Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 89183 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89183 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
They motored slowly up the river, but he didn’t seem to be seeing it. He seemed to be chewing things over in his head. “I do really like working with my hands. I’m not going to deny, though, that there is a thrill in what I do now, taking a product I believe in and expanding its horizons.”
“And that’s great, if you love what you do. I’m not trying to convince you to do anything else.”
“But I’m not sure I love it anymore,” he admitted. “In fact…” He frowned. “I don’t. That high I used to get from closing a big deal, it’s barely a blip now. Barely even ends up on the radar screen. It’s just more of the same old thing. But today, working on the broken wall, fixing it so it looks good and is safe again, that felt good. Really good.”
When his frown didn’t lighten, she felt she should apologize for upsetting him. “I didn’t mean to make everything so serious.”
“I’m glad you did,” he said. “I’ve spent enough of my life making pointless small talk.” He held out his hand, and she intertwined her fingers with his. “That deal I’ve been chasing for years seems like the one I really have to complete, and then maybe I’ll take some time, think things through. Genevieve, my second-in-command, and I may need a quick trip to New Zealand to sort some things out.”
She sensed he was talking to himself, so she didn’t comment, but wow, did she feel a clutch of alarm when he mentioned New Zealand. Maybe they had only two weeks together, but she wanted every single one of those days. If he suddenly jetted off to the other side of the world, she’d be brokenhearted, and that scared her, because she had to admit she was developing feelings for Malcolm Sullivan. Feelings that wouldn’t just disappear when their two weeks were up.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he said softly. “Not just here in England, but with me. I like being with you, Josie.”
His words made her feel all fluttery inside. “I like being with you too.”
Holding hands, they glided up the river, past a number of locks, which she enjoyed helping him with, and then finally they reached Hampton Court Palace.
“I know I keep saying this,” she said, “but I feel like my breath has just been taken away.”
The brick castle that had once been the home of Henry VIII was absolutely stunning from the river at night. They could see through the back garden to the lights, and to the lit-up trees.
“I’ve always loved living in Coeur d’Alene,” she said. “And even though I’ve done a lot of traveling over the years, there’s nowhere else I ever thought I could move to that would feel like home. But here, all I can think is how hard it’s going to be to leave at the end of the two weeks. Everything is so beautiful. So awe-inspiring. I could explore forever in England. Maybe it’s because I’ve read so many English novels, but this feels like a second home.”
“And hopefully,” he said, “the company isn’t too bad either.”
She leaned forward to kiss him softly. “The company is great.”
He lowered the anchor so that they were able to float in place, then put his arms around her so that they could take in the beautiful night sky, the stars twinkling, and the moon shining above.
He kissed her again, and she realized that if she didn’t pull away, they’d never eat dinner. “I think it’s time to eat,” she said on a laugh.
He helped her set out a mini feast of cold roast chicken, French bread and cheese, and sausage and fruit. Again, the galley had magically produced all the makings of a delicious meal, though she knew it wasn’t magic but Malcolm’s delivery service that had brought the food.
Clearly, there were some benefits to being a billionaire. Not that she would ever want that kind of stress or pressure for herself. Because even though he said he had once really liked his job—and she was glad that he had—she could imagine how stressful it must’ve been. How stressful it still was.
She sent a silent wish out into the night that he would find true happiness and pursue it. That he wouldn’t let anything hold him back. It was what she wanted for all of her friends. Especially for Malcolm, who felt like so much more than a friend after only this short time they’d spent together.
When they were finished and had packed up the remaining food, she yawned. “I think I’m about to turn into a pumpkin.”
“You stayed awake a lot longer tonight,” he noted. “But between jet lag and hard work, it’s no wonder you’re exhausted.”
He pulled up the anchor, then turned the boat around so that they could head home.