“Good.”
Before I can open my door, he’s already there, pulling it open.His hand extends toward me, and I take it, enjoying the comfort of his fingers lacing through mine as we step onto the sidewalk.
“This is nice,” I whisper.“No secrets.No hiding.No worrying about tomorrow’s headlines.”
He squeezes my hand.“I don’t care what they say.Let them write whatever they want about us.We know the truth.That’s all that matters.”
I tilt my head up to look at him, my chest tightening at the sincerity in his gaze.“That’s why I wrote that piece,” I say softly.“I wanted people to see you the way I do.You deserve that.”
“Thank you,” he rasps as his blue eyes darken, and before I can say anything else, he pauses right there on the sidewalk, cupping my face and pressing his lips to mine.
It’s brief, but God, it’s everything.Heat floods through me, and for a second, I forget where we are, forget that people might be watching.It’s just us.
“We should go inside before we skip dinner entirely,” he says, the words ghosting over my lips.
“Probably a good idea,” I say, still feeling the aftereffects of the pressure of his lips on mine.
We step inside the restaurant, where we’re welcomed by soft conversations and the clinking of silverware.The smell of butter, garlic, and onions makes my stomach grumble.Warm lights shine over the wooden tables, and a fireplace in the corner adds a cozy atmosphere.
Our table is by the window, offering a view of the open field.Even though the deck outside has heaters, the chill in the air and the approaching threat of rain have kept everyone indoors.It works in our favor.No one can block our view.
We settle into our seats, ordering drinks first.The server gives us a few minutes to look over the menu, but my attention is already elsewhere.
The car ride was filled with easy conversation about Mom, work, but now, in the quiet space, I can finally ask what’s been on my mind.“Have you heard anything about the house?”
Adrian sits up straighter, a spark of excitement in his eyes.“So, I want to start off this night with adding another reason to celebrate.They accepted my offer.Quick turnaround to close, too, so I’ll be out of Keith’s place at the end of the month.”
I smile with genuine happiness for him.“That’s amazing.”
“I’ll have to get the rest of my stuff delivered from storage.Probably order some new furniture, too.Honestly, my old taste doesn’t really match who I am now.”He plays with the condensation on his water glass.“I feel like I’m a different version of myself.So I want my home to reflect that.”
I tilt my head, studying him.“That’s a good way to look at it.”The way he talks about reinventing himself, choosing to be different, makes me wonder about the life he left behind.Watching him get excited about staying here should make me feel secure, but it stirs up a questions that I’ve been mulling over for a while.“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
I lean in.“Would you ever consider going back?”
His brows draw together slightly.“Back where?”
“Home.To where you used to live.New York.”
“No.”His answer is immediate.Then, softer, “Are you asking because you think I’m staying here just because of you?”
I hesitate, feeling heat rise in my cheeks.“No, I’m just curious.”
“I mean, you’re one of the best things about being here.”His lips curve.“You’re blushing.”
I cover my face with my hands.
He reaches across the table, his fingers brushing mine.“I’m not staying just for you,” he says, his tone serious again.“But I’d be lying if I said you weren’t a damn good reason to stay.”
My heart swells.No one’s ever made me feel this wanted or taken care of before.
I take a sip of water, trying to cool the warmth spreading through me.“I could never move away from my family,” I admit.“Even though my mom’s doing better, it still feels too risky.She’s got a lot to handle, and I don’t want to add to her stress.”
“I get that,” he says, nodding.“The kids, too.There’s a lot of you.”
I let out a small laugh.“Yeah, there is.”
