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But she wouldn’t understand. I knew she’d confuse my feeling flattered with excitement about the job. I’m not excited about the job. I don’t want another job. I’m perfectly content with my current job.
“Albrecht and Bettencourt is considered the premier architectural firm in sustainable building,” she recites from their website. “The firm has projects throughout North America. These projects include—”
I snatch the phone out of her hands. “I know who Albrecht and Bettencourt is.”
She pushes to her feet. “Then, you know you need to accept this job.”
“It’s not a job offer. It’s a request to interview.”
She waves away my response. “Same difference.”
“No, it’s not…” I cut myself off. It doesn’t matter. “Why are we arguing about this? I’m not interested in another job for the foreseeable future.” My eyes dip to her swollen belly.
“Oh no, you don’t! You are not going to ruin your career for me and this baby!” she screams at the top of her lungs.
I hold my hands up in a soothing gesture. “Calm down, Ellie girl.”
She bats my hands away. “Calm down? Don’t you know better than to tell a woman to calm down?”
I risk her wrath and shackle her wrists. “Ellie girl, you have to think of the baby. An elevated heart rate isn’t good for her.”
She stares daggers at me, but she does inhale deep breaths in and out until the red hue on her face fades. She yanks her hands away. “I’m calm.”
“Good.” I kiss the tip of her nose. “I’ll get the grill started for those burgers.”
“Stop!”
Crap. So much for diverting her attention with the promise of food. To be honest, it wasn’t my best plan.
“Can we discuss this letter?”
Her voice is deceptively soft. I know better. I’m not having this discussion with her. She almost didn’t give me a chance because I’m not from Winter Falls. A job in New York City will be the perfect excuse for her to end things with me. Not happening.
“There’s nothing to discuss. I’m not in the market for a new job. I have the community center project, remember?”
“Stop being dismissive. This is a huge opportunity for you. It’s better than making partner at Davis Williams.”
Damn it. I had to fall in love with a woman who actually listens to everything I say and remembers it. I made some offhand comment about Albrecht and Bettencourt being the ideal firm I couldn’t imagine working at in my dreams months ago. She shouldn’t remember.
“Whether or not it’s a huge opportunity is immaterial. Listen to what I’m saying. I. Am. Not. Interested.”
“Would you have been interested if it weren’t for me and the baby?”
Fucking hell. How do I answer this question without hurting her? Without damaging our relationship? I promised her honesty and honesty is what she’s getting. I hope I’m left standing when she hears what I have to say.
“To be honest, yes.” Her face falls and I palm her neck to bring her close until our foreheads touch. “But things change. I’ve changed. I fell in love with this stubborn as all get out innkeeper and she’s having our baby. I’m not leaving Winter Falls, even if it is for my dream job.”
Her eyes well and I realize I’ve gone too far. I should have left the last bit out. There is such a thing as too much honesty. I’m a fucking idiot.
“It’s not the dream job,” I backpedal.
“It is your dream job,” she whispers as the dam breaks and tears tumble down her cheeks.
“And you’re my dream woman. The woman I didn’t realize I was searching for. I love you, Ellery Promise West.” I kiss her eyelids and taste the salt of her tears. “I can’t wait to meet our daughter.”
She pushes me away. “I can’t let you do this.” She sniffs and I reach for her, but she backs away. “I can’t let you ruin your life for me. You’ll resent me. I can’t have the man I love resenting me.”
A fist squeezes my heart. “What are you saying?”
