by Jill Snow
He picked up the flowers and the small parcel he had bought earlier in the day, together with Crystal’s brownies for Dan. Dan accepted them gratefully. When he explained what he wanted to do, Dan pushed the button allowing him to go up to Emily’s apartment. He stood outside her door rehearsing his apology. It had sounded much better when he was back in the safety of his own place.
Emily opened the door at his second knock. “Hello.”
He tried to answer but his brain wouldn’t spring into gear. Instead, he handed her the flowers.
“Thank you.” She eyed him warily. “Do you want to come in? It’s a mess. My cleaning lady hasn’t been here since, well…”
“Emily, I am so sorry. I have behaved like a total jerk.”
“You did.”
He stuttered as she agreed with him. “Well, the least you can do is let me come inside and apologize properly.”
Stepping back, she held the door open wider. He walked in and put the small bag he was carrying on the hall table. Turning, he took her hands in his.
“Your leg?”
“Is fine. Now please be quiet and let me apologize properly. Emily Williams, I am a total idiot. I behaved in an appalling fashion. It would be understandable if you never spoke to me again. I could blame the hospital for giving me drugs, or the shooter for putting me there but the fault is mine.”
He saw pain warring with hope in her eyes. Instinctively, he reached for her and pulled her toward him. Without thinking about it, his lips found hers. They tasted of coffee, mint and something really sweet. He kissed her lightly to gauge her reaction. If she wanted to take things further the next move was up to her.
He kissed her. His lips were softer than she’d imagined, the afternoon stubble on his jaw tickling her skin. She sensed he was waiting for a signal from her so she moved closer, wrapping her arms around his neck and drawing his head closer to deepen the kiss. His mouth moved against hers as they savored each other. When he broke away, she almost sighed out loud.
“Can I take it I am forgiven?” he whispered.
She couldn’t understand how one man had turned her life upside down and they had barely known each other a month. She wanted to take his hand and run away with him, to be alone with him, have him run his fingers through her hair. She couldn’t think straight. His scent was gorgeous, and it was all she could do not to put her nose next to his neck. She kissed him lightly on the lips and moved away.
“You’re forgiven but I have to apologize, too. If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t have been shot in the first place. I’m sorry, too.” To her horror, the tears streamed down her face. “Oh, Conor, you could have been killed and all because of me and my rants. I should never have started the foundation. I should have just designed my game and let the world get on with things.”
“Don’t say that. It’s because of people like you, brave women who stand up to the way things are, that society changes. Never blame your—” Conor spotted something on the table. A pen. He picked it up, staring at it intently.
“I was going to give it back to you or Steven. You must have dropped it when you were here the last day.”
“It’s not mine. Where did you find it?”
“In the kitchen. It had rolled under the refrigerator,” Emily said, her stomach twisting at the look on his face. “Conor, what is it? You’re scaring me.”
“I know who shot me, Emily. It was Jude Ryan.”
She stared at him as he took out his cell and dialed a number. She assumed it was the police. She listened, still not quite believing what she was hearing, as he told the police who had shot him and gave them Jude’s address. Then he hung up. She moved to sit closer to him, the look of betrayal rather than anger in his eyes catching at her heart.
“I’m so sorry, Conor. I know you knew him for a long time.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. I can’t believe it was because of me. You would never have been on his radar if it wasn’t for me.”
“The threats started before…well before you paid for a dance with me, so it couldn’t be jealousy of us. Could it?”
“Who knows, but I aim to find out.” He put his arm around her and pulled her tight against him. “At least this means you are safe. Nobody will hurt you again.”
She lay against his shoulder, wanting to believe him. But a little voice in her head wouldn’t stop talking, telling her her feelings for the very man she sat beside gave him the strongest power to hurt her. She closed her eyes to the thought and willed herself to trust in love.
Dan buzzed up to say the police wanted to come up to speak to them. Conor let them in as Emily tried to get her thoughts straight. Why would Jude Ryan want to hurt her? She had never done anything to him. What if he had killed Conor? They would never have had a chance to see what would develop between them. The questions going around in her head were driving her nuts.
The police officers were very pleasant and professional. Conor held her hand the whole time they were with them. They packed up the pen, saying they needed it for evidence and fingerprints.
“What will happen now?” Emily asked when they had finished their questions.
“There will be a trial if Mr. Ryan doesn’t plead guilty. The evidence against him is very strong. Our team has already recovered the gun. For an attorney, Mr Ryan wasn’t very good at hiding his tracks.”
“I wonder is that because his intent was never to hurt anyone?”
Emily stared at Conor. “How could you say that? He shot you and terrified me, not to mention Nana.”
“I know and I am not excusing him. But the Jude I know is a wimp. He is not a violent person but a coward. I can see him as a stalker but a would-be murderer?”
Amazed he could stand up for the man who had put them both through so much, Emily should have been annoyed. But she wasn’t. This was another side of Conor she liked. His ability to be fair to those around him. He wasn’t judgmental like so many other people.
