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CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
Charlotte
I didn’t tell him. I know it was wrong, and I was at his place the entire weekend. We were wrapped up in this romantic bubble, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. I didn’t want to ruin it. I don’t know how he’s going to react. What if he ends things? Sure, that might be extreme, but I don’t know how things are going to go, and if that’s the ending for us, I wanted our weekend. I wanted to stay in that bubble of love we had created. We haven’t said the words yet, but I love him.
I love him more today than I did yesterday, and I know for certain I’ll love him more tomorrow. I needed it this weekend. I wanted those memories to hold on to just in case my omission tears us apart. The worst thing is, I’m overthinking this. I know I am. It’s what I do, but that fear lingers inside me anyway. He only wants the best for me, and me getting the equivalent of a promotion is an incredible thing, but still, I also don’t want to offend him.
What if he thinks I’m leaving because of him? Or because I don’t like his company? I sigh, annoyed because I keep talking myself around in circles, and I know the only way to deal with this is by being honest. It’s what I want from our relationship, and I need to make it right.
That’s why it’s Monday morning, and I’m walking into Dr. Phillips's office to hand him one of the two resignation letters I just printed. I should have told Spencer before him, but I know Spencer has a full day of meetings, so the chance of Dr. Phillips talking to him before I can tonight when we get home—well, to his place—is slim.
“Knock, knock,” I say, doing the act on the door frame at the same time.
“Charlotte, good morning. Come on in.” He waves me in. “How was your weekend?”
“Really good.” I smile, and it’s genuine. It was the best weekend I’ve ever had. “I have something for you.” I rush to say the words, handing him the folded sheet of paper. I wipe my hands on my dress pants as I watch him read it. I don’t technically have to give him notice since we are now hospital-owned, but Dr. Phillips hired me right out of college, and out of respect for him and the opportunity he’s given me, I printed a copy of my letter for him as well.
Once he’s finished, he lowers the paper to his desk and takes his reading glasses off, placing them on his desk. “Is there anything I can do to make you change your mind?”
“No.” I shake my head. “This is an incredible opportunity for me. One I’ve always wanted.”
He nods. I told him this very thing when he interviewed me for this position. “I always knew you would leave us, but I had hoped.” He clears his throat. “Does this have anything to do with the buyout?”
“It gave me the push that I needed to see if my dream position was out there, and I was lucky enough to find it not far from home.”
“Well, I guess congratulations are in order. You’ll keep in touch, right? Stop by and see us from time to time. We’re really going to miss you around here. You’ve implemented processes and procedures that have this place running better than it has in years.”
I smile at him. “Thank you. I’m just a phone call away if you need anything.”
“You’re going to be hard to replace.”
“I’m happy to help with interviews in the evenings if you need me to. I can help out in the evenings and on weekends, whatever you need until you fill the role.”
“Thank you, Charlotte. Your offer just confirms the class act that you are. I’ll try not to bother you. We have a bigger support system now, and we’ll let them handle it. You go off and be great like we know you will be at your new job. I wish you nothing but the best.”
My eyes well up with tears. “Thank you so much. Thank you for the opportunity to work here and for giving me a chance right out of college. I will never forget my time here.”
“We were lucky to have you, Charlotte. You’re good at what you do, and I’m certain you’ll excel at your new position.”
I nod and stand, knowing I’m seconds away from losing control of my tears. Dr. Phillips nods as I give him a watery smile and walk out of his office. I manage not to run into any of the other staff members on the way to my office. I already have an email drafted that I plan to send out at the end of the day, letting them know that I’m leaving. I don’t want to risk one of them somehow getting word back to Spencer before I get a chance to tell him.
Sitting behind my desk, I make sure the other letter is in my purse, and I get to work. I have a lot to do in the next two weeks to make sure everyone knows where I am on projects and processes that are in place. I plan to type up as much as I can to make this transition easy for the next person.
I glance at the clock, and it’s just after eight. Spencer and I made plans to stay at his place again tonight, and that’s fine with me. My house no longer feels like home to me. He does, but maybe it’s he who makes me feel that way. Shaking out of my thoughts, I get to work. I have a lot to do.
* * *
As soon as I walk through the door, I kick off my heels. I need to change and pack a bag for Spencer’s. I told him I’d be there at six. I’m picking up dinner that I’ve already called in on my way, so I need to get moving. I have my pants unbuttoned and halfway down my thighs when I hear a knock at the front door. I have no idea who it could be, but I can’t answer the door without pants. I pull them back up and work on fastening the button as I walk to the front door.
I don’t have time for visitors. I’m antsy and nervous as hell about how Spencer is going to react, and I just need to get to him. I need to see him and spill my secret and hope like hell I’m still going to be sleeping in his arms tonight.
I pull open the door and gasp. “Spence. Hi. I thought we were meeting at your place?” He just stares at me for a few minutes. His hair is disheveled as if he’s been running his hands through it. His suit jacket has been discarded, and the sleeves of his black button-up is rolled up to his elbows, showing off his tattoos. He looks sexy as hell, but I can’t think about that right now.
He doesn’t speak, so I step back and motion for him to enter as I tell him to do so. “Come in.” He walks inside, and I shut the door. I’m nervous, and I know that it will show, so I move to the couch and sit, pulling a pillow onto my lap to hold against me to hopefully keep me from fidgeting.
Spencer surprises me when he falls to his knees in front of me, taking my hands with his. His chocolate eyes are filled with an emotion I can’t name. I’ve never seen him like this before, and it’s scaring me. Did something happen? Is someone hurt? My mind races with what could have him in this state.
My hand trembles with fear for what he’s about to tell me as I rest it against his cheek. He places his hand over mine and closes his eyes. When they finally open, it’s determination that I see.
