“Thanks, Dad,” I say, shutting my door. “But Angie just got here, so can I let you go?”

  “Yeah. I love you, son.”

  “I love you,” I promise, and we say goodbye just as I reach Angie, grinning from ear to ear at her.

  Her lips curve up in a grin as she eyes me. “What?”

  “You’re gorgeous.”

  She scoffs. “You’re like the ninth person to say that today.” Her eyes dance with mine. “I guess, when you dress in real clothes, people notice.”

  “As long as none of those people were men, we’re good to go,” I say, wrapping my arm around her shoulders and kissing her cheek. “I’m glad I convinced you to go shopping.”

  She beams up at me. “Me too. I feel good, even though my life is a complete mess.”

  I kiss her nose. “Well, good thing I’m here to distract you.”

  She holds me close. “You got that right. You’re the only stable thing in my life.”

  “Wouldn’t have it any other way,” I say, and I realize I say it more as a promise than a statement.

  A promise I have no problem making at every turn.

  As long as it’s only for her.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Angie

  * * *

  “Use the card as much as you need, honey. You don’t need to check in with us.”

  I lean my cheek into my phone as I type in the last notes from my check-in with a new patient. I was surprised when I opened the door to Nico Merryweather, the IceCats star goalie. Even more surprised when I learned his diagnosis. Autism. It’s incredible and inspiring to so many, if only he’d tell them. My mind is blown, and I almost told him he could help so many, but I kept it to myself. I didn’t want to scare him away. Not only did I have to sign an additional NDA, but Dr. Tembalt did too. We hadn’t had to do that with a player yet, so it was interesting, to say the least.

  But my goal is to get Nico to come out to the world and help people.

  First, though, I need to help myself.

  “I know, but I feel bad using your money. Especially since I feel like I need to at least cook and clean at Owen’s since I’m staying there for now. He doesn’t have a lick of cleaning supplies, nor anything to cook. They eat out all the time.”

  “Bachelors.”

  I smile since Owen is no such thing. He’s all mine.

  “It’s your card, Angie. Use it.”

  “But it’s not my money. I can’t pay you back right now.”

  “Angela Lynn, I’m not discussing this anymore. Use the card, and let me know if you need to pull more than a thousand for deposits on the new place. I can send you checks if need be.”

  “Thanks, Mom,” I say softly, feeling a little defeated. It’s all so much. I had mentally prepared to see London today, and when I got here, I discovered she had called out. That tells me not to go home today, but then I got scared that maybe she’s home burning my plants. I had Owen run by to make sure the house wasn’t on fire. He told me he’d go pack up my stuff for me, but I don’t feel right doing that. I need to do it, and I need to have a place to go. Though, Owen is convinced I just need to live with him. “Owen offered me his place,” I say then as I save the file. “It’s a beautiful beach house that he shares with his buddy, Dart, but I don’t know. We’ve only been dating a little over a month.”

  “I like that boy,” Mom says then, and I can hear the smile in her voice. “Daddy was going at him, but he stood his ground and was so respectful.”

  “He’s a pretty amazing guy.” I pause and lean into my hand. “I already told him I love him.”

  She takes in a deep breath. “Oh, so it’s serious.”

  “Yeah,” I admit. “I know it’s new and all, but we’ve—”

  “Angie, you don’t owe me an explanation. I support you, no matter what.”

  And I thought only Owen could make my heart skip a beat. I don’t remember much of my life with just my mom—the memories of my bio dad ruin a lot of it—but one thing is for sure, she’s always been my biggest fan. “Thanks, Mom.” I exhale as I look around our office. It’s dead today, but man, I love it here. “I’m scared, though.”

  Her voice is full of concern as she says, “Oh, honey. Love is terrifying.”

  “I know,” I laugh. “But it’s also because I don’t know what’s going to happen with my job. And I’m scared that I won’t leave for another opportunity because I love Owen and I don’t want to be away from him.”

  “And he can’t go with you.”

