Chapter 24 #2
Nell nodded as she pocketed the card. “It lets me breathe. It’s exactly what I’m looking for.
I loved my job. But I was never allowed to do it to my full potential.
Plus, I can get out of Holland Springs. Next week, Ingram and Graham could be in jail.
I could have a new job. I could put my house on the market and start looking for places here in Shadow Landing.
And my sister! She could finally be on her way to the job of her dreams, able to support her children without Ingram’s abuse. ”
“You don’t have to buy a house here in Shadows Landing,” Rowan told her, drawing her mind from where it was excited to call Sue Ellen.
“I think that’s my cue to go say hi to the table of Faulkners.
Congrats on the possible new job.” Wilder got up and squeezed her shoulder like he was her big brother.
Wilder took his drink and even his dinner plate, and headed to the nearby table full of the Faulkner cousins who were having a guys’ night out.
Nell was glad he left, because it sounded as if Rowan wanted to end things between them and she didn’t want an audience for that. Although she thought everything had been going so well. Maybe it was too much when the mayor threatened his medical license.
Nell cleared her throat and prepared herself to hear something she didn’t want to hear. “Why shouldn’t I buy a house here if I get the job?”
Rowan must have picked up on her tone because he instantly grabbed her hand. “You can buy one if you want, but I was thinking it would be nice if you moved in with me. If you want to. I know it’s soon—”
Nellie’s relieved sigh cut him off as she smiled at him. “I’d love that. As long as you’re sure. It’s a big commitment.”
Rowan leaned closer so that she was looking right into his eyes. “That’s exactly what I want. A really big commitment with you. I’ll shout it to anyone who will listen. You’re the woman I want in my life, in our bed, and in my heart.”
“Our bed?”
“Most definitely ours. Because I hope you’ll share it with me every night.”
Nellie leaned forward and gave him a sweet kiss full of promise. “I think we'd better go home to our bed.”
Rowan’s chair was pushed back and she was pulled up and tucked against his side before she could blink.
“See you all later!” Rowan called out as they hurried from the bar.
Nell giggled, but that stopped the second Rowan spun her around outside and pushed her against the side of the bar.
He kissed her hard, fast, and so very hot.
It left her weak-kneed and short of breath.
“And it’s our house with our bed,” Rowan whispered. “I’m falling so hard, Nell. Tell me you feel the same.”
Rowan’s forehead rested on hers as his hand cupped her cheek. “I’m pretty sure I fell in love with you the second I saw you with James Avery.” Nell didn’t even breathe. She was too scared she’d miss what he’d say in return.
“I love you too, Nell. In such a short time you’ve become such a large part of my heart that I can’t imagine you not being a part of me.”
Rowan kissed her again and everything melted away. Ingram, Holland Springs, the fact she was in between jobs . . . everything. It was just her, Rowan, their love, and the vibration of his phone.
“Townsend,” he answered on a sigh. Instantly she saw him go alert. His eyes focused, his jaw was tight, and he was locked into the phone call. “I’ll be right there. Try to keep her alive until then.” Then Rowan rattled off a bunch of instructions.
“Yikes, that doesn’t sound good.” Nell turned to see Kenzie Faulkner and a woman she didn’t know walking toward them.
“I don’t know if the patient will still be alive by the time I get there,” Rowan said, about to open the door to the bar. “I need to get Nell safe then see what I can do.”
“Ryker?” Kenzie called out, and Nell saw her husband get out of the car. He was on the phone, but put it on hold when his wife called him.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Rowan has a patient who could die at any moment. Time is—”
“Say no more. Hop in Rowan. I’ll fly you in the helicopter.”
Rowan looked relieved, but then turned to Nell.
“Don’t worry,” Kenzie told him. “Jen and I are here picking up dinner and we can go hang out at my house. No one is getting in there.”
“Nell?” Rowan asked. While she hated feeling as if she needed a babysitter, she was thankful he asked for her okay.
“Go. I’ll be fine.”
“Bubba is on the back dock. She’ll be safe as can be,” Kenzie promised.
Rowan kissed her quickly and jogged to Ryker’s car. They took off, speeding down the road so fast that he was out of sight in seconds.
“Nellie,” Kenzie said with a smile. “This is my best friend, Jen. We used to work together at the hospital.”
“Do you work with Rowan?” Nell asked as they headed back into the bar.
“No,” the pretty woman who seemed about five years older than Nellie told her. “I’m at the general hospital and Dr. Townsend is at the children’s hospital. But lordy, do I have some stories about those Townsends!”
The way she said it already had Nellie laughing.
“Have you eaten yet?” Kenzie asked as she picked up a to-go bag at the bar.
“I did. Thank you.”
“Great. Let me tell the guys Ryker will be a little late to their guys’ night, then we can go.”