Page 29 of Thinking It Over

I snorted at that. “It’s the whole muscular, handsome thing he has going on, right? Doesn’t fit the stereotype of a nurse?”

“I’m embarrassed to say that’s part of it, but also he seems so chilled and nice.” He shook his head. “I know my job is stressful, but dealing with the level of stress and drama he must face every shift, I suppose I expected someone a little more highly strung, a little more take charge.”

“I get it. I think his overall image helps with the take-charge bit, but it’s his calm demeanor—and that he doesn’t get rattled easily—that makes him so good at being a nurse.” He was an incredible guy, and seriously a catch.

“Does he head over to see you very often?”

I shook my head. “He came once for Thanksgiving. His folks live in Manhattan, and he doesn’t really get on with them all that well. He ended up working over Christmas, or else I would have invited him over for that. But he hasn’t been back since.” I considered that and thought maybe I should set something up. Mom likedhim a lot, and we had the spare room, and I thought Ian getting away would be refreshing for him. Then I thought about Davis’s wedding that would be here before I knew it, and trepidation churned in my gut. Ian was my plus one.

“Actually,” I began, side-eyeing him before returning my focus to the road, “my old boss, my friend, he’s getting married in two weeks.”

Austin angled toward me, and the churning got worse. I had nothing to feel guilty or awkward about. Ian had agreed to be my date before Christmas, but now there was Austin.

“Ian’s my plus one, so he’ll be in Kirkby then.” I risked a glance, sure I spotted a flash of disappointment on his face before he shuttered his reaction.

“It’ll be great to see him again,” he said, a little too carefully.

I considered his words, his tone, wondering if he thought I couldn’t see us beyond two weeks. While we hadn’t discussed labels or relationship status, after last night, as far as I was concerned, my energy was exclusively invested in him. Even before yesterday, I’d known I wouldn’t be simply having sexy fun with someone from work—especially my boss—if I didn’t genuinely like the man.

I reached out and placed my hand on top of his thatrested on his leg. On contact, he turned his hand palm up and held my hand. “Maybe we could go out for dinner.”

In my peripheral vision, I saw his shoulders loosen a little. “I’m happy to cook.”

I cast him a wide grin. “That would be great. I’m eager to see all you can achieve in the kitchen.”

“Ormaybe I can order in or even beg Billy to work his magic.”

My eyebrows drew high. “He cooks too? Is there anything he doesn’t do?”

He shrugged. “Knit, maybe. Though, if he turned up one day with a sweater for me, honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised.”

Laughter trickled through the car. “I definitely need to meet the enigma that is Billy.”

“You clearly need to spend more time with me to make that happen.” He followed with a gentle squeeze of my hand.

“We can make that happen.”

Ease filled the car as we continued our journey. Spending more time with Austin was something I could totally get on board with. A couple of weeks back, I would have felt guilty at the thought of abandoning Mom so often, but since she’d been offered a job yesterday morning—bizarrely, my old position at Davis’s café rather than at the veterinary clinic due to full-time hours offered there, there was a new lease of life in her.

When she’d told me that Scott had offered her the part-time position, he’d followed up with a discussion about my position at Davis’s café still being open and wondered if she was interested in longer hours. That’s when he’d called up his fiancé for him to chat with Mom.

I’d been touched by them doing their best to help her out. And Mom had been ecstatic about being in a position where she’d have the chance to spend some time preparing delicious treats in the kitchen.

Not only that, Mom was explicitly clear that she wanted me to stop fussing and to head out and get a life. Contentment settled in me. I wanted Mom to meet Austin soon so she could get to know the incredible man who’d captured my attention.

We drove past the large conifers and the dotted properties leading toward Austin’s house, and I smiled when I spotted Austin’s property. It really was a great location. Drawing closer, I frowned, wondering why there was a vehicle in the driveaway, then figured it must be Billy’s.

“You have got to be kidding me.”

Before I’d put the car into Park, Austin jumped out, shoulders taut, and I was convinced I could see steam shooting out of his ears. I opened the door and stepped out.

Austin’s “Rupert, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” was enough to make me pause as I took in the scene before me. The man who’d had his back to us when I’d pulled up turned. It was definitely the asshole ex I’d seen charging out of Austin’s office last week. And when he turned, the sly smirk on his face made my skin crawl.

I didn’t know the man at all, but that was a look I knew well. It meant our weekend escape had been cut off abruptly with drama I really didn’t want.

TEN

AUSTIN

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