“Hilary, you’re wrong. Jeff’s a great boss. He treats all his employees with respect. Not to mention, he’s already given me a raise,” Nash said.
“Congratulations. Well, I’ve got to go.” Hilary placed a hand on her door.
“Hilary, can I talk to you?”
Suzanne flushed and waved to Hilary. “I’ll leave you two alone. Nash, which one is Jeff? I want to say thank you to him as well.”
Nash pointed out Hilary’s brother and watched as his sister walked toward Jeff. What the hell kind of game was his sister playing? He’d already indicated which one Jeff was to her. Never mind. I’ve got my own problems.
When Nash faced Hilary, his shoulder muscles tightened. If she turned him down, he wouldn’t be able to dream about their future together anymore. Those fantasies had been his only solace during the past month.
“Hilary, I’m sorry I didn’t get back in touch with you.”
“That’s okay. I’m happy for you. Jeff says you’re doing great.” Hilary pulled off her sunglasses and stuck them in her purse.
“He’s a damn good boss.”
“Are you doing okay?”
“Sure.” Nash shrugged.
“Good.”
“Wow, this is way more awkward than I expected.”
“Yeah, it is.” Hilary frowned. “I’m sorry about everything.”
Nash reached out and stroked the bare skin of her upper arm. “Don’t be. I shouldn’t have lashed out like that. You were trying to do me a favor, and I shouldn’t have gotten pissed about it.”
“No, you had every right. You have a lot at stake.”
“And, so did you. You risked your brother’s approval on someone you barely knew. Someone with a criminal record. It’s rare for somebody to do that even when they’ve known you for years.”
“I’m glad you don’t hate me.” Hilary swayed.
Nash put his hand on her cheek. “Hilary, I could never hate you.”
She glanced at him from under her lashes. “If you aren’t mad, then why haven’t I heard from you?”
He flushed. “Well, I kind of made an ass out of myself, so I wasn’t sure how happy you’d be to see me again.”
“I would like to see you again.”
“Good.” Nash pulled her closer until there was only a small space between them. “I would wait until the four months are up, but the last thirty days have sucked without you.”
“Yeah?” Hilary’s breath caught in her throat.
“Yeah.” Nash tugged her again until she fell against his chest. Hilary sighed as his arms wrapped around her. Her hands trailed up his chest until she laced her fingers together behind his neck.
His heart stopped as he saw tears in her eyes. Damn it, I’m such an ass. “Hilary?”
“Yes?”
“Are you crying?”
Hilary sniffed. “Maybe a little.”
“Shit.” Nash stiffened.