had read about his love for his son and how Sheridan had tamed his wild side.
I thought of Dympna, with her trendy parents: her father a detective in the police, her mother flying around organising events. She was lucky to have a family that stayed together no matter what.
At least I’d have enough money to start again. I could go to college, get a part-time job and still be able to pay my rent. I could make something of myself.
I unzipped my case, too preoccupied with my thoughts to remember the mobile phone I had packed away. Then it hit me, and my breath quickened as I searched the secret compartment to see if it was still there. If George had found it, there would be questions. Its presence could ruin everything. Tugging at the zip, I slid my hand to the back of the suitcase, sighing in relief as I felt the phone’s outline. Above me, a door creaked shut, followed by a man’s voice, deep and smooth. My heart flipped. It was Daniel.
Keep it together, I told myself. Sheridan would not want me mooning over her husband. I made a vow to appear immune to his charms. What would Dympna say? Pretend he’s your brother. I heard her advice as if it were real. Show Sheridan you’re no threat. I rolled my eyes. Who was I kidding? How the hell would I be a threat to someone like Sheridan? I chuckled to myself as I unpacked. Some days my thoughts felt like the most ridiculous things on earth. A whirring noise caught my attention. It was the lift. I froze. Who was coming down to see me?
It was Anna, the housekeeper.
She beckoned. ‘!Ven acá!’
Given her expression, you’d be forgiven for thinking we were both facing the firing squad.
‘I don’t speak Spanish,’ I said, although it didn’t take a genius to work out that she wanted me to go upstairs.
‘Vamos,’ she chided, as I took my time.
My legs felt like lead as I followed her into the lift. It was controlled by a card that was pressed against a panel before the buttons could be activated from within. An added security measure, necessary for the rich and famous, but Sheridan had yet to provide me with a card so I could activate the lift myself. I inhaled a deep breath, feeling my panic rise. It was ridiculous, but I was scared. Daniel was up there, and he was waiting to meet me. Breathe, I thought, as Anna pressed the button to close the lift doors. They slid shut with an ominous thunk. But as the lift rose, the food I had eaten threatened to make an appearance. Throwing up all over Daniel would hardly make a very good impression. Briefly, I closed my eyes and forced my limbs to relax. I would not meet Daniel Watson looking like a rabbit caught in headlights. This was a business deal, and I needed to be heard.
I followed Anna into the kitchen, where Sheridan was drinking a glass of water at the breakfast bar. It was only seven in the evening, but my head felt all over the place as it fought against jet lag. Daniel was next to Sheridan, looking drop-dead gorgeous in a crisp white shirt that defined his chiselled chest. He had a few wrinkles that didn’t show in the promo pictures, but they only added to his charm. I tore my eyes away, only meeting his eyes when I was introduced.
‘Daniel, meet Roz Foley,’ Sheridan said, her gaze intense as she scrutinised my face.
‘Good to meet you,’ Daniel said. ‘And all the way from Ireland, too.’
I extended my hand, swallowing the lump in my throat as he took it in a firm grip. I kept my gaze steady, smiling but not falling over myself.
‘Hi, nice to meet you,’ I said politely, before glancing at Sheridan. ‘Thanks for getting my things brought over. The room is amazing.’
I hoped I was not being rude, providing such a brief response, but I knew the importance of keeping Sheridan the priority in this situation. First impressions counted, and everything felt like a test.
I watched as Daniel exchanged a glance with Sheridan, his eyebrows raised. He seemed surprised by the fact that I was unpacking already.
‘If it’s too soon . . .’ I glanced at Daniel, willing my heart to slow down. ‘I can go back to the hotel tonight, leave you to talk things over. I don’t want to be in the