Page 46 of Sullivan

Together, we’ll figure it out.

Yours—Sully

My eyes went back to the forms I was filling out, thinking of my doubts. Back to the simple signature on the card.

Yours—Sully

Because he was mine.

And I was his.

And suddenly, the doubts weren’t so insurmountable.

Because I had him.

I left the office early and went to the local shops. A men’s shop gave me what I needed, and I found everything I wanted at the small grocer’s after asking the shopkeeper for some help, and then I hurried to Sully’s place. I used the passcode and the keys he gave me, setting the bags down on the island that separated the kitchen from the rest of the living space. I quickly got to work, pleased that after Sully had left this morning, I had figured out the kitchen layout and knew where everything was. Once dinner was in the oven, I headed to the bedroom and pulled off my work clothes. I had another shower, lathering up and shaving everywhere, then smoothing lotion over my skin once I was dry. I dressed in the outfit I had bought yesterday, adding the items I had purchased today.

I hoped he liked the gifts—especially the hidden ones.

He had to wait and see those, which would make him impatient and surly.

And I was going to enjoy every second of it.

SULLY

I walked into the flat and stopped, sniffing the air like a dog catching the scent of a juicy bone. The aroma was rich, meaty, and tangy. Delicious. I dropped my briefcase, hanging up my coat fast. As I headed for the kitchen, I spied the table set, the flowers I had bought last night in the center, candles flickering, and wineglasses ready.

I never came home to a cooked meal unless Roisin was visiting. And it never involved candles and wine. Or an aroma so incredible my mouth was watering. She liked simple fare—good, stick-to-your-ribs sort of meals. Delicious and homey, but humble.

Autumn turned as I rushed into the kitchen, a smile on her face and her arms spread wide. “Welcome home, dear,” she cooed. “How was your day?”

I burst out laughing, holding on to the island as I bent over in mirth. She wore a set of men’s pajamas, long, loose, and in the most hideous plaid imaginable. They were far too big on her, and the sleeves were rolled up, as were the pant legs, although they were still too long and dragged on the floor. Her hair was caught up on her head in a haphazard bun, wisps falling everywhere. No makeup. Her feet were covered in what I suspected were a pair of my woolen socks, the toes flapping as she walked toward me.

“Should I be looking for the VapoRub?” I asked, still laughing.

“No, we’re good. But I thought I’d give you a glimpse of the future.”

I bent and kissed her full lips. “Bring it on, lass.”

She grinned against my mouth. “You have no idea.”

I inhaled, the scent of dinner even stronger than by the door. “Something smells incredible.”

“You mean besides me?”

“That, I fear, is a trick question, madam.”

She winked, then turned toward the cooktop. “You have ten minutes to change if you want.” She glanced over her shoulder. “You look mighty sexy in that suit, though.”

“I think I’ll dress down a bit.”

“Good plan.”

I turned, and she called my name. “Sully?”

“Yes?”

Her voice was low and sincere. “My flowers were incredible. So many people dropped by to see them. I’ve never been sent flowers before. In fact, last night’s were the first ones I’d ever been given. Thank you.” Her eyes shone at me, glimmering and warm.