Page 52 of Unlocking my Boss's Heart

When the doctor left, Mrs. Waltons went with him to visit her husband, and Anton returned to sit beside me.

I took his hand and squeezed it gently. “How is your dad?”

He shrugged, running his free hand through his hair. “Per the doctor, this second procedure went as well as the first. It was a quick intervention to remove a blood clot. Apparently, it’s not uncommon to have a clot after an operation.”

“S0, it was successful.”

“ Yeah. He also said my father will need to take two types of medications for the rest of his life to try and prevent any more clots. His chances of recovery are good, but a second surgery so close to the first could weaken his heart.”

“That’s encouraging news, right?” I reached out to smooth the mussed waves his restless fingers had left in his hair.

Too late, I remembered that I’d been in the process to put our relationship back on a more professional footing when Anton received the call about his dad.

“Sorry,” I muttered, withdrawing my hand.

Johan cleared his throat. “Hey, Anton, can I talk to you privately for a second?”

“Yeah, sure.” Anton got up.

I watched the two men leave the room. Feeling antsy from sitting so long, I stood up and stretched. Then, I headed to the vending machine room for a snack. Anton’s mother came in, looking much better after seeing her husband.

She glanced at the open purse in my hands. “Getting a snack?”

“Yes. Would you like something?”

“A Diet Coke, please?” she asked.

“Of course,” I responded, a bit too enthusiastically.

I paid for the Coke and handed it to her.

“Thanks.”

“Sure.”

I felt uncomfortable in her presence. When we first met at her home, I couldn’t read her to find out what she thought of me. I hesitated, then turned to go back to the waiting room.

“I’m sure Anton appreciates you being here. I was a little surprised.” Her voice stopped me, and I faced her, eyes wide, waiting for her to say more. But she didn’t. She glanced at the drink, popped the can open, and took a sip. After a long pause, she finally added, “And I appreciate you being here for him, too.”

Her reaction was unexpected. I was relieved to learn that she didn’t resent my presence here. I didn’t know what to say, but she didn’t seem to expect a response from me.

“It’s not easy for him. Being the oldest, he feels it’s his responsibility to be here for us—his brothers and me. I’m glad he’s finally allowing someone else to support him for a change.”

“I’m glad—”

“I won’t pry into what’s between you two,” she cut me off before I could finish. “But I’ll say this: Anton hasn’t had an easy time of it lately.” Her voice softened. “I’ve noticed a change in him since he’s been with you. Don’t break my son’s heart.”

A smile had formed on my lips as she spoke, but it quickly vanished with her last warning—a reminder of my plans to end things with Anton.

“Uh, yeah, of course,” I replied awkwardly.

She smiled faintly and left.

I stood there, conflicted. How could I break up with him now, especially after his mother’s implicit warning?

Anton returned a few minutes later and wrapped his arms around me. Despite knowing it would be wiser to keep my distance, I welcomed his embrace. His arms felt so good and so right around me. I inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of hiscologne, wishing we could be alone like we’d been on our first date.

“Thank you, Celia,” he murmured against my neck. The five o’clock shadow on his chin tickled my skin, sending shivers of longing through me. After a long moment, he stepped back and placed his hands on my shoulders, looking into my eyes. “Have you eaten?”

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