Page 70 of Coming Home

The soft glow of candlelight illuminated his dimpled smile. The dusting of dark stubble kissed his strong jawline. His blue eyes shimmered with each word she spoke.

“I know your parents aren’t open to partnering with Sloan-Whitney, but how do you feel?” His thumb caressed her palm.

“I wish there was a way to do both. Having the tele mental health services would be a huge resource for our patients, but I don’t want to lose our autonomy. I like the idea of one day my kids taking over the clinic. Well, if my parents ever retire.”

“Have you told them you’re ready to take over?”

She let out a heavy sigh. “I don’t know if I am.”

“What makes you think you’re not ready to run the clinic yourself?”

Her forehead puckered. “We’ve talked about this. The staff second-guess me all the time, and many of the patients prefer seeing my dad.”

“I know, but that’s other people, not you. Doyouthink you’re ready? Do you think you have the skills needed to do the job?”

Nat closed her eyes and chewed on the question. Did she have the skills needed? She was half her mom, the business side of the clinic, and her dad, the clinical side. She grew up in the clinic, learning the everyday ins and outs. She worked in the reception area throughout high school. Not to mention, she wastop of her class in medical school and dominated her residency program.

“Yes,” she replied with steely certainty.

“That’s my girl.” Prideful amusement filled his features.

“I like being your girl.” She leaned across the table and pressed her smile against his.

Noah believed in her because she believed in herself. It was less about him voicing confidence that she could do it than reminding her to ask herself. The answer was clear. She had what it took to betheDr. Owens. In the last few months, she’d just forgotten. She’d lost sight of who she was, but he reminded her.

A throat cleared, breaking their kiss. “Sorry. Your food,” the apologetic server said, presenting their meals.

“Sorry,” she giggled.

“Oh, I get it. He’s too cute not to kiss.” The server winked.

“You should try getting through a meal without kissing her.” Noah’s grin was devilish yet endearing.

The server placed a hand on his heart. “Stop! He’s like a leading man from a rom-com.”

“Tell me about it!” Those butterflies in her belly had drunk one too many Red Bulls, resulting in their overactive antics. At what point would her body no longer react to him like this? She hoped the answer was never.

“Can I get you anything else?” After they both shook their heads, the server walked away

Picking up a knife, Noah cut his veggie burger in half. “So, you mentioned kids. You want them?”

“Yes, I do. Not right now, but in a few years.” She cut a piece of her orange-glazed salmon. “You?”

“I do,” he said.

Seeing how Noah was with Liam and the interactions he had with other kids through the years, it was easy to see he’d be an amazing father. It was odd to think that he wasn’t already a dad.

It was odder to think that he’d been single this whole time. Other than the flirtation with Willa, there was no sign of him having dated anyone in the last eleven years.

“In the garage, you said nobody had seen all of you since your injury.” Her eyes locked on his. “Does that mean that, before me, you hadn’t had sex since you were injured?”

“Correct.”

She tried not to physically react to his admission. “What about dating? Has there been anyone?”

“Outside of the kiss with Willa, I’ve not dated nor had sex since before I was injured.”

“I don’t know how to ask this without sounding rude… but why? You have so much to offer.”

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