  “No, and I know that. I went into the relationship with the knowledge that his career would control where we are. If we stay a we, ya know. I don’t want to give up opportunities for love, but I’m pretty sure I would. For him.”

  “That’s understandable. Have you discussed it with him?”

  “Kinda. He said he’d do long-distance with me.”

  “He’s a peach.”

  “He is,” I agree with a grin. “But I know that’s crazy to even consider.”

  “I mean, baby, you’re stressing over something that isn’t even an issue yet. The issue at hand right now is your living situation.”

  “But it plays into it. Should I move in with Owen until I graduate and hopefully get hired here? Or do I get a place, and then I get stuck in this city for six months at least if I don’t get the job?”

  “Oh…” she draws out. “I see.”

  “Owen says move in.”

  “Of course he does,” she laughs, and I smile at her suggestive tone. “I know this—if you move in with him, you won’t move out unless you two aren’t together.”

  Shit, she’s right. “Yeah.”

  “But I also wouldn’t want you stuck for six months.”

  “Me either,” I agree, and she clicks her tongue.

  “I know you said London is the manager and all, but you said you had a good relationship with the doctor, correct?”

  “I do.”

  “Have you thought about asking him about your future?”

  “I feel like he does what London wants about staffing.”

  “Maybe let him in on the situation. Don’t give details or place blame, but explain your concerns,” she suggests, and I nod as I watch Dr. Tembalt go into his office.

  “I could.”

  “I would,” she says confidently. “I think it would be smart.”

  “Yeah,” I say slowly. “He just went into his office, but I need to ask you something first.”

  “Sure.”

  “Would you, Daddy, Charlotte, and the boys like to come to Owen’s game when the Adlers come? Elli said y’all can fly over with her.”

  “Um, absolutely!”

  The fear is there, my heart is pounding, but I want to see my mom. I miss her.

  “Great. I’ll get you details.”

  “Oh, I’m already texting Elli!”

  I smile. “Okay. Let me let you go. I’m gonna catch the doctor before he leaves.”

  “Okay! Good luck!”

  We say goodbye, and I get up before I misplace those balls of mine I just found. I head to his office and knock on the open door.

  Dr. Tembalt looks up from his desk and then flashes me a welcoming smile. “Hey, what’s up?”

  I clear my throat. “Can I have a moment of your time?”

  “Sure. Come on in. Close the door if it’s private.”

  I do as he asks, and then I sit down across from him. I clear my throat again nervously as I wring my fingers.

  He watches me, concern on his face. “Everything okay, Angela?”

  Nope. Freaking the hell out. “As you know,” I start before clearing my throat once more, “I’ll be done with school in a little over a month. It has always been the plan that I get hired on here.”

  “Yes. We’re very excited to have you. I enjoy your work greatly.”

  Well, that’s good. But it doesn’t ease my anxiety even a bit. “Thank you,” I answer, though I’m not sure I should have. “Well, unfortunately, I’m a bit worried.”

  He looks confused. “About?”

  “My position on the team.” He looks even more confused, so I continue quickly. “I don’t know if you know, but I live with London, and we had a bit of a falling-out. I’m moving out, and without getting into details, I’m worried that our falling-out may come into play with my becoming a permanent employee of yours and the facility.”

  He hisses out a breath as he nods. “I see.”

  “Yes, and I know you can’t give me a guarantee. Anything could happen. I could start sucking tomorrow.”

  He laughs. “Doubtful.”

  I smile at his confidence. “But I’m trying to figure out my next move, and I wanted to see what advice you could give me since my living situation will depend on my future here.”

  He looks away, drawing in a deep breath. Silence fills the room, and I get a sickening feeling when he doesn’t look at me or acknowledge the situation for a good minute. Finally, he looks up at me. “Unfortunately, I don’t control hiring. I’ve delegated that to London.”

  Fucking hell, I’m fucked.

