Page 23 of Unexpected Forever
It isn’t my place to mention that while he does take care of her if she ever needs anything, the one thing Megan wants most from him, he rarely gives.
His time.
But that’s not for me to solve for them.
“Makes sense. But you’re a funny guy, Nate. I had no idea.” I grin and scoot closer to him. “I like it.”
“It’s you. You bring out the funny side of me.”
I bat my eyes playfully, but my heart trips over his words. “I aim to please.”
He smiles and trails his fingers down my arm, making me shiver. “Like I said earlier, you aren’t what I expected either”—his eyes meet mine—“on any level.”
“Care to elaborate?”
“Honestly, I expected more of a party girl, not taking anything too seriously. I was obviously wrong because you’re nothing like that.”
I frown. “Well, I used to be that way. But I’m twenty-six, and I’ve had my degree for three years and done nothing with it. I felt stuck in a rut.”
“So, you applied for the event planning job?”
“Yeah, and the fact is that I love planning things. I used to plan out theme nights and big holiday events at Silver Moon.”
I shrug my shoulders. “It’s in my blood, I guess. My mom is president of the Chamber of Commerce, my aunt owns the local inn in town, Amelia runs a bakery…we’re all in hospitality professions.”
“Well, color me impressed. You did a great job with Megan’s party. Obviously, since you got the job.”
“I know. I’m so excited to get started. But…”
“But what?”
Would he think I’m ungrateful if I told him that while this job will launch my event planning career, I had other dreams too?
He bumps my knee. “Come on, Firefly. Tell me. Don’t leave me hanging.”
I sigh. “Well, as excited and grateful as I am for this job, I had other ideas.”
“Like what?”
I study his face, looking for judgment, condemnation, something. A scolding look telling me I’m just being reckless, irresponsible Charley.
But all I find is curiosity.
“I’ve never lived anywhere but Madison Ridge. I always dreamed of getting out of this town and seeing the world. All my siblings—except Grace who is perfectly content to stay here—have left and lived in other places. I wanted to do the same thing.”
“Well, I’ve got a bar in need of a GM now that Megan has bailed on me. If you’re interested.”
For a moment, I want to jump at the opportunity. It would get me out of Madison Ridge and out on my own.
I’d be around Nate more often. Hell, he’d be my boss.
Though something tells me I wouldn’t be able to work with him and not think about the way he makes me feel when he touches me.
It’s one night only.
I smile. “That’s a generous offer. But I think my days of working the bar are over. I’m ready for something new.” I shrug. “Maybe I’ll work a few years for Shane and Emma and then do my own thing.”
“Well, if you change your mind, let me know. The bar won’t be ready for a while anyway.”
