“You absolutely will,” I said. “I have no doubt.”
Jay beat me to the office the next morning, much to my surprise. He seemed stiff, but he was beaming with happiness. “Ticket sales are up, and Gusher merchandise is flying off the shelves,” he announced. “You know why? The fans can’t get enough of little old me as Gusher. I’m a marketing goldmine.”
I nodded, feeling just slightly uneasy. “That’s so cool. Congratulations.”
“You should go out with me tonight to celebrate.”
I bit my lip as I shook my head. “I can’t. I already have plans.”
Jay’s face fell. “With Gunnar?” he guessed.
I shook my head. “My mom. I told you, she’s unwell, and I’m not sure how much more time I’ll have with her.” While true, I left off the detail that Gunnar would also be at my house tonight. Sometimes, maintaining professionalism felt like a balance beam that grew narrower and narrower the longer I walked it. But anyway, it was none of Jay’s business.
Later that evening, we laughed so hard at Gunnar’s story that my mother wiped her eyes with her napkin. “Oh, that poor man,” she said. “Well, not really. He got what was coming to him, but you know…”
“I do,” Gunnar said, his nod solemn.
Mom settled back in her chair as fatigue pulled at the corners of her mouth, causing her eyelids to droop. “You two should go out.”
“What? Now?” I asked. I glanced at the clock, and it was after ten. “Um, no. I’m doing the dishes and going to bed.” I elbowed Gunnar. “And my guess is you have to be up at…what? Five?”
He grimaced. “I probably should be, but I might just sleep in.”
“Until?” I asked, eyebrows up.
“Six. Maybe even six thirty,” he said.
“That’s basically noon for the formidable CEO,” I teased.
Gunnar’s lips turned up, but his eyes darkened, as if he were thinking about something. “I can’t remember the last time I woke without an alarm.”
“Then it’s been too long,” Mom said, her tone pragmatic. “But you two really should go do things. You don’t need to spend your time here with me.”
“I love spending time with you,” I said, reaching over to squeeze her hand, trying to keep Gunnar from noting the pulse pounding in my neck. He’d been the one to suggest we eat in, with my mom. It seemed that’s what he felt comfortable with. If she pushed too hard, he might decide to stop seeing me.
I wanted there to be more between us, at least eventually. But I wasn’t sure what Gunnar thought, though he certainly enjoyed Susan Monroe’s company as much as I did.
“All right, then you two have fun. I’m tired.” Mom withdrew her hand and rose. She grabbed the table and blinked a few times. Once she was stable, she hugged me, bid Gunnar goodnight, and headed to her bedroom. I kept my gaze on her retreating form, partially to make sure she made it to her destination, and also not wanting to face Gunnar.
“It’s a good idea,” he said after a moment. “I’ve wanted to have time alone with you but wasn’t sure how to ask.”
My heart pounded, and I kept my eyes averted as I collected the silverware and dessert plates, stacking them to carry to the sink.
“Zaila?” He trailed behind me, glasses in his hands. “What do you think?”
“I…” I want you to be proud to be seen with me. Please tell the world we’re together. I like what my parents had—an enduring love that was probably deeply passionate in the decades before I came along. I pressed my lips together to keep the words from spilling out.
“Would you go out with me?” Gunnar placed his hands on my shoulders. He kissed my temple before nuzzling closer. “Let’s do something fun—a movie. Is there anything good? I haven’t been in ages.”
“I’m sure we could find something,” I said.
“Great.” He spun me around and grinned. “Friday.”
“Friday’s the Wildcatters Gala.”
Gunnar grimaced. “Right. That’s important, and I have to go to it, though I’d much rather spend time with you.” He ran his hand through his hair, mussing the smooth styling. “I have to give a speech, then schmooze with the mayor and governor.”
I shuddered. That part of getting involved with Gunnar I wasn’t prepared to handle. “At least I’m working the event,” I said.
