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“I don't have to stay there.”
I hadn't talked to Jane about a lot of things. In particular, one giant issue—the stupid whistleblower investigation I was caught in the middle of. I wanted to tell her, but I literally couldn't, or I would get in legal trouble. The knowledge of that secret felt like a sharp splinter caught under a nail.
Ignoring that worry—because I truly could do nothing about it for now—I stepped closer, releasing one of her hands and nudging my knuckles under her chin. “Look at me,” I murmured while my heart banged against my ribs.
I hadn't even thought through what I wanted to say. It still bothered me that I hadn't recognized her instantly that first night here at the house. Because, now, I'd never forget her, and I knew if I let her slip away, I'd regret it for the rest of my life.
Maybe I hadn't planned this, and maybe I hadn't known the chemistry that had started a bonfire between us was about so much more. Everything with Jane felt right, and I didn't want it to end. I wasn't sure how we would make it work, but I was determined weweregoing to make it work.
“You know what I mean,” I whispered when she lifted her eyes up to mine. Her gaze softened. My lips were moving against hers when I spoke again. “I'm falling for you. I don't think I'm alone.”
I forced myself to stay quiet and wait, although impatience was clawing at me.
“You're not,” she finally whispered back.
ChapterSeventeen
Jane
“Okay, that’ll be all for today. Any questions before we finish up?”
I scanned the classroom before glancing down at my laptop. The university had a combination of live classes with some students being remote. Those online could raise their hand on the screen. A number of thumbs-up appeared on the screen, but no questions, so I glanced back at the classroom. “All right, so we'll meet next week. Same time, same place, same bat-channel.”
The students filed out, and I returned to my office to finish checking in on a few things. My phone vibrated on my desk. Spinning it around, I automatically curled my lips into a smile when I saw Ian’s text on the screen.
Ian:I'll be there.
A subtle anticipation began to hum through my body. I still couldn't believe we were doing this. But so far, it was actually working. We alternated taking the train every other weekend to see each other. I loved taking the train. For one, it allowed us both to work on the trip, and it was much faster than driving.
I didn't know where it was going to lead with us, but it felt good. Thea teased me all the time. We were actually meeting her for dinner tonight, so I was prepared for more teasing. I tapped out my reply.
Me:Good. Can't wait to see you.
I rushed through a few last-minute emails before closing my laptop. Both of us would do a little work over the weekend. That was another thing that worked with us. We both had busy jobs and sometimes had to check in on the weekends. I walked home, a huge plus with this job. I'd always loved Boston as a city, but I was finding I really loved living here. From the outside, it seemed like it would be hard to live here, but it was a great city with a large selection of restaurants and other activities within walking distance.
My apartment occupied the upper floor in a downtown brownstone, and I loved it. It had beautiful hardwood floors and windows tall enough to stand inside. It had been upgraded with modern appliances although it still had the old fireplace with a gorgeous granite mantel.
I called Thea while I was waiting for Ian to arrive. “So, where do you want to meet?” I asked after we checked in with each other.
“I haven't had a good steak in a while,” she replied.
“Ooh, perfect. You know I love steak.”
“Are you sure you want to have dinner with me the first night Ian gets here?” Thea prompted.
“Of course! I haven't seen you in weeks, and I see him every weekend.”
She laughed softly. “I know. You two are getting serious.”
I was relieved she couldn't see my face because I felt the heat rush into my cheeks. It felt like weweregetting serious, and I wasn't sure what I thought about that. I liked Ian—a lot.
In fact, I was pretty sure I was falling for him, big time.
On the list of things I hadn't planned for, falling for Ian was probably at the top. Oh sure, I thought I wanted to be serious with someone someday. I even thought I wanted to have kids. It's just a serious relationship had seemed to be a far-off, distant possibility. And now, I was falling for one of my childhood friend’s older brothers, a guy I’d never even considered.
“I know. I'm not sure what I think about it,” I replied honestly. “Don't you dare tease me about it in front of him.”
I could practically feel my friend rolling her eyes through the phone line. “Fine. Back to dinner. I can't remember the name of it, but there’s a good place just down the street from where you live.”
