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“No,” he said, kissing the top of her head, “I want you to always be with me.”
She sat upright. “Like move in with you?”
“Why not? We’ve been together almost since you moved to New York. I have a huge place, a big bed, and a coffee pot you’ve finally figured out how to use. You belong here,” he said, giving her a gentle kiss.
Colleen smiled up at him. She loved the idea of staying with him, but she didn’t want to be dependent on him—or anyone. She’d spent too many years searching for a wealthy man to take care of her. At the time she didn’t see it as wrong because she always worked hard, but deep down, she’d been hoping to find someone to lift her out of her middle-class background. No more. She craved success on her own terms. “I have to find a job.”
“It’s not like I need help paying the rent.”
“It’s important to me. If I have a job, then I feel like I really live here. And I want to live here,” she said, tracing his lips with a finger.
“Then stay with me until you find a job.” He pulled her back into his arms. “Or else I’m going to keep you in this bed until I change your mind.”
“I’m trying,” she said through laughter as he covered her in kisses.
CHAPTER 40
COLLEEN
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?” Finn asked.
“No, I’m good.” Colleen smoothed her linen skirt, slipped on her heels, and picked up her purse.
“David texted to say the car is waiting.”
“Can you meet me there? We can grab some lunch afterward.”
“I like the sound of that,” he said, placing a soft kiss on the nape of her neck. “Buy everything you need. I’ll pick you up in a few hours.”
“I can’t wait to see you,” she said.
“Me too.” He gave her a final kiss and steered her to the door.
During the Uber ride, Colleen checked her email. Kayla had sent her a few suggested dates for her bachelorette tour. The tour guide idea had potential, but until it was an established business, she would have to find a teaching position. It might not be ideal, but she would find some way to earn her own money.
Her phone pinged with a text from her mom:
I haven’t forgotten about you. Phone service isn’t always reliable in this part of Montana. Molly and I are having a great time doing good work and meeting some nice people. I’ll call you soon. Love you.
She was excited to tell her mom about Finn, but she would also have to tell her about Dan Pike. The prospect of having that conversation filled her with a creeping dread. She didn’t look forward to it, but she would have to confront it soon. She tucked her phone away and took in the sights during a morning Manhattan commute.
Colleen stepped out onto Fifth Avenue. She took a moment to pinch herself. This was one of the most famous streets in New York and she was about to select a gown from one of the world’s most renowned fashion designers. Straightening her shoulders, she walked to the massive glass doors with the designer’s name in bold block text, where a valet opened the door for her.
Stepping inside the soaring atrium, she did her best to make sure she kept her mouth closed as she took in the polished terrazzo floors and walls. She’d accompanied Lucy and her clothes-horse mother on lots of shopping trips to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, so being in an expensive store was not new to her. But this was in a league all its own.
“Good morning.” A willowy brunette greeted her, dressed in a tight sheath dress and the tallest heels she’d ever seen. “My name is Natalie. Do you have an appointment?”
“Yes. My name is Colleen Murphy and I’m here to see Ms. Rose.”
“I’ll let her know you’re here. Will you excuse me for a minute?”
“Sure,” Colleen said as Natalie sauntered away like a model on a catwalk.
While she waited, Colleen browsed through a few dresses on a nearby shiny rack. “Holy. Shit,” she muttered, staring at the outrageous price tag of a cotton tunic dress. If this was just the casual collection, what was a formal gown going to cost Finn?
“Good morning. You must be Colleen.”
Colleen turned as a petite woman with silver hair styled in a chignon walked toward her with an outstretched hand.
