Page 70 of Heart of The Night

‘Are you disappointed in me?’ I asked, unable to hide the despondency in my voice.

‘What? No,’ she said quickly. ‘I’m just taken aback. This is all a bit unlike you. But it must mean that William is quite special to make you take such a risk. The Cara I know would never date her boss without carefully thinking through all the consequences.’

I let out a breath I hadn’t realised I was holding. ‘He is, Mum. And I have considered the consequences. For a long time, I rejected him for exactly that reason.’

‘And what changed your mind?’

I could hear the underlying concern: Did he pressure you? Did he exploit his position of power?

‘How incredible he is,’ I said earnestly. ‘Really, Mum, he’s the most wonderful man I’ve ever met. He didn’t pressure me at all – on the contrary, he backed off completely. I was the one who pursued him after we started working together.’

‘Really?’ She sounded so surprised that I felt my cheeks heat up again.

‘I’m getting really embarrassed talking about this,’ I admitted, shifting uncomfortably.

She chuckled softly. ‘Oh, darling, I’m sorry. I’m just worried about you, that’s all.’

‘Well, you don’t have to be,’ I said. ‘Let me explain.’ I went on to tell her the whole story, detailing how William had ceased his advances once I told him I was uncomfortable pursuing anything more with him, then how I had changed my mind after we started working together, and how gracefully he had handled it all, always letting me set the pace and take the lead in any flirtation.

‘Darling…’ Mum hesitated, her voice softer now. ‘Are you in love with him?’

I almost choked at her question, caught off guard. ‘What? I…’

‘The way you talk about him,’ she said, a knowing smile in her voice. ‘It’s as if he’s everything to you.’

I pursed my lips, my eyes flitting around the room without really seeing. ‘I think I am, Mum,’ I admitted, my heart pounding as the confession left my mouth.

‘Oh, sweetheart. I suppose love has a way of finding us when we least expect it.’

‘It really does. I never imagined feeling this way.’

‘Well, if he makes you this happy, he’s clearly someone worth holding on to. Trust your heart.’

‘Does that mean you approve?’

She chuckled. ‘Well, you’ve certainly painted him in a good light, and I can tell you’ve really thought this through. Your dad and I just want what’s best for you, no matter what. If you feel that William is right for you, we’ll support you.’

I sat up, feeling as though a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. ‘Thanks, Mum. Really.’

‘Of course, darling. Now, since you can’t make dinner tonight, how about you come over for lunch tomorrow instead? You can tell us more about William then. Your dad will want to hear about this as well.’

I let out another groan, already dreading it. ‘Can’t you tell him for me?’

‘I can, but he’ll probably have a few questions of his own.’

‘Fine,’ I murmured. ‘I’ll come for lunch.’

‘Good. See you then. Have a wonderful time with William tonight.’

‘Thanks, Mum. Love you.’

‘Love you too, Cara.’

I ended the call, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. I sank back on my bed, the conversation replaying in my mind. My heart was still pounding from the realisation I had just admitted out loud: I was in love with William.

As I stared at the ceiling, memories of our time together flooded my thoughts. His smile, that warm and genuine smile that seemed to be reserved just for me; the way he listened to me, really listened, as if every word I said mattered; his laugh, a sound that could lift my spirits even on the darkest days.

Tonight’s date suddenly took on a new significance. It wouldn’t be just another evening with him – it would be a chance to fully appreciate the person who had become so integral to my life.

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