“Sam,” I answer instantly. The corner of his mouth lifts like he finds that both expected and endearing. “You already knew that.”
“I did.”
“And yours?” I ask.
“The team.” His gaze drops to my mouth, just for a second. “You already knew that too.”
“I did.” I worry my bottom lip between my teeth. “I don’t have a lot of free time.”
“I know. Neither do I.” His voice lowers, steadier now. “Elliot, I think the only way this works is if we’re practical about it.”
“It’s a good thing I’m sitting,” I say lightly. “I feel a swoon coming on.”
That earns me a breath of a laugh. “We’re adults. We have responsibilities. People who count on us. I’m not suggesting a reckless, all consuming affair.” He pauses, watching my reaction. “We see each other when we can.”
I nod slowly. “So…casual?”
“Yes.” He tilts his head. “Casual and exclusive.”
“I think,” I say, heart thudding, “I can handle that.”
“Good.” He hesitates. “I will notify HR.”
I wince.
He stops mid sentence. “You don’t want to disclose this to HR?”
“I don’t think I’m ready to disclose this to anyone,” I say quickly. “At least not yet. Can we wait?”
“Wait?”
“Not forever. Just…for now. For all we know, we go on one date and you decide this is not worth the hassle.”
His expression softens, something warm settling behind his eyes. “I sincerely doubt that’s going to happen,” he says quietly. “But yes. We’ll wait. Whatever you’re comfortable with.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re the boss.”
“That reminds me,” I say, suddenly serious. “You’re going to need a new physiotherapist.”
His brow furrows. The man is attractive even when he’s confused. “Why?”
“I can’t date you and treat you. You could ask Cal.”
“I’ll just keep doing the exercises you gave me.”
“You really should have someone monitoring you and making adjustments to your program. You’re making such excellent progress, I’d hate for you to lose that.”
“I’ll ask Luke.”
“Luke is terrified of you.”
“That sounds efficient.”
I glare and he sighs in surrender. “Fine. Cal. Anything else we need to address?”
Please do not break my heart,my brain pleads.
