Chapter 161

“Then hit them when they least expect it?”

“You got it.”

She smiled dreamily. “Very smart.”

“And of course I’ll mention that I have a brilliant woman in mind who is trying to disentangle herself from pesky prior commitments to help me in a temporary capacity…”

Candace closed her eyes while her smile died a thousand deaths. So easy. It would be so easy to say yes, go ahead. But she wasn’t sure. Truth be told, she was afraid. Afraid of how fast things were going. Afraid they didn't know each other well enough to be making such a huge step. Afraid because love that burned too brightly in the beginning mostly burned away too quickly.

“Why don’t you call your grandparents, Candace. Level with them. Tell them about me, tell them about the job, tell them about your concerns for them. See what they say.”

She gave the pillow a whack of frustration. “I know what they’ll say.

They’ll tell me to stay here even if they need me, even if my not comi