“Naturally, I’m very aware of whom you’re working for. I know he’s your boss. So, if you really can’t help me, then just send me back home. I won’t hold it against you,” said Deirdre despite already deciding to coerce Sam by capitalizing on his softr-heartness.

She was sure Brendan would never punish Sam too much, even if he disobeyed his boss a little, which meant she could stand to be more forceful and get what she wanted. And yet, in the end, she could not find it in her to do it. Sam had been nothing but kind and helpful to her—she could not let herself force this same man into a corner and use him as a means to her end.

“But you’re just going to try to see Mr. Brighthall through some other way if I send you back home, right?”

Deirdre cast her eyes down. “You’re not wrong.”

He sighed. “Christ. I guess… I guess I could ask Mr. Brighthall to agree, if nothing else. I’m not allowed to make my own decisions, but I can at least suggest something to him.”

He got out of the car and w