Page 39 of Sullivan

“Thank you.”

“Have you enjoyed your time here, Autumn?”

“Very much.”

She sat down. “A little bird told me as much. She indicated you may be thinking of relocating.”

I knew who that little bird was. Bonnie had been talking already. I smiled. “I have. But I need to go home and wrap up my life there, then come back and apply through the right channels.”

She nodded. “Another work visa would help, would it not?”

“It would.” I chose my words carefully. “I was thinking of applying for any jobs that become available here.”

She beamed at me, then leaned forward as if we were conspiring. “I know Audrey is thinking of retiring. We’ll need a new person, and she and I think you would be a great fit.”

My eyebrows shot up at her words. “What about Moira? She’s been here a long time.”

“She isn’t good at explaining or creating new documents the way you are. And her recordkeeping is stuck in the ’90s and will have to be brought up-to-date. She prefers payroll and benefits. You would be such an asset. Would you really consider living here?”

I swallowed the thick feeling in my throat, the impulse to jump up and scream yes. Instead, I nodded. “I have been thinking along those lines, to be honest. A fresh start. I have made some friends, and I love the city.”

She stood, smiling widely. “Then let’s take it one step at a time. I’ll talk to Mr. Whitby, and I’ll mention you are thinking of returning permanently. If, of course, you found a job.” Then she chuckled. “We could always find a nice lad to marry ye. You’re a bonny lass, and I know we’d have no trouble!” Laughing at her own humor, she left, leaving me stunned.

A week ago, I would have been pleased at her words but not considered them. Moving here hadn’t really entered my mind until Sully. But now, everything seemed to be pushing me in that direction.

And I knew when I told him, he would inform me I needed to let the wind take me—and he would be waiting for me when I got there.

I stood across the street, eyeing up Sully’s building. It was a nice-looking structure. Modern but not out of place with the area. It was about a fifteen-minute walk to the office in one direction, and I knew Sully’s walk was about ten minutes in the other.

Convenient for both of us.

I crossed the street, typing in the number he’d given me. The door clicked open as his voice came over the speaker. “Top floor.”

“Good thing I’m not a burglar,” I muttered.

“Cameras, love,” he called out as the door shut behind me.

Upstairs, he was waiting, his door open. He filled the frame, his broad shoulders taking up most of the space. He was smiling, holding out his hand, eager for me to arrive.

He kissed me warmly, then pulled me into his flat. “Hey.”

“Hi.”

“I’ve been waiting.”

“Sorry. I was a little delayed.”

He kissed me again. “Worth the wait. Take off your coat. You’re staying, right?”

“For as long as you’ll have me.”

He threw my coat over a chair and dragged me into his arms. “Then you need a much larger suitcase.”

I wandered around as Sully finished dinner. “It smells great.”

He chuckled. “I didn’t make it, I’m afraid. Marks and Sparks handled it all. But it’s usually tasty.”

“Sounds good.”