“Thank you for speaking to us. We will let you get on with your day. We will keep you informed of any developments.”
Emily lay her head back on the couch as Conor showed them out. Today had been draining, to say the least. Conor came back and put his arm around her, bringing her close to his body.
“Won’t forget today in a hurry, will we?
“You can say that again.”
They sat together in silence for a few hours. Emily closed her eyes and finally let the sleep she had been deprived of catch up on her. Her last conscious thought was how safe she felt in his arms.
Conor watched the woman he loved sleep. He found it hard to accept Jude Ryan had been the one to put them through the madness of the last few weeks but on the other hand it was easy to believe his ex-lawyer would stoop so low. Emily had shone through the entire ordeal, keeping her wits about her. Her consideration for those around her was yet another reason why he loved her. He held her close never wanting to let her go. He didn’t even want to go back to his apartment without her. Ever.
She opened her eyes as he moved.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you. I was getting a cramp.”
“I can’t believe I fell asleep. What time is it?”
“About four. You’ve been asleep for a couple of hours.”
“I’ve been thinking…”
She rubbed her eyes and smiled. “About what we can have for dinner? I am starving.”
“I will sort out dinner but first I have to tell you something.”
Conor fought against his pain in his leg and reached up to push the hair from her eyes.
“None of this was your fault. I love you. You are strong, feisty, stubborn and fearless.”
“Thanks. I think…”
“Emily, I planned on being more romantic about it, but I can’t wait any more. Will you marry me?”
Chapter 45
Emily stared at the man she loved with all her heart and soul. Marry him? Was he serious? Only a couple of weeks ago, he’d called her a gol
d digger. Well, sort of.
“Emily? Did you hear me?”
She wanted to say yes, but something was stopping her. She loved him but was it enough? They had totally different backgrounds and hadn’t known each other long. She fiddled with her necklace.
“What is it? Why aren’t you answering?”
“I love you, Conor. I love you so much, but I don’t think I’m ready for marriage just yet.” Rubbing her palms together, she watched his face trying to read his thoughts.
“Yet? So I have a chance?”
She hated watching the disappointment dawn quickly followed by hope in his eyes, but she knew it wasn’t the right time to make life-changing decisions.
“Yes,” Emily said. “And given that you’ve just had the man who threatened us arrested, I’d say it’s a pretty good one.”
A knock on the door interrupted them. Emily was grateful to see her grandmother, Joe and Steven accompanied by Crystal and Dan.
“Sorry, Emily, but I couldn’t keep these people out. They are all so excited.”
“Conor Dunne, are you going to put me out of my misery? Emily have you seen sense and forgiven him?”
Emily groaned at her Nana’s directness.
“Yes, Gertie,” Conor said softly.
“Silly boy.”
Emily watched as her grandmother gave Conor a hug, tears in her eyes. She was so happy to see that Gertie loved him, too.
“You should be very proud of your young man, Ms. Williams,” Joe said.
“I am, Mr. Johnston,” Emily said, confused that their friends seemed to know why they were so happy. News sure spread fast. “I am so glad Jude Ryan will get his day in court.”
“Who?” her grandmother and Joe said as Crystal and Steven said, “What?”
“It was Jude Ryan, my attorney, who shot me. We were just speaking to the police.”
Her grandmother and the rest of the group looked stunned. “But if you didn’t know about him, why are you all so happy?” Emily asked, completely bewildered now.
“You haven’t told her yet, have you?” Gertie asked Conor.
“Told me what?” Emily looked at everyone.
“Tell her, Conor. Tell her what you did.”
Emily stared at Conor, whose cheeks were now crimson. He seemed to find the floor an interesting view.
“What have you done?”
“I bought a couple of things. A house for Nurse Kathy and a retirement home on the beach. I thought it would be better for Gertie and her friends to live in. It’s got a nice view.”
Emily hugged Conor, trying not to hurt him. “That was so nice of you. I can’t wait to see it. When do they move in?”
“Never mind about that. Did you not open his present?” Crystal said, picking up the bag Conor had carried in with the flowers.
Everyone stared at Conor, who was scarlet. Emily looked at the wrapped parcel. Oh, please don’t let it be a ring, she thought. Please.
“I planned to when I got…distracted.”
“Oh, Emily open it. I love surprises.” Her grandmother’s eyes danced with excitement.
Emily opened the parcel. She had no choice with them all looking at her expectantly. She stiffened when she saw the ring box. Breathing slowly, she opened it to find a small ring with a gold, heart-shaped center surrounded by two hands.
“It’s a Claddagh ring, a sign of friendship,” Conor explained.
“Oh,” she said, both relieved and confused.
“When you wear it with the heart facing inwards, it tells other men your heart is taken.”
Giggling, Emily’s hands shook as she tried to put on the ring on her finger. He stepped forward and did it for her.
“Now everyone will know.”
“Kiss me, woman.”
She kissed him, despite their visitors.
“I expect to replace it with an engagement ring someday,” he whispered for her ears only.
