You’ve already ensured that, love.”

And he was gone, leaving me in his comfortable bed that smelled like him.

I wasn’t sure I had ever been so blissful in my life.

A knock at my door pulled me from my thoughts. Megan was on the threshold, holding a lovely bouquet. She set them on the corner of my desk. “These came for you,” she said with a grin. “Aren’t they brilliant? Such lovely colors!”

I smiled at her, taking in the extravagant bouquet. “Exquisite,” I agreed.

“Such a lucky lass! You must have quite the admirer.”

“He’s pretty awesome,” I agreed, touching a petal on one of the vivid red roses. They were mixed with white and pink lilies, freesia in a purple color, and a multitude of other flowers I had no idea the names of. It was fragrant and beautiful. It covered a good-sized chunk of my desk, and I sat down, looking at it. I plucked the card from the bouquet, opening it and scanning the words.

Autumn

I want to start every morning with you.

And end every night the same way.