“No way, I just—”
Rowan cleared his throat, drawing our attention to him as he stood in the doorway, watching us. I grinned at him.
“Care to join us as we engross ourselves in yet another episode of ‘what the fuck am I watching, and why’?” I asked him.
“Max!” Teegan tittered.
“Sorry, what thefudgeam I watching,” I corrected myself.
“If I must,” Rowan groaned, but I could tell from his expression that he was keen to be included in our playful banter. As he sat heavily on the sofa, I squirmed closer until I was leaning back against him. I could almost hear the thoughts whizzing around Rowan’s head as he took stock of the situation.
“See? Aren’t they cute together?” Teegan exclaimed, spinning to look at us, pointing at the screen.
“If you really thought this show was good, you wouldn’t need to work so hard to convince me,” I replied with a smirk.
Teegan narrowed her eyes playfully, turning back to the TV without even a second glance at us as we cuddled together on the sofa. I sat quietly, fighting the urge to smile as Rowan relaxed against me, draping his arm around me.
I decided in that moment that any amount of terrible television was worth suffering for more of this.
Chapter Seventeen
Sooner than I would have liked, it was my last day at Avenhill surgery. Three months had flown by in a blur of driving lessons, job interviews and endless cohabiting bliss.
I’d finally landed a position in a relatively new, fully privatised dental clinic across town with almost double the pay. With a few tips from Rowan about buzzwords to drop into the interview, I had aced it and they’d phoned to offer me the job before I’d even left the car park. I had also managed to pass my driving test with only two minors. I hadn’t yet sorted out a car for myself, but Rowan had promised to help me look over the weekend, which I was more than excited about.
My last day, however, filled me with dread. I stood outside the surgery, looking up at the building, recalling my first day here. I had been so nervous; the place had been so clean and fancy it had been intimidating. I couldn’t quite believe how much my life had changed since I first stepped through those front doors.
“Are you okay?” Rowan asked from beside me as he locked his car and caught up to me.
“Yeah.” I nodded, and for once I realised I really meant it. “I’m going to miss this place, you know.”
Rowan smiled at me. The early morning sun was already blazing down on us, making his fair hair shine like gold. “Come on, let’s go in.”
I took a deep breath and followed him inside. Before I’d even fully gotten through the door, Becca had already thrown her arms around me.
“Happy last day, Max-a-million.”
“Thanks, Becca,” I gasped from within her tight embrace.
“There’s cake in the break room.”
I laughed. “You really shouldn’t have.”
Becca shrugged. “We wanted to. Everyone chipped in.”
“Well, thanks. I really appreciate it,” I replied. “Now, can you let me in please?”
“Oh, sure, sorry.” She grinned, looking back at Rowan as he clipped his name badge to his shirt. “I bet you’re going to miss working with Max, Rowan,” she said.
“Of course,” he replied without looking up. “He’s the best I’ve ever had.”
There was a tense moment of silence as Rowan realised what he’d said. His face flushed.
“Jeez, TMI.” Becca teased with a laugh.
“The bestdental nurseis what I meant,” he groaned.
“Hm, whatever.” Becca waggled her eyebrows at me, and I fought to hold back a laugh. “I’ll let you guys get on. See you both at lunch for some cake.” She disappeared back into reception.
