Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 102834 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 514(@200wpm)___ 411(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102834 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 514(@200wpm)___ 411(@250wpm)___ 343(@300wpm)
“Oh,” Milly said, blinking like the invite had blindsided her. She obviously had no idea about my mother’s excellent deductive skills. Somehow, within the awkward silence of me declining to see Kayla again, she’d figured out that something was going on between us, and if I knew my mother, she’d be merciless in pushing us together until we finally admitted that we were quietly seeing one another. Though, as I said, opportunities to actually date Milly had been few and far between now that I’d taken over Dad’s role at work.
“Sure,” Milly went on. “That sounds nice. I’d love to come to dinner.”
Satisfaction swept across Mam’s face as she cast me a pleased look, and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes like a teenager whose parent knew he fancied the girl next door. At the same time, my chest warmed with happiness that she’d said yes, and I’d get to spend some time with her. Dragging a hand through my hair, I emitted a quiet breath and then said, “Well, in that case, I’ll see you both later. I’d better go.”
“See you later, Derek,” Milly replied quietly, while Mam said, “Goodbye, son.”
By the time I got back to the office, my assistant, Whitney, had a million things that required my attention. However, I did manage tap out a quick message to Milly.
Me: FYI, my mother knows about us now.
Her response came fast.
Milly: What? How? Did you tell her?
I smirked at her obvious panic. We were a couple of thirty-somethings, and Milly was acting like an embarrassed teenager with a new boyfriend.
Me: No, but she has a sixth sense for these things.
Milly: Do you still want me to come to dinner?
Me: Of course. I want you any way I can have you.
I had a feeling that last message had her flustered and blushing—which pleased me no end—because it took her longer to reply. And when she did, I wasn’t expecting her one-word response to make me want to ditch work and go find her so I could ravish her in some dark corner—perhaps the back seat of my car again.
Milly: Same.
Bloody hell, it was going to be a challenge to sit at the table with her at dinner with my entire family there and not touch or kiss her.
Work kept me longer than anticipated, which meant I was over half an hour late to dinner. As I let myself into my parents’ house, I heard voices coming from the dining room. Pausing by the door, I recognised my mother’s voice, as well as Milly’s. She must’ve walked over because I didn’t see her red car out front.
“What made you choose radiology?” Mam asked her.
“Honestly, it wasn’t even on my radar at first. I always imagined myself becoming a GP because hospitals can be a lot of stress, but then when I began my residency, I was drawn to the technological advancements. The idea of discovering new ways to detect cancers and other life-limiting illnesses in the early stages was incredibly rewarding to me. Now I’ll be training up the next generation who’ll be working in the field, and I love the thought of passing on my knowledge and experience. I’m excited for the new challenge.”
I adored the passion in her voice when she spoke about her career, and when I finally stepped into the room, Milly’s eyes brightened, landing on mine.
“Hello, everyone,” I greeted. Gigi and Pablo were already there since they’d been spending the day with my parents. My daughter sat next to Milly, with Nuala, Tristan and Mam opposite them and Dad at the head of the table. The only free seat was next to Milly, which I suspected was Mam’s doing. Gigi was happily quizzing her about every little thing Deirdre was getting up to over in London.
“Derek, you made it,” Mam declared happily as I took the free seat.
“I wasn’t sure I would. Things at the hotel were busy.”
“Nobody likes a bragger,” Dad grumped.
“He misses the excitement of handling all the little problems that used to come his way,” Mam explained.
“More like bored off my trolley sitting around the house all day,” Dad corrected. “Once I’ve recovered from this surgery, I might start volunteering at the local council. Mayor Devoy said she could use my expertise.”
“Let’s just take it a day at a time,” Mam interjected, but I knew by my dad’s face that there would be no dissuading him from his plans.
Milly’s floral perfume drifted past my nose, and she cast me a fleeting glance, a faint rouge tinting her cheeks before she returned her attention to her dinner plate.
“Are you still going to London to visit Deirdre?” Gigi asked, garnering Milly’s attention. Mine, too, since it was the first I’d heard of a trip to London.
“Yes, the week after next,” Milly replied as she looked at my daughter, and I noticed a certain hopeful gleam in Gigi’s eyes before Milly continued, “You’re still welcome to come with me to see her.” Gigi’s face burst into a giant smile while Milly cast me a glance. “So long as your dad is okay with it?”