times, but I like my job and the life I’m creating here.”
I’m starting my career as a nurse in the NICU department, and after finishing my first week, I know Seattle is home. Not only are my friends here, but Clayton’s here too.
“I’m so proud of you for getting the job. I know you worked hard. How are you feeling about what your mom is asking?”
I shrug. “It’s the same conversation we always have. She doesn’t understand why I don’t want to go back to Portland. I’d love for us to go visit her and we can see your parents too.”
A knock on the door gets our attention, and Clayton gets up from the table to answer the door. After he pays and brings the bag of our dinner to the table, I join him, and we start eating. The conversation is easy between us. Clayton talks more about the team, and his excitement makes me happy. Since the night we met until now, all I’ve seen is how hard he’s working and the passion that bursts from him when he talks about work or researching different methods of therapy to help the players. They’re a family, and as with family, they’re there for each other through it all.
“Are you staying over?”
I nod. “As long as you want me to.”
“I’d love for you to be here every night.” Clayton’s eyes set on mine. “One day, you will.”
I nod again. “One day.” The heat in my cheeks grows. If I could, I’d move in with him now, but I can’t leave my apartment. Not only because of my lease but for now, I also want my own space. “You know I’d move in with you if I could. With my hours at the hospital, though, well, let’s just say I like how we have things. I like being here with you.”
“I know you do. But it sucks I can’t have you with me every night.” Clayton makes his way over to my side, where I’m resting on the couch. “There’s a lot we could do, you know.” He grips the bottom of my shirt and slowly lifts it. “I can make you feel good. Every. Night.”
We stare at each other, and I wait. He pauses, and I’m internally yelling at him to keep going.
“I think you should show me what you mean.”
Clayton’s smile turns dangerous, so I rush out of his arms, and he quickly follows, catching me in an instant and taking me to his bedroom.
“I think I need to teach you a lesson.”
“Please do.” I tease him with my words and move quickly to straddle him. “What’s the lesson?”
“I’d rather show you.”
Chapter 6
Ashley
I make myself a cup of tea and sit on Clayton’s balcony, watching the sunrise touching Seattle. The city I’m so in love with because all my dreams are coming true. I have the perfect boyfriend, a wonderful career, and I couldn’t ask for better family and friends.
Sometimes I think I’m dreaming, and when I wake up, everything that’s made me happy these past few months will disappear. It scares me to no end. There are so many times I tell myself to stay positive, and everything will work out. I’ve been reading books about the law of attraction, and every night, I write in my journal, and I always end it with something good.
The cool breeze on my face makes me feel alive. There’s nothing more I can possibly want at this time. I close my eyes and remember the words from Clayton last night. Promising to love me and keep me safe. My heart swells with so much love—more love than I can imagine. I don’t think it’s possible to be this happy, but I am this happy.
When his hand lands on my shoulder, I tip my head back, puckering my lips for a kiss.
“Good morning, girlfriend.”
“Good morning, boyfriend.”
I watch Clayton sit next to me and place his hand on my knee. Both of us are silent for a beat.
“When I woke up this morning, I got scared. I didn’t know where you were, and for a second, I thought you left me.”
I turn my head to face him and look into his eyes. The way our eyes hold on one another causes my heart to leap from my chest and not be able to catch my breath. All the insecurities are out the window. The way Clayton’s looking at me, waiting for me to tell him his fears aren’t true, is chipping away at