All the Way (Romancing Manhattan #1)(30)



I smile up at him and drag my fingertips down his cheek, enjoying the scratchiness of the whiskers that have grown since this morning.

“It’s time, I miss the city,” I reply simply. “And if you don’t mind, I’d like to be able to see you on a regular basis.”

“That doesn’t bother me in the least.”

“Finn.” I turn on the couch so I can fully see him. “Thank you. For this trip, for tonight, and for everything that’s come before this.”

“London—”

“Let me finish.” I take his hand in mine and he kisses my knuckles, bringing the butterflies in my stomach to life. “To be understood is profound. You understand me. It’s a big deal.”

His lips twitch in that way they do when he’s particularly pleased with me and kisses my hand again.

“You’re a big deal,” he whispers. “And not because of who you are in the show-business community, but because of who you are.”

I lean into him and sigh when he loops his arms around me and holds on tightly.

“Back at you,” I reply happily. “Right back at you.”





Chapter Eight

~London~


My phone is ringing.

I rub my eyes as I roll over in bed and reach for my cell, happy to see that it’s Finn FaceTiming me.

“Hey,” I say, and push my hair out of my eyes.

“Good morning,” he says with a smile. He’s already dressed in his suit, clean-shaven, looking ridiculously handsome. “I’m sorry I woke you.”

“What time is it?”

“A little after nine.” I sit up and blink, trying to push the fog from my brain. “Were you up late?”

“Yeah, I started reading a book and couldn’t put it down. But it’s good you called, because I have to get up and around here, since I’m coming home later today.”

“Thank God,” he says, watching me avidly. “A week without you has been too long.”

I smile and tilt my head. “It has been a lonely week,” I agree. “But I’ll be home in less than twelve hours.”

“Do you need anything?”

Just you.

“I don’t think so. I have to meet with Tony, the caretaker, in a little bit and finish packing up. Oh, and I have to clean the playhouse.”

“What happened in the playhouse?”

“The storm last week did a number on it. I just want to straighten it up and make sure nothing is ruined before I close it up for the year.”

“Okay.” He looks up and speaks to someone I can’t see. “What time does your plane get in?”

“I land at around four. I’ll be home by about five thirty.”

“Do you mind if I come over after work?”

“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t,” I reply. “I’ll shoot over my address and let the doorman know I’m expecting you.”

“Sounds good. Safe travels, baby.”

“See you soon.”

I hang up and climb out of bed, strip the linens and put them in the washing machine, then get in the shower.

An hour later, I’m dressed and my essentials are packed and sitting by the front door. The next project is cleaning out the fridge, which I hate. But I graze as I pull out bagels and fruits, vegetables, and a questionable container full of something that I don’t remember making.

By the time that’s finished, I’m full and the kitchen is clean.

Multitasking is totally my thing today.

The doorbell rings, and I answer, happy to see Tony. He’s worked for my parents since I was a kid.

“Hello, Mr. Tony.”

He gives me a hug and takes his hat off as he steps inside.

“How are you, London?”

“I’m doing great,” I reply honestly. “I don’t know what kind of conversation you and my dad had each year when we left, so you’re going to have to help me out here.”

“I’m happy to,” he says with a shy smile. “I come once a week to mow the grass, trim trees, just landscape in general. I also make a quick stop by a couple of times a week to make sure that the house is soundly locked, and no alarms are going off. I’ll clean and cover the pool today, since no one will be using it for some time.”

“That all sounds great. I’d also appreciate it if you’d keep an eye on the playhouse. I have a suspicion that there might have been a squatter there for a bit.”

He scowls. “I don’t see how that’s possible. I check the whole property several times a week.”

“I’m sure you do, I just wanted to mention it to you, just in case. My neighbor’s daughter mentioned seeing a man living out there, and I admit it spooked me.”

“Well, I’ll pay extra attention to that, and call the police if I see anything. Oh, and I’ll keep tabs on the car, check the oil, start it up, that sort of thing so the next time you come, it’s ready for you.”

“Thank you so much. Tony, I saw in my father’s records how much he paid you monthly, and I’d like to continue that pay schedule if that’s okay with you.”

“Of course,” he says. “Although I always told your dad that he paid me too much.”

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