Page 20 of Wild Promises

Icouldn't believe I was moving in with Xander. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I'd gone over there on Saturday to get a feel for the place. It was a small two bedroom with one bathroom an open-concept living room and kitchen.

There wouldn't be much room. But it was only temporary until Xander bought a house. When I told my parents I was moving in with Xander, they weren't concerned. They thought it was great that I was reconnecting with my best friend.

They'd asked when I was a teenager if I had a crush on him, and I must have been convincing because they'd never questioned our relationship since. I'd always felt this awareness when I was around Xander, but I never thought about it.

I cared about our friendship too much to go down that road. Even if I liked him as something more, it was just a crush. I'd never throw out our friendship for something so uncertain.

I never thought Hugh would cheat on me or be one of those egotistical doctors that thought he could sleep with every girl he met and I'd be okay with it. It just proved that you never knew anyone.

Mom made me eggs and bacon. "Are you going to miss my cooking?"

"I will." I didn't even know if Xander cooked. I enjoyed it but wouldn't mind if he wanted to cook a meal here and there. We probably should have discussed what it would look like to live together. We hadn't gotten past the effect it would have on our families.

I was more concerned about what it would be like to live with him. Would that pesky awareness turn into something more? Maybe the time and distance between us the last decade eliminated it.

Mom sat across from me, cradling her coffee mug. "You could have stayed here until you found your own place."

"That twin bed was small, and you have your routine."

Mom nodded. "You need your own space. That's what I told your father."

I ate for a few seconds in silence. Then she asked, "Dad told you that he's looking to sell the practice?"

"I can't afford to buy him out." I didn't even need to see the paperwork on what it was worth.

Mom touched my hand. "I'm sorry it didn't work out."

I shrugged. "It's no one's fault but my own."

"Your father always talked about you working at his side. I think he's enjoyed you being there this week."

"I have too." My throat tightened.

"What will you do if the new owner doesn't need a doctor?"

"I'll need to look at a nearby hospital." I'd probably have to move, but I wanted to live here. I hated to even think about leaving again.

"I'd hate to lose you when you've only just come home."

"You need to plan for your retirement, and the practice is a big part of that."

Mom nodded. "We want to spend some time traveling."

I squeezed her hand. "I'll be okay. Don't worry about me."

I finished breakfast, then packed my suitcase and headed to Xander's place. The moving truck was due any minute.

I carried the suitcase up the staircase on the outside of the building. When I knocked, Xander opened the door wearing a black Wilde Ski Resort T and worn jeans that hung low on his hips. He immediately took the suitcase from my hand and motioned me inside.

He set my suitcase next to the island. "Coffee?"

"Sure."

The kitchen seemed even smaller with him in it. He grabbed a mug, poured coffee, and slid it over to me. "Cream or sugar?"

"I got used to black at the hospital." There wasn't time to doctor up your coffee when you could be called for an emergency at any second.

"I cleaned out the spare room for you."

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