Page 51 of A Play for Love

I had just put Nicholas down for his nap when Ella walked out of Nathan’s office.

“How’s class going?” I asked.

“Good. It’s lunch break.”

“What would you like for lunch?” I placed my hand on the top of her head as we walked into the kitchen.

“Ham and cheese sandwich and fruit, please.” She grinned. “When is Dad coming home?”

“He should be landing shortly.”

After Ella finished her lunch, she returned to Nathan’s office and shut the door. As I was walking past it, I overheard her questioning her professor. I couldn’t help but smile. I was halfway up the stairs when I heard the front door open. Stopping, I turned around and saw Nathan walk in.

“Hello there, gorgeous.” A bright smile crossed his face as he stared at me.

“Welcome home, Dr. Kind.”

I set the laundry basket on the steps, walked down to him, and wrapped my arms around his neck. He instantly pulled me into him and hugged me tight. I prayed he would tell me why he went and saw my mother. Because if he didn’t, we would have problems.

“I missed you.” He broke our embrace and brushed his lips against mine.

“I missed you too. Let me take the laundry basket upstairs, and then you can tell me all about your trip and lecture.”

“I’ll follow you up. I want to unpack my bag.”

He followed me up the stairs and into the bedroom, setting his bag on the bed.

“How did your lecture go?” I asked as I began putting the laundry away.

“It went really well. The students had so many questions, and you could see their minds absorbing everything I said. It was really great to see Charlie again. We had a good talk.”

“That’s good. And what else did you do?” I smiled.

“Well,” he walked over and gripped my hips, “I saw the ABT.”

“You did?”

“Yeah. Shaun’s driver was driving down Broadway, and Shaun pointed it out. He also said that you lived in the apartments around the block.”

“Yeah, I did. What else did you see?”

“That was it. We went to dinner and then back to the hotel.” He kissed my lips and then finished unpacking his bag. “Is Nick sleeping?”

“Yeah. He should be waking up soon. Ella is still in class, and I overheard her questioning her professor about something.”

“Oh boy. Which class is she in right now?” he asked.

“Quantum physics.”

“Jesus.” He shook his head. “What was she questioning her professor about?”

“I don’t know. I couldn’t hear that well. I can’t believe you and Shaun just ate dinner and went back to the hotel. It’s New York. You should have hit up some clubs or something.”

“We were tired.”

“I’m surprised Shaun didn’t want to go see some of his friends there, like Everly and Asher.”

“Babe, it was a very short trip. There was no time for anything but dinner and bed.”

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