  I swallow back my tears as I nod. “I—”

  He holds up his hand. “But I will bring this up to her, and we will discuss it. You have had only great performance reviews and were handpicked by her for this program. You’re an incredible worker, and I will firmly remind her of that. I know living together can cause problems, so I’m glad you two are putting space between yourselves and setting up boundaries, but honestly, Angela, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I see you in this facility as my researcher.”

  I want to get up and bust a move. If I could cry without looking like an idiot, I would. I don’t know how that will play out with London, but I trust the doctor. He’s got my back. I thought London did, but I need to move on from that. She isn’t my friend; she’s my boss. Instead of doing a dance of excitement, I smile widely and politely at him. “Thank you. I appreciate you.”

  “Absolutely. Have a great night.”

  “You too,” I say as I get up and head out of his office with a lot more jig to my walk. This is fantastic. It means I can get a place for myself like a normal girl does, instead of mooching off my boyfriend. I know good and well Owen wants me there and would never feel as if I am mooching off him, but until I can contribute, I’d feel that way. Plus, this will give us some space so we don’t get burned out on each other.

  I’m gonna miss him, though. I really enjoy sleeping with him—in both contexts of the word, but more so waking up in his arms. He’s just so warm and safe. I love the feeling he gives me.

  I go to my desk, reaching for my phone to text him the awesome update since he is in some meeting or other this afternoon. We’re supposed to meet up once he’s done, but I can’t wait to tell him the news. Not that he’ll think it’s good news, but he’ll be okay. Maybe in a year, we can discuss us moving in together. I see a text from Jean, but I ignore it for a second to text Owen.

  Me: We’ll be roommates only until I find a place. The doctor confirmed that he wants me as his employee.

  When he sends me back a sad face and then a smiley face, I laugh. He’s so silly. I know he wants me to stay with him. I hit Jean’s name to find a screenshot and then emoji hearts with YOU HIT THE JACKPOT.

  Confused, I hit the screenshot to find it’s Owen’s Instagram with a picture of me. I instantly get in my feelings. What is he thinking? What if my family sees this? But then, I can’t ignore how gorgeous a photo it is of me. I don’t think that often, but oh my God, it’s stunning. I’m looking off to the side—at a plant, probably, plotting how to get it out of there without anyone noticing—with this little smile on my face as I hold a wineglass. Plants are behind me with the fairy lights, and my hair is in curled curtains along my shoulders.

  I look so…happy.

  But that isn’t what brings me to tears.

  Under the picture are Owen’s words.

  theBESTadlertwin: Staring at her is my favorite thing to do. I love to do it more than I love to be on the ice. I may have known her my whole life, but I never got to stare at her the way I have for the last fifty-two days. I stare at her like she is mine because she is. Her laughter is music to my ears. Her smile is the sun in my sky. Her body is the stars at night (sorry, Mom). She is smart, funny, and so damn driven. Her obsession with plants may be borderline crazy, but I don’t care. I’ll continue to feed her obsession by buying her all the plants if they make her happy. That is the goal—to make her happy, because she is all my heart ever talks about. I still get nervous when she looks at me, and honestly, I hope that feeling never ever stops. I look forward to hearing her voice, to feeling her lips, and to seeing that little smile on her face. I love her fully, completely, and with my soul. She is perfection in my eyes. My sugar. Xoxoxo

  I wipe away the tear and close my eyes. Everything he said is the same thing I’m feeling. I feel my love for him deep in my soul. And like my mom said, I don’t have to explain that or even defend it. It is what it is, and I’m proud of my choice.

  Owen.

  All of him.

  Us.

  I go to his text thread and write him quickly.

  Me: Ignore last text.

  Owen: ??? You okay???

  Me: More than okay. I love you.

  Owen: I love you, but what text am I ignoring?

  Me: I don’t want to live anywhere but with you.

  Owen: Really?

  Me: Really.

  “Good. I wasn’t going to let you go.”

