Page 22 of The Businesswoman and the Bartender

“Because I wasn’t sure what this was. Hell, I’m still not even sure—”

“Neither am I. But it’s something, right?”

He cradled her head, tilted it back, and softly grazed her lips. “It’s something.”

They lay together on the bed for some time, fully clothed but content. Or so she thought.

“You sure you want to get into a situationship with a bartender who lives across the country?” he asked, the question much too defeated for her liking.

I’m well aware that you’re out of my league.

April rose onto one elbow. “Nick, do you like what you do?”

He blinked, and his brow tightened as if surprised by her question. But then the confusion alleviated, and he nodded. “I do, yeah. I always have. But sometimes, it feels like people look at me and wonder why I didn’t pursue something different. Something better, more meaningful.”

“People like your ex?”

There was a lengthy pause before he finally said, “Maybe.”

The idea that someone he loved would judge him for a career he enjoyed and excelled at irritated April to no end. But she shoved the annoyance down to reassure him.

“All work is honorable work, so long as you’re not hurting anyone,” she said. “My dad is a line cook in a local restaurant. My mom’s a hairdresser.”

“Really?”

She nodded steadily. “I might seem fancy, but I wasn’t raised that way. You don’t have to worry about any of that, okay? As long as you’re happy with your career, then I’m happy.”

The worry that clouded his face gradually eased. He clasped her hand and kissed her knuckles. It appeared as if he wanted to speak but couldn’t find the words, so she squeezed his hand to convey that he didn’t need to say anything. She wasn’t foolish enough to believe that only a few words from her would erase all his insecurities, but it was the truth, and it was a start.

“How are you getting to the airport? Car?” he asked, switching topics.

“Yeah, I can expense it.”

Nick saw to her luggage, throwing her backpack over his shoulder and grasping the handle of her roller bag. “I’ll ride with you. I can take the Link back. The light rail,” he clarified when he saw her confused look. “It goes to Sea-Tac.”

“That’s not out of your way?”

“Not for you, it’s not.”

They proceeded down to the first floor and stepped outside the hotel, lingering under the overhang. It was raining lightly, the climate most associated with Seattle. April had been blessed with sunny skies throughout her trip, but she wished she could stay and experience some quintessential Pacific Northwest weather.

However, the car arrived quickly and squashed that dream. Nick helped haul her luggage into the trunk, and then they both settled into the backseat as the driver began the journey to the airport. Their hands were laced together and situated comfortably on his thigh, while her head rested on his shoulder. The car ride was silent. There was still so much to say, but not enough time to say it.

The ride to Sea-Tac happened in the blink of an eye, and before she knew it, the driver pulled up to the departure level at the airport. Still bereft of speech, they exited the car and retrieved her luggage before entering the building. She checked her bags and then turned to Nick.

“I guess this is it,” she said somberly.

He pulled her into a powerful hug. “For now.”

“For now,” she repeated on a quivery breath, holding him tight.

The embrace turned into a poignant and passionate kiss. Not a goodbye kiss, but a tentative promise of things to come.

“Text me when you land, okay?” he said.

She agreed with a nod of her head, squeezed his hand, and made her way to security. She only turned to wave once, because if she looked back over her shoulder again, she’d likely never leave. He waved back with an encouraging smile, and soon she was through TSA and unable to see him.

As she stood in line to grab a coffee and pastry at one of the airport’s cafés, her phone buzzed.

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