Page 102 of Last First Date

“That’s fantastic news, Knox!” she exclaimed, her eyes bright. “Your grandfather will be so proud.”

“Thanks, Mom. I want him to know he can retire and not worry about the company.”

“Did you enjoy the trip back?” she asked.

“I did,” I said, nodding.

“I was afraid you wouldn’t come back,” my mother admitted, her voice soft but filled with the weight of her concerns. “I know you weren’t happy to be plucked out of your life back there.”

“No, I wasn’t,” I admitted easily.

“If you want to move back to New York, I’ll talk to my father. I’ll tell him you are not happy here.”

“You don’t need to do that,” I said. “I’m making it work.”

“I don’t want you to stay because I want you to or because your grandfather is demanding it,” she said. “I know he can be stubborn, but I think we all know it’s possible for you to manage the business from New York. There will have to be some adjustments, but you’ve proven yourself. You shouldn’t have to be miserable.”

“I don’t know that I want to be back in New York,” I told her. “I met someone, Mom.”

The surprise on her face almost made me laugh. “What?”

“Yes,” I said, smiling. “I think she’s given me a reason to stay.”

“That’s wonderful, Knox!” She brightened instantly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Who is she? Do I know her?”

I hesitated momentarily. “You do.”

“Who?”

I grimaced. “It’s not something I want to be public knowledge.”

She scoffed. “Are you suggesting I would blab?”

“Yes.”

“I promise I won’t say a word,” she said.

I hesitated, still not sure I wanted to say anything. Waverly didn’t even know how I felt. “Mom⁠—”

“Knox Williams, you do not get to drop a bomb like that and pretend it didn’t happen. Who is this woman that has captured your heart? There have been so many women, and no one has managed to hold your interest. I need to know who she is.”

I sighed, knowing there was no way to get around it. “It’s Waverly.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Waverly? Your grandfather’s assistant?”

I nodded. “Yes, Mom. I don’t know how it happened or why, but I can’t stop thinking about her and she’s my assistant now.”

She was silent for a long moment, her gaze thoughtful. Finally, she reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “Well,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “Your grandfather always said she was special. I think she’s a great girl. I just never imagined you having your head turned by someone like Waverly.”

“I guess people change,” I said, shrugging.

This reaction was not what I had expected. She seemed pleased. “I like Waverly and I think she would be very good for you.”

“You can’t say anything, Mom. She doesn’t even know.”

“She doesn’t know?” she questioned. “How does that work?”

I laughed, realizing it probably sounded pretty ridiculous. “We spent some time together and I’ve only come to realize that I like her.”