Page 129 of Reputation (Tempt)

I mean, yes, I’d known it would be emotional. But for so long, I’d been so focused on the future—what would come after retirement—that I hadn’t really stopped to consider what it would be like to cross that finish line knowing it was the last time.

“You don’t have to retire,” Nate finally said. “And you also don’t have to make any decisions tomorrow.”

“I know,” I sighed. At this point in my career, I had more options than I would’ve ever dared dream of. And many of them were thanks to the man beside me.

“But…” he prompted.

“But I have decided. And Iwantto retire.”

“I know it’s not the same, but this reminds me of the process of watching Brooklyn grow up. And how sometimes it just creeps up on me and then hits me out of the blue with a big wave of emotions.”

“Yeah?” I asked, turning in his arms.

“Yeah.” He smiled at me, his face shadowed in darkness. “There’s that mix of excitement about the future, joy in the present, and grief over the past. Over the stages you’ve already lived and will likely never experience again.”

I loved hearing his insight as a dad. His relationship with Brooklyn, his love and devotion for his daughter, was one of the things I loved most about Nate. Because no matter what else was going on or how busy he was, his first thought was always of her. And now, well, me.

“I get that,” I said. “That’s been one of the hardest parts of being a nanny. Taking joy and pride in seeing the kids mature, but also knowing that they don’t need me as much anymore. Or that when I leave a job, I won’t get to continue to watch them grow.”

“I can’t imagine pouring so much love and care into a child, while knowing the entire time that you’ll eventually have to walk away.”

“It’s hard,” I said, praying I would never have to walk away from Brooklyn.

“And you know who’s probably struggling with some of these same feelings you are?”

I tucked in closer to his side. “My dad,” I grumbled.

Nate stroked my hair, and my body relaxed even further beneath his touch. “Yep. I mean, if Brooklyn told me she was making a major life change, and it meant I’d have less time with her, I’d probably be putting up a fight too.”

“I didn’t consider that.” I pulled back momentarily, attempting in vain to read his expression. “Though I am surprised to hear you take his side.”

Nate had never shied away from sharing his opinion about my dad in the past. And the two of them always seemed to clash when it came to me. I hoped they’d eventually be able to move past that, especially now that I was retiring. But I worried that my dad would never fully accept Nate. And while I knew I wouldn’t let that stop me from being with the man I loved, it would certainly affect some of the most important relationships in my life.

Nate chuckled, holding me even closer. His chest was warm beneath my cheek, and his heart was steady and reassuring. “He’s not a bad guy. And hedoeslove you, even if he’s not always the best at showing it.”

“I know. And honestly, that’s a big part of why I want to retire. Because while I’m scared of how it will impact our relationship, I also know that it’s time. It’s time for him to stop being my coach and start being my dad.”

He cleared his throat, and I laughed.

“I know. I know,” I sighed. “You were right.”

“What was that?” His voice rasped against my ear.

“You heard me.” I was tempted to give his chest a playful slap, but I was too damn comfortable.

“I know.” He pressed a kiss to my hair. “But it’s just so rare that you say those words to me.”

“Right?” I teased. “Because they’re never true.”

He tickled me, and I wriggled in his arms. But he only held me tighter.

“Hey!” I grunted, trying to escape his hold. I loved that he was so strong. I loved that we could mess around like this and have fun. “I’m supposed to be relaxing here.”

“Okay. Okay.” He settled back into position, and I got comfy in the crook of his arm. “You’re right.”

We talked for a while longer, but I was soon drifting off to sleep.

I woke in the morning to an empty bed. I turned for the nightstand and found a large bouquet of red roses, along with a note and was that…a friendship bracelet?

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