Page 113 of She’s Worth the Risk

“But…” The words stick in my throat. “What if he loses everything because of me?”

Iris shakes her head. “Don’t you get it? That’s why he wants to tell them.” She wraps an arm around my shoulder. “You are everything to him.”

A tear escapes, and I dash it away with the back of my hand. Is Iris right? I’ve never been someone’s everything before. Never let myself stick around long enough for that to happen.

“I know the situation seems bad now,” Poppy says quietly. “But we’re proof that even when things feel impossible, there’s a way through.” The other women nod in agreement.

“Maybe you’re right,” I murmur, drying my eyes.

Maybe Nick and I could speak to the university together, lay out all the facts. Explain that we met before he was my professor, that nothing happened during that first class, and by the time he took over this class we were already together.

But even as the plan comes together in my mind, there’s still an uneasy sensation in my gut. Something I can’t put my finger on. And the more I try to make sense of it, the more confused I get.

Nick’s choosing me, risking everything to be with me. Offering me a real relationship. A home.

So why am I still hesitating?

“Does this mean you’re staying in the city?” Iris asks hopefully.

I open my mouth, but before I can get the words out, a nurse bustles into the room. She frowns when she sees the four of us gathered around Violet.

“We probably shouldn’t all be in here at once, ladies.” She crosses to fluff Violet’s pillows, giving us a stern look. “Our new mom needs rest.”

Violet mouths an apology to me, and I give her hand a squeeze before letting it go.

“Thanks for listening, Vi.” I glance at sweet little Forest, asleep in his bassinet. “And congratulations. He’s beautiful.”

I follow the women into the waiting room, my mind whirling. Aidan and Weston sit in the stiff plastic seats, chatting with a tired but happy Kyle, and Iris and Daisy go to their sides. My heart aches as I watch the way Wes laces his fingers through his wife’s, the way Aidan pulls Iris into his lap.

I want that. A devoted, loving relationship I don’t have to hide. A future with the man I love.

I just need to get out of my own way.

Poppy follows my gaze, nudging my arm. “You’ll get there,” she assures me.

Mustering a smile, I wave goodbye to the group. And as I head out into the cool night air, I can only hope she’s right.

42

NICK

Iwake early Monday morning, instinctively reaching for Zinnia, but her side of the bed is cold and empty. My heart tightens as I remember last night. How I told her I’d go to the department chair. How I asked her to move in with me.

How she left.

I reach for my glasses on the nightstand, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. The T-shirt of mine Zinnia wore yesterday is still draped over the chair in the corner, and I pick it up, breathing in her floral scent. As much as I replayed her leaving last night, I also replayed how it felt when we made love. How she offered herself to me. The way she cried when we talked about wanting a future together.

I’m yours, Nick. And you’re mine. I love you so much.

I drag a hand through my hair, pacing restlessly. There’s no doubt in my mind that she loves me. Hell, she was the one to say it first.

But what I don’t know is if she’ll stay.

I need a minute to think.

Those words cut deeper than I cared to admit. I wanted her to say she’s there too, that she wants to move in and make this official, but she couldn’t.

I understand. I’m asking for a lot. For permanent, when she’s used to temporary. She’s spent a lifetime moving from place to place, and I’m asking her to commit to the city. To me.