With a deep breath, I push out of the bathroom and back into the restaurant toward the front.

“Ma’am?” Our waiter from earlier nods to our table. “Your date left his jacket.”

“Oh, no! Thanks.” I grab George’s jacket off the back of the chair. When I sling it over my arm, something falls from the pocket and bounces off my shoe before rolling under the table. “Shit.” I drop to my knees and reach under the table.

When my hand closes over the soft velvet box, my heart seems to stop in my chest. No. We’re not there yet. Surely this isn’t . . .

I stare at the box, terrified to open it and find out what’s inside.

“Ma’am? Are you okay?” the waiter asks.

I quickly hide the box under George’s jacket and stand. “I’m just clumsy. Thanks again.”

Through the windows at the front of the restaurant, I can see George pacing the sidewalk as he talks with his secretary. That’s one of the things I love about him—he’s passionate about his job. While I enjoy my time in the classroom, George thrives on all of it—the advising, the committee work, the publishing. The man even gets a freakish pleasure from grading papers.

And he really is a good listener, and fun to be around. There’s a lot to love about him, but I don’t even know if I could say that I love him. We’ve never even met each other’s families.

I didn’t think he wanted to change that.

I clutch the box in my hand. Maybe it’s not what I think. Maybe he bought me a necklace or earrings. Maybe it’s not even for me.

Holding my breath, I open the lid and shut it just as quickly. My eyes burn, and I’m not sure why. I am definitely overreacting. There has to be a reasonable explanation for George bringing a giant solitaire diamond ring to dinner with me.

I shove the box into the pocket of his jacket and head out front.

George’s eyes go wide when he sees the jacket over my arm. “I can’t believe I forgot that.”

“The . . .” I clear my throat and force a smile. There’s no way that ring is for you, Shayleigh. Chill the fuck out. “The waiter made sure I didn’t forget it.”

He drags a hand through his hair, making a mess of the dark blond curls before tying them back into his signature manbun. When he takes the jacket from me, he pats the pockets before his shoulders relax and he smiles at me. “Sorry. I’m just a little frazzled tonight. Come on. Let’s go.”