Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
JANE
“Okay, that’ll be all for today. Any questions before we finish up?”
I scanned the classroom before glancing down at my laptop.
The university had a combination of live classes with some students being remote.
Those online could raise their hand on the screen.
A number of thumbs-up appeared on the screen, but no questions, so I glanced back at the classroom.
“All right, so we'll meet next week. Same time, same place, same bat-channel.”
The students filed out, and I returned to my office to finish checking in on a few things. My phone vibrated on my desk. Spinning it around, I automatically curled my lips into a smile when I saw Ian’s text on the screen.
Ian: I'll be there.
A subtle anticipation began to hum through my body.
I still couldn't believe we were doing this.
But so far, it was actually working. We alternated taking the train every other weekend to see each other.
I loved taking the train. For one, it allowed us both to work on the trip, and it was much faster than driving.
I didn't know where it was going to lead with us, but it felt good. Thea teased me all the time. We were actually meeting her for dinner tonight, so I was prepared for more teasing. I tapped out my reply.
Me: Good. Can't wait to see you.
I rushed through a few last-minute emails before closing my laptop.
Both of us would do a little work over the weekend.
That was another thing that worked with us.
We both had busy jobs and sometimes had to check in on the weekends.
I walked home, a huge plus with this job.
I'd always loved Boston as a city, but I was finding I really loved living here.
From the outside, it seemed like it would be hard to live here, but it was a great city with a large selection of restaurants and other activities within walking distance.
My apartment occupied the upper floor in a downtown brownstone, and I loved it. It had beautiful hardwood floors and windows tall enough to stand inside. It had been upgraded with modern appliances although it still had the old fireplace with a gorgeous granite mantel.
I called Thea while I was waiting for Ian to arrive. “So, where do you want to meet?” I asked after we checked in with each other.
“I haven't had a good steak in a while,” she replied.
“Ooh, perfect. You know I love steak.”
“Are you sure you want to have dinner with me the first night Ian gets here?” Thea prompted.
“Of course! I haven't seen you in weeks, and I see him every weekend.”
She laughed softly. “I know. You two are getting serious.”
I was relieved she couldn't see my face because I felt the heat rush into my cheeks. It felt like we were getting serious, and I wasn't sure what I thought about that. I liked Ian—a lot.
In fact, I was pretty sure I was falling for him, big time.
On the list of things I hadn't planned for, falling for Ian was probably at the top. Oh sure, I thought I wanted to be serious with someone someday. I even thought I wanted to have kids. It's just a serious relationship had seemed to be a far-off, distant possibility. And now, I was falling for one of my childhood friend’s older brothers, a guy I’d never even considered.
“I know. I'm not sure what I think about it,” I replied honestly. “Don't you dare tease me about it in front of him.”
I could practically feel my friend rolling her eyes through the phone line. “Fine. Back to dinner. I can't remember the name of it, but there’s a good place just down the street from where you live.”
“We should meet in an hour,” I replied.
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll call ahead to make a reservation. See you soon.”
Only minutes after Thea hung up the phone, I heard a light knock on the door followed by the sound of a key sliding in. Ian had a key to my apartment, and he’d gotten me a key to his. We'd made that call when he had a late meeting one night when I was visiting him.
“Jane,” he called as soon as I heard the door opening.
Because I was that excited to see him, I rushed out of the bathroom, practically skidding to a stop in front of him.
“Hey,” I said breathlessly.
His lips curled in a smile as he stepped closer and folded me into his arms. He smelled good. He carried the scent of the fresh spring air with him. The train station was a few blocks away.
“You must’ve walked fast,” I murmured into his chest before leaning my head back.
He shrugged. “I sort of jogged.”
I eyed him. “You did?”
He shrugged. “Yeah, I wanted to see you.” He lifted me into his arms as he spun me around and slipped my hips on to a wide half-wall that served as a divider between the entryway and the living room. “I'm always in a hurry to see you.”
I opened my mouth to reply, and then he was kissing me. I completely forgot myself for a minute. By the time he pulled away, I was hot all over and restless. I took in a gulping breath and shook my head to clear the haze.
“We’re meeting Thea in a half hour for dinner.”
“That soon?” He looked downright disappointed.
“You're the one who said you wanted to have dinner with her,” I pointed out.