Page 60 of Santa Maybe
“I do. She’s really special.”
Right from their very first meeting, he’d wanted to know her better. Even if their initial relationship had been strictly trainer and client, he’d always enjoyed their sessions. Then, when he’d met up with her again at Pepe’s and proposed his scheme, he’d liked the thought of spending more time with her. But he never imagined how much she would mean to him.
Every late-night phone call, every chat at the smoothie bar, every time he made her laugh and watched her eyes sparkle with amusement—it had all meant something. And when he’d finally gotten the chance to spend the night with her in his arms, he hadn’t wanted to leave.
Hannah raised her eyebrows. “Then what’s the issue? Are you afraid to trust her?”
“Maybe a little, but I want to. More than anything. I think…I’m in love with her.” Up until now, he would have done his best to deny it. But Hannah’s scrutiny made it impossible for him to hide his feelings.
“Youthinkyou’re in love. Or you know it, deep down in your heart?”
Wow, she was not letting him off easy. But now that he’d admitted it, there was no doubt in his mind. “Iknowit. But I’m a damaged guy. I’m not sure I can be enough for her.”
“Hmmm.” She uncapped her water bottle and took a long drink. “Well, you can try, right? You don’t have to be perfect. Lord knows none of us are. But if you care about someone and tell them how you feel, then that’s a significant first step.”
This woman was like the grandmother he’d never had. “How are you so good at this? Did you used to work as a therapist?”
“Not quite, but I taught high school for forty years. Which meant I saw my share of kids with parents like yours. Those poor kids were like the walking wounded but with their scars buried deep inside. Even so, some of them still thrived. If they can do it, so can you. You just need to have faith in yourself.”
Across from them, the woman exchanged her ten-pound bell for a heavier one, then started another set of reps. Drew wondered if she was listening, but he didn’t care. He was too riveted by Hannah’s words. “Forty years of teaching? I’m impressed.”
She barked out a laugh. “You should be. Teaching isn’t for the weak. But back to you and Rosie—you might mess up, but you start by making an effort. Don’t let your fears get in the way. Frank and I were married for fifty-one years before he died, and there were times when that man infuriated me with his mule-like stubbornness. But I loved him, and we made it work. I’d give anything for another hour with him.”
Fuck, now she was going to make him cry. He took her hand, which was tissue-paper thin and mottled with age spots. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s all right. Keeping busy helps. That’s why I come here three times a week. I’ve also got plenty of grandchildren that need my attention.” After giving his hand a gentle squeeze, she stood up. “Speaking of, I should get going since I’m due to my daughter’s place at four thirty. I need to change and pack up all the gifts.”
He stood beside her. “Thanks for everything. I hope you have a great Christmas.”
“I will. Now, as for you—before you rush back to Rosie, think about what you want. Don’t fret over the future or worry that you’re not enough. Focus on how you feel about her right now. Decide what you’re going to tell her. And then go after her. Got it?”
Like he’d dare disagree with her? “Yes, ma’am.”
“Don’t call me ma’am. It makes me feel old.” She patted his cheek. “One more word of advice? When you’re the one who has messed up, a grand gesture never hurts.”
“A grand gesture?”
“Look it up. I’ll see you after the holidays. Good luck.”
“Thanks.” He watched her walk toward the women’s locker room, slightly unnerved that he’d been schooled by a seventy-eight-year-old woman.
Even after the gym closed, he was still mulling over everything she’d told him. He thought about it on the drive home from work and then as he paced around his empty apartment. Maybe he’d be better off reverting to his old ways, back when he’d limited himself to casual hookups. No pressure, no expectations, no fear of letting anyone down.
But then he remembered all the joy he’d shared with Rosie—not just the sex but all their conversations. Snuggling together in bed, joking about the shows they watched, sharing stories and memories. He’d never met a woman who made him feel this way. Like he could trust her with his deepest secrets, and she wouldn’t use them against him.
Going after her would mean baring his soul. It would mean putting his heart on the line and hoping she wouldn’t break it.
But if he let her go, then he could lose her forever.
And that was the worst possibility of all.
Twenty-Six
Once again,Rosie’s mom was right. Her work-life balance had gotten out of control. Case in point, she was standing behind the front desk of the Duchess on theone dayshe’d asked off.
More than once this month, she’d reminded Preston of her schedule. Even so, he’d called her four hours ago, asking her to come in for the evening. Due to illness, the front desk was short-staffed. Though Charlie had assured him that she could handle it on her own, he’d still asked Rosie to join her.
Upon leaving her parents’ house, Rosie had apologized profusely to her family. To their credit, they hadn’t gotten upset. Her mom hadn’t uttered a word of criticism. But there had been no mistaking the sadness in her eyes.
