Page 75 of Heart of The Night

I nodded eagerly. ‘William, thank you! You’ve no idea how much this means to me.’

‘You’ve earned it,’ he said, his smile warm and genuine. ‘Seriously, Cara. It’s your abilities that got you here, not me. So, if you’re going to thank anyone, thank yourself.’

I exhaled loudly, trying to calm down, but it was impossible. I was so excited I could barely think straight.

‘I can’t believe this is happening,’ I whispered, the reality of it all sinking in.

‘Well, it’s happening,’ William said, his tone filled with conviction. ‘And you deserve every bit of it. You’ve worked incredibly hard, and now it’s paying off.’

I glanced down at my hands, still trembling. ‘Thank you,’ I said again. ‘I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.’

He shook his head, clearly amused. ‘I’m just glad I can be part of your journey. You’re a marvel to behold.’

I smiled at him, a sense of calm finally settling over me. So many uncertainties were now fading. The future felt bright and full of promise. John knew about us and was supportive, and—

‘Oh, right!’ I exclaimed, suddenly remembering. ‘Speaking of John knowing about us, I had a similar talk with my mum today.’

William’s eyebrows shot up, interest piqued. ‘Oh?’

‘Yes. She rang me after you’d dropped me off from the gym, asking whether I’d like to come for dinner.’ I held his gaze, a small smile twisting my lips. ‘But I told her I couldn’t make it because I had a date – with you.’

His eyes lit up with enthusiasm, a reaction that made a grin bloom on my face.

‘Really?’ he asked. ‘What did she say?’

His question made me recall her initial scepticism, and it must have shown on my face, because William’s expression quickly shifted into concern.

‘She was quite surprised,’ I murmured, tucking my hair behind my ear. ‘At first, she was a bit sceptical since you’re my boss, but after I explained everything, she was supportive.’

He leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful. ‘Well, I hope I’ll get to meet her someday.’

I picked up my fork, grinning at him. ‘I hope so, too.’

We resumed our meal, the conversation shifting to lighter topics. We talked about our favourite books, films, and the places we wanted to travel.

‘I’ve always wanted to go to Japan,’ William said, twirling his fork absentmindedly. ‘The culture, the food, the scenery – it’s all so fascinating to me.’

‘Jason would insist on coming along,’ I joked, earning me a laugh.

‘What’s he doing tonight? Feasting on sushi?’

‘Feasting on Livy, I think – after the cinema.’

William grinned widely. ‘Good. His tastes are finally evolving.’

I sniggered. ‘They make a great pair.’

‘And so do we,’ he said, holding my gaze.

Heat mounted in my face, my heart stumbling in my chest. ‘Yes.’

‘I’m sure we’ll have fantastic double dates.’ Another grin swept across his mouth. Raising his glass of wine, he took a sip and asked, ‘Jason tells me she’s great at Mario Kart. Are you?’

‘Only if I get to be Yoshi.’

He chuckled. ‘Let’s make that happen.’

‘Let’s,’ I agreed, beaming at him.

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