Page 71 of The Only Heart that Matters

“I asked them to play it again.”

“You what?”

“Let’s let Adele do the talking for now.”

“Angus?”

“Unless you don’t want to dance with your husband.”

“You don’t have to--”

“Shh.”

He pulls me to his chest and rests his cheek against the top of my head, bringing our joined hands between us, resting mine against his heart as we sway.

Listening to the lyrics I know by heart, I couldn’t be more confused. Why would he request this song when Angus and I have made it clear we can never be together?

What is he trying to say?

After a few moments, his other hand caresses my cheek, and when our eyes meet, his are full of something powerful. Meaningful. He doesn’t blink. Doesn’t speak. He simply looks at me as if I am the answer to every question.

Or possibly his one and only.

Even though my pulse is racing, I’m not scared. Because nothing has ever felt so right.

When he leans down to place a soft kiss on my lips, all awareness of our surroundings drifts away. Angus and I are the only people in the room. He places gentle kiss after kiss to my mouth and I melt into him.

His tongue doesn’t seek permission. He isn’t causing a scene. It’s almost as if he’s trying to show me what he’s trying to tell me through the lyrics of the song. It might be the most honest moment of my life.

As the chorus begins again, there is nothing but Angus and the music. I let them both consume me.

He’s daring me to take a chance on him.

To give him my heart.

But how can I give it to him when it’s already his?

He has to know I want to be his. If only I were worthy of his love.

He pulls back to wipe a stray tear from my cheek with his thumb. His eyes flicker with a hint of sadness, as if he knows no matter how true the lyrics may be, it doesn’t mean it will ever be our reality.

Smiling ever so slightly, he grazes one last kiss on my forehead and pulls me back into his arms, our hands once againjoined over his heart. We’re pressed together so tight it would be impossible to get closer.

The song ends and an upbeat song begins. I couldn’t tell you who sings it or the name of the song because all I hear is the one we just danced to, playing on a loop in my head.

Eventually, the rest of the team and their plus ones shake me out of my lovesick puppy haze. We sing, dance, and drink with everyone for another hour.

As the night winds down, people are saying their goodbyes when Dr. Gibbons approaches. “Mia, I’m so glad you and Angus could join us tonight. I hope you had a good time.”

“We had a great time. Thank you so much.”

“No, thank you. You’re a wonderful addition to the team and I’m glad we did this after the holidays so you two could join us. Now, we have a car service all set up for those who need a ride home.”

“Thank you, ma’am, but we won’t be needing it,” Angus replies for us. “We’ve got a room here at the hotel.”

I gasp, unable to hide my shock. My boss's eyes sparkle as a cheeky grin lights her face.

“Surprise, baby,” he says, squeezing my hand.

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