Page 93 of Until You

She shook her head. “I can’t bring myself to say yes because I think I’m ready for a change. But I have no idea what I want to do.”

“If you get your bonus, maybe you could take some time to think about it. You don’t have to rush into anything.”

“I can’t count on that bonus.”

“So why don’t you just take Aiden’s job?”

She hesitated. “It’s going to sound stupid.”

“Coming from you? I doubt it.”

Indecision filled her eyes. “Something about his offer just doesn’t feel right.”

Was she saying Aiden didn’t feel right? He couldn’t ignore that he was jealous of Aiden, even if they were really just friends.

But he waited so long to answer that she groaned and tried to pull her foot away. “See!” she said. “I told you.”

He held on tight. “I was waiting for the stupid part.”

“Tyler…”

“If the offer doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t feel right. Listen to your intuition. But some part of the job appeals to you, or you wouldn’t be considering it.”

“True. I like the idea of being a consultant. I wouldn’t mind traveling from time to time, but I like the idea of growing some roots. Having a home. Family.” Horror washed over her face and she shot up. “I didn’t mean it like that. I meant Britt and—”

He pushed her back. “Relax. I knew what you meant. I would hate your job. I don’t know about the time management stuff, but moving every few months? No, thanks. I like being close to my friends.”

“And your brothers?”

He gave her a sad smile. “And my brothers.”

Studying her face, he wavered before making his suggestion. How would she read it? “I think you should stay in Kansas City. You miss Britt, and we both know she misses you. I think deep down, that’s what you really want. Surely you can find something here. And don’t let the house stuff stress you either. Rent an apartment—unfurnished—and buy furniture. Or rent a house with a yard and plant a garden. Buy a car.” He grinned. “Just do things one step at a time.”

“How’d you get so wise?”

He laughed. “I am far from wise, but I like the idea that you think so. How’s your headache?”

“Better. Thanks to you. Talking about all of this has helped.”

“Who do you usually talk to?”

“It depends. Steph and I are close, but I can’t confide some of these things to her. I’m her boss, so it’s not always appropriate. And Britt’s far from objective.”

“So talk to me.”

Her mouth pursed as she watched him. “And who do you talk to?”

“Randy. Britt. Matt and Kevin.” He grinned. “You.”

“I told you about my work woes, now you have to share something with me.”

He picked up her other foot. “Like what?”

“What bothers you? What makes you anxious?”

Giving her a sideways glance, he began to massage her toes. “My brothers. My job.” You.

“What makes you anxious about your brothers?”

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