Page 105 of Where We Bloom

“It’s not that big.”

She snorts and hangs on to the bottom of my shirt as I climb the stairs ahead of her.

“Another guest room is up here as well as the primary suite.”

When I lead her into the bedroom, she gasps.

“Holy shit, the view.” She crosses to the windows that look out onto Manhattan. “This is incredible, Connor.”

“It was that view that sold me on it,” I agree. “I like seeing you here, in this spot,mo rúnsearc.”

She turns to look at me. “How many?—”

“None.” I saunter to her and drag my thumb over her lower lip. “Just you. You’re the only woman, besides my sister and the housekeeper, who’ve been here.”

“I shouldn’t have asked.”

Closing the gap between us, I palm the back of her neck and lower my lips to hers, brushing them back and forth twice. “You can ask anything.”

She swallows, watching my gaze.

“Connor?”

“Aye, Billie.”

“How did you get that computer here like that?”

“I have a security and tech specialist in the building, and they handled it. Former CIA.”

She blinks twice, then leans her forehead against my sternum.

“I think I ask too many questions.”

“Never.” I kiss her forehead and lead her to the en suite. “Everything you need is in here.”

“Why did I bother bringing my bathroom stuff if you already had it brought in for me?”

“You didn’t ask me if you should pack it,” I remind her. “I have no idea what’s in your many suitcases.”

Her favorite shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and even the razor she prefers are in my walk-in shower.

“Do you have elves?” she asks, then gasps when she opens a drawer at the vanity and discovers her skin care regimen, all waiting for her. Another drawer reveals the makeup she uses the most. “Jesus, Connor.”

“What? Did they get the wrong thing?”

“No.” With her eyes wide, she turns to stare at me. “This cost a fortune.”

I boost her up onto the vanity and lean my palms on the marble, stepping between her legs so I can crowd her.

“It’s nothing to me.”

“It’s not nothing to me,” she whispers and glides her fingers up my chest to my face. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. You’ll find the same setup in Ireland.”

She frowns. “Connor?—”

“No arguing.” I kiss her lips softly, still not touching her. “I need you to be at home. I need you to be comfortable.”

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