I crack open my eyes. “What’s wrong?”
He’s holding his dick. “The condom broke.”
Yawning, I shrug. “I’m on the pill.” He knows this.
The grooves on his forehead deepen. “So… we’re okay?”
“Yes. Now stop frowning at me, Nick. You’re ruining my after-orgasm glow.”
He chuckles, and I smile.
When he leaves to clean up, my smile widens because he has to have feelings for me. Why else would he ask me to stay here when I offered to move?
One way or another we’re going to get through this. We’re going to happen.
It’s just going to take a little more time.
33
ABIGAIL
“Ted, turn down that TV! I can’t hear Abigail!”
I pull the phone back from my ear before my mother makes me deaf. “Mom, we can chat later if you’re busy.”
“Don’t be silly. I barely talk to you as it is. How are things with the family you work for?”
She was so excited when I told her I got a nanny job. I never told her that the ‘family’ was a single dad and I had moved in with him. If she’d heard a tree nearly smashed me to bits and my sexy-as-hell neighbor-slash-boss had invited me to live with him, she would’ve been on my doorstep, demanding I return to San Antonio.
Needless to say, I haven’t mentioned he’s another football player.
I love my mother, but I wish I had siblings so she wasn’t always so focused on me. I’m in my last semester of college, for Pete’s sake. Even though I’ve lamented moving to Charming a million times, I’m starting to appreciate having more independence. I love my parents, but I need space to work things out for myself.
“It’s great. I love Hazel to pieces. She’s adorable.”
“I just wish you didn’t have to work so much. I can’t believe you’re still taking shifts at the diner.”
“I have to work if I want to eat more than ramen when I’m in Europe.” It’s hard to choke out those words. I mean, I want to go. Of course I do. It’s been a lifelong dream, but the closer I get to my departure, the more anxious I get that Nick’s not going to invite me to stay with him once I return.
“I still don’t understand the rush to go this winter. Why not wait until the summer? You’re going to miss Christmas with the family.”
I’ve explained this so many times. “The summer is when all the tourists go. I won’t get the same experience. Plus, I want to see the Christmas markets.”
“You and those markets. Did you change your mind about coming home for Thanksgiving next week? I’m making that oyster stuffing everyone loves.”
The thought of that mushy stuffing makes my stomach roil. “Mom—”
“I was going to let your grandparents sleep in your bedroom, but if you’re coming—”
“I didn’t change my mind. I can’t visit until the end of the semester.” I’ll be home for a day or two before my flight leaves for London.
She sighs. “Look, I know you don’t want to discuss this, but Ezra’s parents say he’s visiting, and this might be your only chance to patch things up.”
Not this again. “Mother, he cheated on me.”
“That boy was young and stupid. I’m sure he’s learned his lesson. His parents say he asks about you all the time.”
“He just wants to win football games,” I mutter.
