Loving You (Remembrance Series, Book 2) by Cynthia P. O'Neill

everything you have done. Have a safe drive home.”
    I gave mom a call as soon as I was heading back to Gregory’s, explaining that I would be early and why. She didn’t like the idea of me having to do work on the weekend, but understood and agreed that I had an obligation to fulfill.
    I had thought about calling Gregory, to let him know of my change in plans, but opted to wait until the regular business day was over. I felt bad for his current work situation, having to try and handle a double workload this week, with a team member out on vacation.
    As soon as I walked through the door, Mom guided me to the sofa. “Are you sure you can handle everything, tomorrow?” she asked.
    I quickly reassured her that I had the same concerns, but wanted nothing more than to get a good night’s sleep and would proceed with everything as planned. “As for going out tomorrow night with Gregory’s parents, we’ll see how tired I am at that point and play it by ear.”
    Mom drew me into a warm embrace. “I am just concerned you have yourself overscheduled. You still tire easily from the accident and I worry that at some point you will end up exhausted.”
    “I have the same fear, Mom. Thankfully, the meeting is fairly early; so hopefully I can have a quick nap tomorrow afternoon.”
    “That sounds like a reasonable plan. Have you told Gregory, yet?”
    “No, I was going to wait until he got home.” Just then, he walked through the door.
    “Wait until I get home for what? Is something wrong, Jordan?” His voice was full of worry.
    Mom got up from the sofa, giving me a pat on the hand, before heading toward the kitchen to give us some privacy. “Everything’s fine; just needed to discuss an unexpected change in our plans for tomorrow.” Gregory took Mom’s spot on the sofa as I enlightened him on my conversation with Caroline and the sudden urgency of the meeting.
    He reaffirmed my suspicions about wanting to be my protector. “I’ll drive you to the hospital for the meeting and wait for you in the cafeteria.”
    “That’s so sweet of you, but you know I can drive myself.”
    “If it means I get to spend more time with you and know that you’re safe, I am happy to oblige. Are we still on for the rest of tomorrow?”
    “It’s probably too late to postpone the dinner reservations with your family, tomorrow night, so we’ll go through everything else as planned. I am hoping to get some restful sleep tonight and maybe a nap tomorrow?”
    His tone sounded sympathetic and understanding, “I’m sure my parents could postpone the dinner.”
    “I beg to differ on that. Your mother was insistent on us all going to this place to eat. The way she praised the chef, I would almost bet that she has him in mind to cater the Engagement Party and this is our chance to try a sampling what he has to offer.”
    He laughed. “You’re getting to know my mom a little too well. She definitely isn’t subtle about pursuing what’s on her mind. At any rate, the food should at least be good. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the place they’re taking us.”
    He placed one hand on the back of my neck and the other arm wrapped around my lower back, pulling me to him. He gazed deep into my eyes. “So, will you let me chauffeur you around tomorrow morning?”
    I couldn’t help but smile. “You’re going to work to persuade me until I say yes, aren’t you?”
    He leaned in, brushing his lips gently across mine. “Yes,” he admitted, before landing another convincing kiss against my lips. He nipped at my lower lip, forcing them to part, then plundered my mouth.
    After nearly taking my breath away I acquiesced. “Fine, I give in, Mr. Protector. But, know that we can’t sleep in, because I cannot be late.”
    “That will be no problem.” He gave me another kiss before heading to his bedroom to deposit his jacket and tie.
    “What was all that about?” My mother questioned, coming back in to announce that dinner was