Page 39 of Niall

“They are. I’m sure she’ll tell us all about it when we see her next time.”

“No doubt.”

Una laughed. “She is very friendly.”

“She is,” I mused. “Exotic-looking. And her voice is, ah, different.”

Una giggled. “A bit of a ballbuster, I think.”

“I think you’re right. Lonely too,” I added.

“I wonder if we’ll run into her again,” she murmured.

“I guess we’ll see.”

“Now, enough about her. Let’s spend more of Finn’s money.”

I laughed. “Now there’s a plan.”

The next morning, I sat at the fireplace alone. Una would be joining me soon, but she was trying on some dresses for her show. Niall walked me to the spot, ensured I had some tea, and lingered until I rolled my eyes.

“I’m fine.”

He bent and pressed a kiss to my head. “I know. Indulge me a little.”

“I indulged you plenty last night.”

He lifted my chin and kissed me. “You did.”

I shivered as I thought about us last night. On the sofa, then against the wall. Finally, in his big bed. Everything he did, I liked. Every touch. Every caress. Every angle. Even when he gripped me, I felt his care. It was never too tight. Never too much. And I knew if I ever felt scared, he would stop.

But I was certain that would never happen.

I hadn’t asked him about the Irish term of endearment he used, or that Una had told me what it meant. Instead, my chest warmed a little more every time he uttered it.

“Call me if you need me,” he instructed, kissing me one more time. I watched him stride across the lobby, chatting with a few people, then disappeared around the corner, heading to the elevator. I smiled to myself, wondering how long it would take him to check the monitor.

“Hi again!”

I glanced up, seeing the woman from yesterday. “Hello, Heidi.”

“Oh, you remember me!” She looked pleased as she sat down across from me. Today, her hair was pulled back in a long ponytail, and once again, she was dressed to perfection and slightly intimidating. But her smile was friendly, and she seemed happy to see me.

“Of course.”

She beamed. “My first friend here. Lovely!” Again, I noticed her odd voice. But I chuckled. She was very enthused.

“I wanted to say thanks to you. Joyful was incredible.”

“Good. But it was Una who suggested it. She knows the area well.”

“Oh. Does she live around here?”

“She works here,” I said shortly, not wanting to divulge any more.

“Oh cool. This is a lovely hotel.” She looked around. “Such a warm atmosphere.”

“It is.”