Page 71 of Give Me Forever

I gasped again. "Can anyone hear you?"

"No, I'm alone in the doctors’ lounge. I don't know why no one comes here."

I bit my lower lip. "Sam, what are you doing? I mean, the time-out is over."

"I know."

"Is this your way of asking for another one?" I tentatively started to feel optimistic.

"No."

"Oh." I felt completely disappointed.

"I don't want just a time-out, Avery. This past week, it's become obvious to me how much I want you. How much I need you in my life."

"Oh my God."

"But a time-out? We’re not teenagers. I want you to be part of my life."

I swallowed hard. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to answer right now."

"You've prepped me for this," I said. I was in awe. "You kept me fed and well-caffeinated."

"Had to make sure you were in a great mood," he agreed. "I think it's working. You're not completely fighting me on this."

"I’m too stunned. And I still don't know what to say."

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I shouldn't have said anything anyway. This wasn't the plan."

Sam was too cute. He had a plan. "What do you mean?"

He cleared his throat. "Never mind."This day is getting better and better."We'll talk at home."

"Okay. Alana's coming back anyway."

"Give her my best."

"I will."

I pocketed my phone just as Alana sat down in front of me.

She grinned. "I'm assuming your 'No way am I falling in love with Sam Maxwell' is soon going to turn to ‘Yes way’?"

"I'm not sure of anything right now. He said all the right things."

"So what's the problem?"

"I don't know. I'm afraid of falling back in love with Sam. It could be amazing, or it could be devastating."

Alana frowned. "The uncertainty is the fun part. And let’s face it. You went out with enough guys who just said the wrong things. Why not go out with the one who says the right things?”

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