Page 7 of Sullivan

He finished the buns and wiped his mouth. “She is. My aunt Roisin is fairly tall, but we all tower over her.”

“Bonnie is slender, willowy,” I said, looking down with a grimace. I would never be described that way.

He frowned and followed my gaze, then met my eyes. “I prefer women to have curves,” he said quietly.

“Oh.”

“And I like them a bit shorter. It makes me feel like I’m a protector.”

“I’m sure your wife likes that.”

He kept our gazes locked. “No wife.”

“Girlfriend?”

He shook his head.

“Significant other?” I whispered.

“None.”

“Oh.”

Sully grinned. “Am I making you speechless, mo fhiadh beag?”

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“Short person.”

I sniffed, knowing he was teasing. “Rude.”

He laughed. “What about you? Husband? Boyfriend?”

I felt the color drain from my face at the mention of a boyfriend. It was all I could do to simply shake my head and reply, “No.”

He studied me as if he knew there was a story there.

And something told me he was going to ask me about it before we left this cottage.

CHAPTER FOUR

SULLY

My feet were finally dry and warm, and I stood, heading back down the hall. I rummaged in the cupboard, finding an extra pillow and blanket. My thoughts were full of our conversation. Autumn was insecure about herself. I saw the way she looked at her figure and heard the sadness in her voice. I wanted to tell her she was perfect. Her rounded hips and full breasts were a complete turn-on for me. But I had only just met her, so I couldn’t say that.

And the way she reacted to my question about a husband or boyfriend. Something in that seemingly innocent query frightened her. Or the person I inquired about did.

I planned to find out who.

Why it was important, I had no idea, but it was.

I stopped in the bathroom and brushed my teeth, staring in the mirror. I was tired and looked it. I had planned a good night’s sleep in my comfortable bed, but I would be spending it on the sofa instead. I was glad I had bought a bigger one recently. The old one wouldn’t have held me at all.

I returned to the living room, finding Autumn still curled up in the chair. She looked sleepy and pretty, making me smile. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to crash. It’s been a hell of a week.”

“Of course.” She stood, holding out her arms for the blanket and pillow.

I shook my head. “I can make up the sofa. It’s fine. You head off to bed. I’ve turned the heat pump to a warmer temperature. You should be good.”