Page 40 of Where We Bloom

“It’s not funny.” Without thinking, I reach out and brush my fingers through her soft hair. “It’s pleased I am to see you looking well, bumble.”

“I hate that name,” she mutters, but I don’t reply. She closes her eyes and seems to lean into my touch, but only for a heartbeat before she pulls away again. “What brings you in?”

“You. I just landed a few minutes ago. I’ve been in Dublin and then Sweden this week.”

Her eyebrows climb in surprise. “You’re probably exhausted. You should go home and rest.”

“Are you worried about me, angel?”

She bites that plump lower lip and shakes her head, fighting a smile. “Just using common sense. Thanks for the flowers earlier this week.”

“You’re welcome. How do you feel?”

“I’m all recovered. Monday was rough, but I’m fine now. Thanks again for all your help.”

“You don’t need to thank me. I wanted to stop in to say hello and check on you for a wee minute. And I brought you something.”

Her eyebrows pull together in a frown as I pull my hand out of my pocket, but she pulls back as if it might bite her.

“It’s just a necklace.”

Her wide amber eyes find mine, and she shakes her head. “That’s notjustanything. That’s a Van Cleef & Arpels necklace.”

“It’s a shamrock,” I argue, looking down at it. “In malachite. Just a token from Dublin, angel.”

Her mouth bobs open, then closes again. Her gaze falls back to the bit of gold and gemstone in my palm.

“Can I put it on you, then?”

“I shouldnotaccept that.” She bites her lip, her cheeks darken, and I’ve never wanted to simplyhugsomeone so badly, while at the same time, I want to boost her up against this bookshelf and fuck her into next week. “But it would be rude to say no to a gift.”

“And you don’t want to be rude.” A smile tugs at my lips as I unclasp the chain, and she lifts her hair, turning so I can fasten it around her neck.

Her fingers brush over it as she turns back to me.

“Just as I suspected,” I murmur.

“What?”

“It’s gorgeous on you. I’m relieved that you’re feeling better, bumble.”

“Connor.” She frowns but still holds the pendant in her fingers. “Um, thanks. This is really … unnecessary.”

“It’s just a trinket,a stór.” I turn to walk away, happy with the way this interaction went. I can tell by the lookin her eyes that she’s starting to soften. “I’ll see you on Sunday.”

“Sunday? What’s happening on Sunday?”

“Family dinner.” I wink at her over my shoulder and walk out of the store. I need some bloody sleep.

Chapter Seven

BILLIE

I’ve never been nervous about spending the day at my family’s property before. At the place where I grew up. My home. My safe place, where no matter what, I’m welcome and loved.

Until today.

Even before, on days when I knew Connor would be here, I wasn’t exactly nervous. Annoyed and maybe slightly uncomfortable but never nervous because this is my turf.

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