Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
We say our goodbyes, and as I hang up, I’m left with a decision to make, standing in the familiar setting of my current gig, heart and mind a tangle of feeling. Nash and I are diving headfirst into our future, but maybe, just maybe, this is an opportunity I shouldn’t pass up.
I burst through the door of my apartment, excitement buzzing through me like I’m riding a caffeine high. Today’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, and I can’t wait to share my job offer with Nash when he gets home.
I come to a dead stop when I find him sprawled casually on the sofa, Boo purring contentedly in his lap. The sight makes my heart skip a beat.
“Hey, you,” I greet, dropping my bag on the floor and letting the comforting familiarity of home wash over me. Since our first date, he’s stayed at my apartment pretty much every night. I lean down to give him a quick peck, the aroma of his cologne enveloping me. “I thought you were working late tonight.”
“I left some papers here this morning since I don’t need them until my evening meeting. I decided to wait until now to come get them so I could see you for a few minutes.”
Aww. He has a way of freaking melting my heart. “I’m glad you did.” I smile as he pulls me down for his kiss. I sprawl across his lap and melt against his hard body.
We finally come up for air, and I can’t wait another second to share my news. “You’ll never guess what Athena just called me about.”
His eyebrow quirks up, curiosity piqued. “Tell me.”
“Athena’s therapist partner got injured, and she’s the only one handling the Devils now. She asked if I’d be interested in helping out,” I say, the words spilling out in a rush. I expect excitement, maybe a grin to match the one spread across my face. But his reaction isn’t what I anticipated. There’s a shadow crossing his expression, something uneasy that tugs at my earlier elation.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, my voice steady but probing as I lay a hand on his arm.
He lifts his gaze to meet mine, and I can see the conflict swirling there, raw and unguarded. “Honestly? The thought of you touching another man drives me fucking nuts. Especially some motherfucking asshole athlete.”
The confession hangs heavy in the air between us, thickening the atmosphere that was light just moments ago. I blink, taken aback by the blunt admission, searching his face for any hint of humor. But he’s serious.
“Is this going to be a problem for you?” I ask softly, trying to understand where this is coming from, and if it’s something we can navigate together. Our relationship has always felt like a force of nature, but this turn of events is unexpected and slightly jarring.
He hesitates, running a hand through his hair in that way he does when he’s caught between emotions. “I’m not sure,” he admits, honesty threading through the tension in his voice.
“Oh…” I nod, the weight of the situation settling in. It’s a conversation I didn’t expect to have, and the reality of it presses against the bubble of excitement that carried me from work to here.
A shadow of resignation colors his expression as he leans in to kiss my forehead, lingering there before he pulls away. “Can we discuss it tonight? I have to get back to the office if I’m going to make my meeting,” he says, and anger flows through my soul. Screw his meeting.
Knowing I need time to calm down, I decide maybe a little time to think will help. I blow out my breath and mutter, “Okay.” Not sure who I’m madder at, him or me. What do we really have to discuss? It looks like I’m going to have to decide between my job offer and my relationship with Nash.
As he leaves, there’s a silence that stretches in his absence, a stark contrast to the lively interaction we’d shared earlier. I sit with Boo curled up beside me, the rhythm of her purrs a soothing balm to the questions circling in my mind.
The room feels different without him, missing that gravitational pull he brings wherever he goes. And as I stroke Boo’s fur, I let myself slip into the stillness, turning over my options, pondering what the future holds for both my career and our relationship.
There are decisions to be made, choices that will impact the tapestry of our lives woven together over the past few weeks. Deep down, I know I can’t picture my future without Nash.
Walking into the office this evening feels like stepping into a shitstorm, and I can instantly feel the tension coiling around me like a noose as soon as I cross the threshold.
“Uh-oh, not this again,” Nora calls out from across the room, her eyes sharpening with that knowing look only a sister would have. “Follow me.” Before I can even think about protesting, she strides toward her office, ignoring my grunt of irritation. She leaves no room for argument, so I fall in line behind her.