“Great.Mostly.”
“Mostly?”
“Yep. I spent a big part of the day researching Heartwood University and writing my lists, while the rest of the time was spent with my finger hovering over the call button.”
Zane’s face lights up, but he’s quick to school his features. “It’s a big decision. I think it’s good that you’re taking the time to weigh your options.” He nods and I burst out laughing.
“Please tell me how you really feel?”
“Are you sure?” His excited smile reappears.
“I’m sure.” I nod, keeping my own expression as emotionless as possible.
“Good. Well, location aside, if this job was in Jacksonville or even LA, you’d be jumping at the chance to work for a football team. It’s a match made in heaven. For both you and the team. The way you know the game means you’ll see things before others see it. I have no doubt that you’d already be aware of a player’s injury before he walked into your room. And while yes, your job would mostly consist of checkups and assisting the doctor, I think you’d be a huge asset to any team.”
My chest tightens at his reasoning but he’s only half right. “If this job was in Jacksonville, or LA, I’d be just as conflicted. A year ago, I would have jumped at the role, but now, I’m trying to decide where I want to be and I’m not sure where that is. But I don’t think it’s Florida.”
“Cade is going to hate that.”
“Yep, but that goes on the pros list.” I smirk and Zane throws his head back with a laugh.
“What about San Francisco?”
“You mean Heartwood?”
“Nope. I mean San Francisco. If you choose to live in Heartwood, I’ll support it. But I’m not going to pretend I love the idea. It’s a long way from the stadium, and that would mean earlier mornings for me, and—”
I throw a pillow at his face as a laugh bursts out of me. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to have this talk without making it about you.”
“About us, you mean? I’m making it aboutus.”
“If you say so.”
“I do. That aside, I’m here to help. Do you want to run through the list together?”
“Maybe. But not today. I need a break from it. I need time to think. Can I let you know?” My stomach rumbles and I cough to hide it. Truth be told, I haven’t stopped thinking about it since he left this morning, and I forgot to eat.
“Have you eaten?” Zane questions me, proving once again that he knows me, or that he reads minds.
“I haven’t eaten recently, if that’s what you mean.”
“Come on.” He walks closer and grabs my hand, interlacing our fingers. “I’m taking you out.”
“Wait.” I pull back panicked, but he doesn’t release me. “I can’t go out dressed like this. I’m in yoga pants and an oversized tee.”
“So?”
“So?” I balk, my heart racing as I wave my hands at my casual attire.
Zane frowns before his tongue juts out to swipe across his lip. “Mmm. You’re right. You definitely need to change. That damn outfit is doing crazy things to my insides. The way your tee falls from your shoulder makes me want to suck your neck, and… Has anyone ever told you that you have a great ass?”
He’s messing around, but my breath hitches and I struggle to take in air, a memory of Nathan asking me to change assaulting my mind.How did I let that happen?Forfouryears.
“B?” Zane takes a step toward me, his expression morphing to one of concern. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, sorry. You’ve mentioned my ass before.” I wave off his worry. “Only it was much perkier back then.”
“Where did you go just now?”
