A small smile draws across his face.
“You’re a pain in the backside for sure, Nate, but I like that about you. I also like how you always apologize after your mistakes.”
“Hey…” he chuckles.
I hold up my hand. “You’re a man with principles, and integrity. You’re also stubborn and bossy, two traits I don’t love, but I get. I need to be more like that. I’ve learned over the past few months that expecting the same from yourself and others isn’t a bad thing. That’s why I’ve decided to pursue some new goals.”
“What goals?” He’s leaning closer.
“I’m going to work toward my real estate license.”
I hold my breath, expecting him to tell me that it’s a terrible idea or that I’d suck at it. Travis said both of those things, and more.
“You’d be great at that. You’ve got the perfect personality for it. You like house stuff?”
“I love it. I’d also love to flip houses.”
“Yeah?” He smiles. “I’ve done that before. It’s a lot of fun. A few headaches but worth it.”
“I’ll have to pick your brain when I finally do that.”
“Please do.”
I’m smiling now. I can’t help it. “I’m also planning to do RAGBRAI next year. I’m getting into true bicycle shape so I can do the entire ride.”
“My buddy and his wife ride it every year. He’s got a team. I can introduce you to them.”
“Great.” I’m beaming. “Thanks, Nate.”
“No problem.”
Reaching for my wine glass again, I take a bigger gulp because this is the part where I address the elephant in the room. “Now. As for you and me…”
He remains silent.
“I like you. A lot. I can’t tell you how much your words mean to me, Nate.”
“But…?”
I raise a hand to stop him. “No buts. Well, there’s a but… It’s that I’m not ready for the serious stuff just yet.” Or ever. “I’d like to see you.”
“Only me. Right?”
Wow. He’s a surprise a minute today. “Yes. Only you.”
“Good.”
“I need to take it slow. I’m working on my goals and plans, and I’m not going to let anyone get in the way this time.”
“Your ex.” He’s not asking.
“Yes.” It isn’t all Travis’s fault though. “But I got in my own way too.”
Saying all of this aloud is having an impact on me. I mean, I’ve had it rolling around in my head, but I’ve never said the words out loud. And do you want to know something? It feels good. No. It feels fluckinggreat!
Scooting up to the front of my seat, I reach for Nate’s hand. He meets me halfway. Our fingers intertwine, and the feeling of his rough, calloused hands against mine send sparks up my arm. “I want to add something. A pledge.”
“All right.”