  I look up to find him standing only a few short feet from my desk. He has this grin on his face that hits me right in the gut. I get up and head straight for him as he opens his arms for me. He smothers me in them, our lips meeting as my heart soars. I squeeze him hard, and as we part, we start to smile before our lips stop touching.

  “I didn’t think you would.”

  “I was gonna take the plants hostage,” he admits. “Make you stay.”

  I beam up at him. “You know me so well.”

  “I do,” he says, kissing my top lip. “Because this is more than I’ve ever felt in my life, and I never want to lose this feeling.”

  I kiss his bottom lip. “I don’t either.”

  Our lips meet once more. Everything may be up in the air and a mess, but one thing is solid.

  My love for Owen Adler.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Angie

  * * *

  Dart glances around the house, and he looks so confused. “It smells really good in here.”

  I laugh to myself as I move around the kitchen, fixing him and Owen dinner. I love to cook and never did it at London’s for the simple fact that I didn’t want to. Here, though, I want to. I turn off the stove, letting the shrimp pad thai sit as I glance over at Dart as he cocks his head curiously.

  “Did you clean?”

  I nod as I look around. It was my first weekend off from work, and with no papers due and since they had an away game last night, I spent the day cleaning. “I did.”

  He makes a face. “You didn’t have to.”

  I shrug. “I wanted to repay you for letting me stay here.”

  “Angie, this is Owen’s place. He wants you here, and I’m good with it. You don’t have to clean. It’s our mess too,” he says, as if I’m being ridiculous.

  “I don’t mind. Plus, I’m about to start moving all my stuff in. Had to ease the blow when all my plants take over.”

  He laughs. “I heard about these plants and the shelves I have to help put together.”

  I beam at him. Owen bought me all kinds of new shelving units and plant stands for the space between the porch and kitchen. We haven’t moved anything yet, mostly because we’ve all been so busy and I don’t like going to London’s without Owen or Dart. Or even Jean. When the guys are away and I need to get something, she comes too. When Owen has meetings at the mental health compound for some programs they want him to sponsor and volunteer with for the summer, Dart goes with me. I’m so excited for all Owen is planning on doing this summer and the fact that I’ll get to help. I am stoked for the new opportunities my life is giving me, yet I still have so much anxiety.

  The last couple weeks have been almost perfect. It’s so easy living with Owen and Dart. Owen and I spend a lot of time in the bedroom when we’re both home, me doing homework and him playing games. And Dart does Dart things. He is busy playing the ice and the field. He’s hardly ever alone and loves to party. The guys like to work out with me, which has been great. We’re all so competitive, and it makes working out more fun. I love lying on the beach and then the porch when it’s too hot. I really do adore living here, and I’m happy. Especially about everything that involves Owen. Our relationship keeps flourishing.

  But even though my dad hasn’t said a word to me about Owen, I know he’s upset about it. My mom and Owen have both said he is, but neither is worried. My family is coming in this week with the Adlers for Owen’s game. They’re all arriving a day early so we can spend time together. I’m beyond terrified about it all, how they’ll react to our relationship and then the way I look, but it’s hard to worry when Owen is just so wonderful. I just feel good being with him. He is so loving, so kind, and he pleases me like no other. We’ve fallen into an awesome rhythm of life, and I love it. As silly as it sounds, I fall more and more in love with him each day.

  I love being home so much, but I think that’s because things at work are kinda spotty. London is strictly business. She doesn’t speak to me about anything but work, and I’m okay with it. I don’t know if Dr. Tembalt has spoken to her, because she hasn’t said anything to me. I haven’t seen her outside of work, and I hate that we aren’t friends anymore. I miss her—my friend, not Leroy’s girlfriend. Those two can kiss my ass. I don’t want people like that in my life. It’s shitty, but it’s fine. I’ll get through it. Now that I know what it’s like to have real friends and a real man in my life, I won’t ever go back to that kind of relationship.

  “See, I owe you dinners and cleaning just for the plant help.”

  He gives me a look. “Honestly, yes, especially when it’s time to transfer all those plants.”