Hayden steps into the kitchen, his hair slightly mussed in that sexy way I can’t resist.
“The kids asleep?” I ask, keeping my back to him as I set the pan onto the rack.
“Jemmy was out after one book. Presley claims she’s not tired. She’ll be asleep in ten.”
I nod, pretending to be busy cleaning the counters in the hopes he won’t ask me to spend the night in his bed again.
Because I won’t be able to tell him no, even though I should.
“Rowan.” His voice is gentle as he touches a hand to my arm, forcing me to drop the towel. “I was hoping to talk to you about something.”
My stomach drops. “Is everything okay?”
“Better than okay.” His mouth curves into an almost boyish smile, making him look years younger. “I accepted a position at St. Andrew’s as their Head ofEmergency Medicine. My last day working with Robert is next Friday.”
For a split second, I just stare at him, shocked. Then I throw my arms around him before I can think better of it.
“I’m so happy for you,” I breathe into his chest. “That’s amazing.”
He pulls me close, burying his face in my hair as he lets out a long, relieved sigh. “Thank you.”
I allow him to hold me for a beat before pushing against him and creating space between us. “I’m guessing your schedule won’t be the same.”
“Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.” He threads his fingers through his hair, pushing out a nervous laugh. “I don’t want you to be the kids’ nanny anymore.”
“You’re…firing me?” I ask, emotions warring inside me, part relief, part confusion.
“No.” He steps closer, taking my hand in his and running a reassuring thumb along my knuckles. “Not like that. I just…” He pauses, licking his lips before returning his eyes to mine. “I don’t want you here because I’m paying you to be. I want you here because youwantto be.”
My throat goes dry. “What are you saying?”
“I don’t want to employ you.” His eyes lock on mine, unguarded and certain. “I want to date you.”
The room tilts, dizziness overtaking me as I struggle to catch my breath. I pull my hand from his and use it to steady myself against the counter.
“We talked about this,” I whisper.
“I know. But I’m taking risks today. I stood up to Robert and quit the job I’ve hated since I moved here. I figured it was a good day to go after the one other thing I’ve been wanting, too.”
“Me?” I ask, even though I know.
“You,” he says, as if it’s the easiest thing in the world.
“You promised,” I manage to say through the knot in my throat. “No future. Just the present.”
“That’s what I’m doing. Living in the moment. Like you taught me.” His Adam’s apple bobs up and down. “I love you, Rowan.”
The air whooshes from my lungs, making it nearly impossible to breathe. “You… You can’t.”
“I can.” He erases the last remaining space between us, pressing a steady hand to my cheek. “And I do. It doesn’t have to change anything.”
“But it does.” My voice cracks. “It changes everything.”
“How?”
