“There’s someone in reception for you,” my assistant calls through.

“Who is it?”

“He didn’t leave his name, but said you’d want to see him as soon as...”

I pause, possible candidates flying through my brain. ‘Have I missed a meeting? It could happen with my crazy assed schedule.’

“I said you’d be right down,” she prompts. I’m instantly suspicious. It’s not like her to push me into meeting with someone who not only hasn’t left a name, but whom she hasn’t vetted to within an inch of their life first.

Feeling like I have a rod up my back, I march down to reception to find out what on earth is going on.

“Kyle, what are you doing here?” I amble over and kiss his cheek. “Did something happen? Are you OK?” I search over his shoulder, making sure my mystery appointment isn’t loitering and listening to every word of my private conversation. It’s probably a journalist.

“Yes, I’ve never been better. I thought I’d come and take you to lunch.”

“Uh, OK, but I have some stuff to do here. Are you sure you’re OK?”

“Yes, but you’re coming to lunch. It won’t take more than an hour. You deserve a break. Come on, I’ve got the car parked out front.” He grabs my elbow and manhandles me out of the door.

So, sure, I don’t have to be a brain surgeon to figure out something is off here. But, even if I’d missed it, the manic smile he’s sporting is screaming that I just need shut up and do as I’m told. It’s the only way I’m going to find out what’s going on. I climb into his truck and sit beside him in the passenger seat as he cranks the engine up and starts off out of the parking lot. Kyle doesn’t say a word.

“Are you going to tell me why you're here? You should be at work,” I ask as soon as we hit the highway.

“OK, I was planning on waiting until we were in the restaurant, but I’m bursting to tell you. I had to stop myself from calling you all the way up here.”

“What?” I ask, a little too impatiently.

“I have some news.”

‘Yep, pleased about that, because if not this situation would really freak me out.’ “Go on.”

“I handed my notice in at work today.”

“You what?”

“I handed my notice in, Elliott. I gave it to Greg. James was out, so Greg let me go immediately. I’m free.”

Just when I thought we had everything sorted, that we understood communication, he goes and springs this on me.

“Say something,” he prompts in response to my gob-smacked silence.

“Uh, OK. So, you’ve been into work this morning and quit and now you’re here telling me that what, you’re moving in with me?”

“Sure. I couldn’t stand being without you any longer. We had such a fantastic time this weekend. I want to wake up with you every day again. I’m done with us living apart.”

“But, didn’t you think about speaking to me about it?”

“I wanted it to be a surprise. You’re happy, aren’t you?”

I mean, I am. But... what’s wrong with me? I’ve got what I wanted. My man is coming to be by my side where everything is easier.

“You can race again, Elliott. I can take over the reins in the garage like we planned, and you’ll be free to do what you love. I saw you this weekend. You were alive. You love to battle and sure, you’re competing now against Chase, but that isn't what gives you vibrancy. I’m here and together we can push our dreams forward. We don’t need any more intelligence. I know enough. We’ve learned enough. It’s time for us to take a risk and if we’re going to do this, just go ahead and do it.”

He reaches the pub and pulls up in a parking space, but we don’t move to get out of the truck as I process his points. He’s right.

“Come on then. We’d better go and buy a bottle of champagne to celebrate.” My fingers wrap in the neck of his shirt as I drag him over the handbrake and clap my lips onto his. “I love you, Kyle Beaumont-Judd. Let's go and find a home after lunch.”

I nod. “What a great idea. And, Elliott?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you too.”

Buy Commitment 5: Turbo Charged now

Amazon.co.uk   

Amazonn.com