Page 59 of Time Stops With You

“I agree with you, babe,” Sunny says, wagging a finger. “Dare called Cullen a germaphobe who can barely stand a handshake. But he didn’t seem that way at all with you, Nardi. He even took the fries you gave him.”

Don’t engage, Nardi.I pretend that my mouth is too full to answer and give them a sloppy smile.

For a while, the table goes silent.

“Ms. Davis,” Darrel Hastings says, watching me carefully, “are you aware of Cullen’s… health issues?”

I swallow hard. “Y-yes.”

“There’s something I’d like to discuss with you, but I’m not sure if I should.”

“What do you mean?” I stammer. Darrel Hastings looks so serious that I feel like I’ve been called to the principal’s office.

Darrel exchanges a look with Sunny. The two seem to have a silent conversation and Sunny dips her chin imperceptibly.

He takes that as permission to continue. “The hospital has been trying to reach Cullen for a while, but he’s not answering their calls or going in to hear his latest results.”

My eyes bug. “Really?”

“I’m hopingyoucan change his mind and convince him to at least speak to his doctor.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.” Darrel folds his hands together on the table. “Cullen is extremely introverted.”

That much I could tell and I’m no psychiatrist.

“He finds being around people quite draining. Yet, he engages you in conversation, is relaxed and seems to gain energy from being in your company. It’s a sign that he has a high level of trust in you.”

“But webarelyknow each other.”

Sunny jumps in, “Honey, there are some people you just click with despite not knowing them for long. Like you and I for instance. It happens.”

I pin my lips together. Sunny is amazing, but I have a feeling she’s so friendly and charming that she clicks witheveryone.She and Ronan Cullen are twoverydifferent people.

“Besides, don’t you like him a little too?” Sunny points out. “You can’t take your eyes off him.”

“You’re mistaken. I’ve never… that’s not…”

Darrel places a hand over his wife’s and says, “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable or pressure you. If that’s what you’re feeling in this moment, please forget I asked.”

Sunny mumbles under her breath.

Her husband gives her hand a little squeeze and she flops back with a sigh.

“I’m not uncomfortable,” I say, lying through my teeth. “Like I mentioned earlier, Cullen and I aren’t that close, so I don’t know if a conversation with me will do any good.”

Darrel Hastings remains quiet, those somber green eyes searching me to my soul.

“I should get back to work.” I scoot out of the booth and awkwardly tug my purse over my head. “Sunny, I’ll send you an estimate based on everything we discussed today.”

Sunny smiles. “I appreciate that, Nardi. And I hope you’re not offended by what I said about you and Cullen.”

“Not at all.” With another tight lipped smile, I leave the couple behind and walk back to work, deep in thought.

Marry me.

I want a legacy.

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