Page 74 of Kissing Kayley

“That’s what we need to discuss.”

I wouldn’t pitch a fit. I wouldnotlay down an ultimatum or demand he retire.

I damned sure wouldn’t break down and cry.

“I’m not moving to DC.” I hated the tears pricking my eyes and blinked them back before he spotted them. “I’m contracted to teach at least two more semesters, plus my latest book proposal was accepted. I might end up tenured in another year if I stay.”

“I know, baby,” he gently said. “I won’t ask you to give that up. We can still make this work though, right? We’ve been making it work for almost four years now.”

But… could it?

Could itreally?

Now that I had a taste of more, I wanted…

More.

Full-time.

He crossed the room to sit next to me on the bed. “I’m going to be head of The Shift for POTUS,” he said. “Before the election, I thought about turning in my retirement papers, but… this is… this isit, baby. This is what I’ve always wanted. This is mydreamcome true. I was beginning to think it’d never happen because I was getting too old.”

I slowly nodded. “I know.” I forced a smile. “I’m happy for you.” There were so many things I could say in this moment, so many selfish, petty, pointedly wounding things.

Please retire.

Please don’t do this.

Please putmeandusfirst, for a change.

Or, why can’t us being together be your dream come true?

But I didn’t. Because I knew damned well he would never say that to me if our positions were reversed. In fact, he hadn’t. He could have begged me to quit, or to move here, find another teaching job, or even go back to work seeing patients.

And he didn’t.

I knew he never would, either, because that’s not the kind of man he was. He wasn’t a domineering asshole.

And dammit, for once I kind of wished he were.

He captured my hands. “Once I retire, I’m all yours, baby. I mean, yeah, if I can’t keep up with the physical requirements I might have to retire sooner. But this is thetop.”

I studied his face, his blue gaze, and said the hardest words I’ve ever uttered in my goddamned life. “I’m so proud of you. This is a big deal, and I’m truly happy for you. I know how much this means to you, so let’s spend this whole weekend celebrating. Okay?”

The wide-eyed and pleasant surprise in his expression sealed it for me. There was no way I could take those words back.

Not and live with myself.

“You mean it, baby?”

“Of course I mean it. I love you. Having your dream come true is damned sure a reason to celebrate.”

He wrapped his arms around me, kissing me so thoroughly that I could almost overlook the fact my heart was breaking.

CHAPTER 26

Victor

I stood next to the Beast, my gaze scanning the crowd. I’d personally escorted Kayley to the airport yesterday, where her detail took over. She’d have them until Inauguration, then would likely no longer need them.