“You disapprove?” I’m trying for nonchalance and missing the mark.
“Hell no. I haven’t been this proud since Jilly mastered potty training. So what’s next?”
I pull my hands from my pockets and fold my arms across my chest, planting my feet like I’m ready to square off. “She’s coming here when she finishes her session. I’ve gone over the HR policy in detail. We’ll send a joint statement today and that will be that.”
Noah tilts his head, his brow furrowing like I’ve just spoken in another language. “And what will be what?”
I shrug, trying to sound casual even as something tight pulls at my ribs. “We’ll be in a relationship.”
“Is that what Elliot wants?”
“I told you. We kissed.”
His chuckle is low, amused but not unkind. “And believe me, I’m happy for you, big guy. Your dry spell needed breaking.But that doesn’t mean she wants to be in a relationship.”
I stare at him, stunned. “What do you mean?”
“I’m not saying she isn’t interested. I’m saying sometimes a kiss is just a kiss.”
A kiss is just a kiss? He couldn’t be more wrong. Noah wasn’t there. He didn’t feel it. That kiss wasn’t casual. It rearranged me. The earth shifted.
“You don’t think she wants a relationship?”
“I have no idea what Elliot wants, Ace. And until you actually talk to her about it, neither do you.”
I open my mouth to argue, but the words die on my tongue. He’s absolutely right. I have no idea if Elliot wants to be in a relationship with me.
“Slow those wheels before you start a fire, man.” Noah laughs, leaning back in his chair.
“But…” I drag a hand over my jaw, searching for the words. “I want to be in a relationship with her.”
His expression softens, humour giving way to something almost brotherly. “So tell her that. And then ask her what she wants. You don’t get to dictate how this is going to be.”
“But if she’s attracted to me, why wouldn’t she want to date me?”
His broad shoulders rise and fall in an easy shrug. “Lots of reasons. Maybe she’s got too much on her plate. Maybe she’s been hurt before and doesn’t want to risk it again.”
I think about the little I know of Sam’s father and feel a pang in my chest. That could be true.
“Plus, don’t forget she’s got a kid.”
“You said I shouldn’t let that stop me from?—”
“I know what I said. Still. Dating as a single parent is a whole different game. I don’t even touch it, and I don’t see that changing until I’m retired and Jillian’s older. There are complications. More risk. Elliot has to think about not onlywhat she wants but what her son wants too. It’s a conversation that needs to be had.”
I know he’s right. It’s not like I haven’t considered Sam’s part in all of this. But I hadn’t really thought about it as an obstacle. I like the kid. He’s smart and funny, easy to be around. He seems to like me too. At least, I think he does.
“I didn’t come in here to make you doubt yourself,” Noah says, his voice softening, steady with sincerity. “I’m thrilled you two are figuring things out, and I hope it works. I just want you to remember it’s not only about what you want. It’s about her too. It’s a partnership.”
“A partnership.” I roll the word on my tongue, grounding myself in it. Partnerships make sense. They have rules, stipulations, negotiations. Something solid to go on.
Noah gives me a small, almost apologetic grin. “Sorry if I knocked you off your cloud.”
“On the contrary.” I push off the desk with renewed purpose. “You’ve been very helpful.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
ELLIOT