Epilogue
Six months later
The launch of Warrior Queen was a huge success, with the game soaring to the top of the charts. They had decided to go back to the original plan and release it near Christmas to give the negative publicity surrounding Conor’s shooting and Jude Ryan’s arrest a chance to die down.
The launch party was a ticket-only event and, rumor had it, tickets were being auctioned at high prices. Emily looked at herself critically in the long mirror. The midnight blue velvet dress clung to her curves, despite not showing any flesh. It didn’t look as demure as it had on the hanger. Did she look too sexy for the CEO of a foundation set up to empower women?
A knock on the door of her hotel room interrupted her thoughts. Opening it, she was delighted to see Conor. The widening of his eyes told her he approved of her gown.
“You look amazing,” he whispered as he kissed her lightly. “I want to hug you but I don’t want to mess up your outfit. I brought you these.”
She opened the small box to find sapphire and diamond earrings. They were perfect for her dress.
“My cell hasn’t stopped ringing. Honestly, you would think the Kardashians would have picked up their tickets early.”
Emily grinned at Conor’s teasing.
“Your gran, Joe and the others will be collected by limo. Gertie told me she didn’t expect anything less.”
“Good old Nana. Hard to believe she and Joe are now married. Nurse Kathy looked wonderful in her matron of honor gown, didn’t she?”
“She’s coming tonight, too, with her family. She says her kids want to kill me.”
“Why?”
“They have to work harder to keep up at school. Seems they were moaning they had me to thank for that.”
Emily smiled. “You did a wonderful thing for Nurse Kathy and everyone else. Did Nana tell you Dunne’s Castle has a waiting list now?”
“I wish she hadn’t named it that.”
“It’s only between us. The real name will be unveiled at the official opening.”
“That’s what worries me.”
Emily glanced at Conor. She loved him more every day. Not only because he had looked after her grandmother and Nurse Kathy. Dan had also been looked after and would never have any financial worries. Her boyfriend was a force to be reckoned with.
She smoothed down her dress, wondering if he would ever ask her to marry him again. He hadn’t mentioned it since the day they found Jude’s pen. Carrie kept telling her to ask him, but she was old fashioned. It was the man’s job to propose. Although he had mentioned that in Ireland, on February 29, women could pop the question.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
Emily stood up. “Yes, I think so.”
“You look amazing.”
“I’m not sure about the dress, whether it projects the right image. I think it may be too tight.”
“I don’t. You look incredibly sexy,” Conor whispered as he brought his lips to hers. Their kiss sent shivers to every part of her body. It was getting more and more difficult not to take their relationship to the next level. She knew Conor wanted to but she…she was still old-fashioned.
“Come on, your public awaits you.” Conor bowed, making her laugh. Taking a deep breath, they left her hotel room and walked slowly arm-in- arm to the ball.
The night went wonderfully. Everywhere Emily went, there were smiling people wishing her well. Nobody mentioned the past, for which she was thankful. Jude Ryan had come so close to ensuring Emily’s whole venture was a disaster. Jude was now facing prison, although he hadn’t meant to shoot Conor. The gun went off when he was startled, seeing Conor in the apartment. He was also being investigated for insider trading as he had purchased shares in most of the companies Conor had invested in. Rumor had it, he declined bail as he was more afraid of the men he owed money to than being in prison.
Sunny Studios was no more, with all the workers who’d stayed with Conor moving over to their new joint enterprise—Blue Empress Gaming. They had decided to merge the two gaming ventures and separate the Found
ation, which would concentrate on the charity work. The Foundation was going stronger than ever, thanks in a large part to generous donations from Conor and his friends. Emily shook her head. She had to pinch herself to believe everything that had happened over the past few months.
The lights dimmed so the winner of the giant raffle could be announced. She caught Carrie’s gaze. Her friend and business partner bubbled over with excitement. She was about to leave on her Caribbean vacation. It was the one Conor had promised her, only he had provided a yacht and his private plane as well as increasing the vacation to two weeks. Steven was going as well. Carrie confided in Emily that she hoped to return married.
“Are you ready?” Carrie asked her.
“I thought you were picking the winner?” Emily asked.
“No way. You’re the boss. You are our warrior queen. You have to pick the ticket.”
Emily let Carrie guide her up onto the stage where the giant drum sat. Looking around, she couldn’t see Conor. She thought he would want to be there with her. After all, without his help, this night wouldn’t have happened. Knowing him, he was probably off talking to one of Nana’s friends. She would need to watch his interest in little old ladies. Grinning at how silly she was being, she turned to the crowd. She began by thanking everyone for coming, for their support and well wishes. She encouraged everyone to follow their dreams.
As she talked, the band began playing As Time Goes By. She looked to Carrie. Her friend shook her head as if she didn’t know why they were interrupting. Emily turned back toward the drum and the crowd. Everyone was staring—not at her, but at the spotlight which was now at the back of the room. Conor walked toward her, singing rather tunelessly along.
She couldn’t believe it. His eyes held hers as if there were only the two of them in the room. Tears ran down her cheeks as he moved toward her. She had found him. Her Rick.
