Page 41 of A Gift of Time
“Yep,” I answered, a little disappointed that he’d changed the topic. “Do you want to go with me? You could scope out the place while you’re there.”
“Are you asking me to be your date, Mr. Taylor?” he asked in an amused tone.
I was happy to see the humor back on his face instead of the damn solemn expression he’d had not even five minutes ago.
“If that’s what you want to call it… sure,” I said, grinning.
The night passed too quickly. When Caden started yawning around eleven, I picked him up and carried him to the bedroom. He grinned and kissed my neck as I walked with him in my arms, and when I laid him on the bed, he pouted his lip at the separation.
“You’re too damn cute, you know that?”
“Then get over here and show me just how cute I am,” he practically purred.
He didn’t have to ask me twice. I took off my clothes before joining him in bed.
***
I woke up in the middle of the night, wide awake and restless. My eyes adjusted to the dark room, and I looked over to see Caden still sound asleep beside me. He looked like an angel as he slept, and I gently brushed his bangs from his face so I could see him better.
His somewhat sloped nose right down to his deliciously plump bottom lip and clean-shaven, squared jaw made him my favorite sight in the world.
Flawless; inside and out.
Love swarmed in my chest, and I leaned down to place a kiss to his temple before quietly getting out of bed, careful not to wake him. Finding my pants where I’d chucked them in the floor, I slid them on before walking into the living room.
Something felt off.
The hairs on my nape rose, and I surveyed the room, wondering what the hell was going on.
That’s when I heard the ticking. It was soft, but perceptible, in the quiet room.
No fucking way.
Hesitantly, I approached the clock on the mantel. Sure enough, the second hand was moving. The hour hand was on seven. My confusion intensified.
“You’re running out of time, Jack.”
I nearly screamed at the voice and flipped around to see Nick standing behind the couch.
He was in his usual attire, but instead of the jolly expression, I was greeted with sad eyes and a downturned mouth.
“I’m fully aware of what day it is,” I said in a harsh whisper, walking closer to him.
The last thing I wanted was for Caden to hear me talking to someone and come in there to investigate.
Nick walked toward the Christmas tree, and it flickered on. He examined it, and as he did, the lights reflected in his glasses, making his eyes sparkle. “What a fine tree. Amazing what some tender love and care can do. And patience.”
“You’re losing me, Nick.” I rubbed my eyes before looking back at him, shaking my head. “Why are you here?”
“To remind you of the deadline,” he said, studying me with kind eyes.
“Yeah. Okay. Well, I already know about it, so you can leave. I have it handled.” I didn’t mean to snap at him, but it seemed every time he randomly popped into my apartment, bad news followed. “Caden and I are doing great.”
“I see that,” Nick said, nodding. “But time is running out, nonetheless. You do not yet have his heart.”
“You know what? It doesn’t matter,” I said, walking to the window and looking outside, crossing my arms. “If I don’t win him over in four days, it doesn’t change the present. We’re on the right path, so I know he’ll love me eventually. And honestly, what’s so bad about staying in this life?” I focused on Nick. “At least in this life, I have my dream jobandCaden. Only a fool would be in a rush to give that up. So, take your evil clock and leave me alone. I’m happy.”
The look he gave me sent a chill down my spine.
