I’d been with many women over the years, but no one like Paige. She was precious to me. Growing up with her, I watched her turn into a knockout beauty, never dreaming that I’d get a shot at something more with her. It was almost surreal to think that she was about to visit me here.
After showering, shaving, and applying a little cologne, there was nothing else to do but wait.
? ? ?
Finally, it was time to leave for the airport and wait for her flight to arrive. I got there way too early, of course, and the airport security patrol ushered me through the line, not letting me stop at the curb and wait for long. I circled the airport three times before she finally texted me that she had landed.
Paige looked even better than I’d remembered, wearing a light blue sweater dress, tights, and tall boots. Her honey-colored hair cascaded down over her shoulders, and she nervously tucked it behind her ear as she looked around. I realized she didn’t even know which kind of vehicle I drove now, and in my excitement, I’d forgotten to tell her. I’d sold the old sedan that had gotten me through college, not thinking it could fare the long road trip, and now drove a black sport utility vehicle. Placing my SUV into park, I climbed out and called her name.
She turned at the sound of my voice, a smile on her lips. Dropping her overnight bag on the sidewalk, she ran into my waiting arms.
Lifting her off the ground, I held her close and breathed in her scent, so thankful that she was here. I didn’t know a soul in this state, other than the people I worked with, and Paige’s presence here felt like everything.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Paige
“How is it going? Do you like it here? Your new place? The hospital?” I wanted to know everything at once, and I was rambling like a lunatic.
Cannon chuckled and reached across the car’s console to place his palm on my knee. He gave it a light squeeze. “Yeah, I like it a lot. I live in an apartment complex near the hospital where several residents live. The hospital was only built a few years ago, so it’s new and really nice. And the cardiology team has all been very welcoming.”
He made it sound like everything was peachy keen. I’d been barely holding it together, almost unable to get out of bed some mornings, and he was clearly thriving in his new city.
“That’s good to hear,” I managed.
Maybe he didn’t want the same things as me. Maybe this weekend trip was just supposed to be zero-expectations fun. I couldn’t allow myself to get my hopes up. Placing my steely wall up, I asked him about the landscape as we drove, and Cannon was all too happy to tell me about his new home, pointing out landmarks as we went.
I nodded as he spoke, sure that if I opened my mouth, I might say something I’d regret. I wanted to tell him that I missed him, that I was so glad I was here, but instead I stayed quiet.
When we arrived at his new place, he gave me the grand tour. It was a large one-bedroom apartment with walls of windows overlooking twinkling city lights. Inside, it was furnished with classy yet simple furniture—a tan leather sectional, long oak dining table flanked by two benches, and a bedroom with a four-poster bed and a two round side tables. It was nice.
After the tour, we stopped in the kitchen where Cannon poured us each a glass of wine. I couldn’t help but notice the bottle—it was the same brand I always bought at home.
“That last night we were together . . .” he started, then stopped to clear his throat. He didn’t have to clarify which night he was referring to. The night he came to me drunk in the middle of the night and told me he loved me.
My chest tightened at the memory. Taking a sip of my wine, I nodded again.
Cannon took my wineglass and set it on the counter with his. “I don’t know what this is that’s happening between us; I only know that I like it. And I don’t want it to stop.”
“You told me you loved me that night.” Relieved that I’d been brave enough to finally get that off my chest, I inhaled deeply, waiting for his shock to come. Only it didn’t.
“I know. And you didn’t say anything in return. And then that morning when Allie found us, you rushed off without a backward glance.”
Wait, what?
“You knew all along that you said it?”
He nodded.
“I figured it was a drunken mistake.”
“Paige,” he said, stroking my hand. “Nothing about us was a mistake.”
I licked my lips, gathering my thoughts. I couldn’t find the words just then to tell him that I loved him too.
“I have no idea what I’m doing,” I admitted. Not a clue—with my life, with his beautiful younger man who should have been out of my league, not with any of it. I hadn’t been in a real relationship in a long time.
His fingertips pressed against my lips. “It’s my first time too.”
He offered me a small smile, and relief flooded my chest.
“Come with me.” Cannon took my hand and led me into the living room.