Chest constricting with dread and anticipation, I focus on untangling the braids, pretending like it’s the most interesting thing I’ve ever seen. This, I was not expecting. I was hoping I could convince her to come back to work for the camp. I just haven’t found the right time to bring it up. While Spring Oaks and Manhattan aren’t considered long distance, they might as well be. The commute is doable, but it would get old fast. I’m greedy for this woman. I need to kiss her lips first thing in themorning, and I want her voice to be the last sound I hear before I fall asleep every night.
“You got a job,” I repeat, even keel, desperately drawing in my disappointment.
“Yeah. I got a job. It’s a really great opportunity, actually. Private family practice. Mostly female doctors. I’ll be working primarily with infants and new mothers.” Her proud smile could light up the city right now.
“That’s great, baby.” I rub her upper thigh. “That’s what you’ve always wanted, isn’t it?” As crestfallen as I am, I’m so proud of her for securing what sounds like her dream job.
Truly.
Mostly.
“I’d have to move, though.”
“Move?” Fuck. If it’s an even farther commute, I’ll be devastated. I’ll still be the best goddamn boyfriend she’s ever had, but this will complicate things.
“Mm-hmm.” She bites her lip, her eyes flitting to mine. “It’s in this really cute small town. And I already know a few people there, which is a huge perk.”
“That’s… nice,” I say, baffled by her smirk. Why isn’t she softening the blow more?
She really perks up now, her whole body expanding with excitement. “Yup. I can’t wait. It’s minutes from an exquisite lake. But the best part is that the commute is only ten minutes.”
“From where you’ll live?”
“From you,” she says, her eyes shining beneath her long lashes.
A gust of air rushes out of me. “What?”
She lays a hand on my forearm and squeezes. “The new job is in Spring Oaks.”
I’m speechless for a moment, but then I’m shouting, “What?”
She grins from ear to ear.
“Don’t ever fucking do that to me again.” I groan. But in the next breath, I’m laughing and hugging her tight, tremendously relieved. “That was cruel, Dr. Connelly. I think you may need to be spanked for that later.”
She giggles. “Yes, please.”
“So when do you start?”
“As soon as possible. I need to contact a realtor. Do you have any contacts?”
“A realtor?”
She cocks her head to the side. “Yes. A realtor. You know, the professional who helps people buy or lease property.”
“Smart-ass.” I pinch her side. “I meant, what do you need a realtor for? You’ll move in with us.”
Her eyes widen.
“Oh, don’t look so surprised. We’ve been living together the whole summer. We already know we get along under the same roof. Unless of course…” I trail off, suddenly nervous that I’m moving too fast.
The guys got in my head. They said we’ve basically been building a life together but that I hadn’t stopped long enough to realize it.
“What have you done with Asher Greer?” she teases. Then she bites on her thumb and assesses me. Or at least I think that’s what she’s doing.
“Is that what you want?” she finally asks.
I envelop her hands in mine. “More than anything, baby.”
