Several different conversations were flowing around the table at the same time as Laurel stood up and began collecting plates. I immediately stood up and took Addison’s and Archer’s plates. Laurel’s gaze met mine, and she smiled warmly. “Dean, honey, you don’t need to do that. You’re our guest, please enjoy yourself.”
I scoffed. “You made all that delicious food, the least I can do is help clean up.” I grabbed some more plates and followed her into the kitchen.
After setting everything down on the counter next to the large farmhouse sink, Laurel turned toward me. “How about you wash, I’ll dry?”
I nodded. “Let’s do it.” I turned on the water, soaped up a sponge, and grabbed the first plate. “Thanks again for inviting us. Archer and I are having a great time with your family.” I handed Laurel the first clean plate.
She took the plate and began drying it off. “You both are always welcome here. I know that my daughter has grownquite fond of you.” She smirked, the comment catching me off guard.
I cleared my throat, unsure of what she knew. “Well, the feeling is mutual.”
Laurel smiled warmly at me. “It’s none of my business, but I wouldn’t be her mother if I didn’t say this. All I ask is for you always to be honest with her, even when it’s difficult. I know who your family is, I’ve seen the tabloids. Addison was pulled into that world before with her ex and came out scathed. She seems to already trust you, which is pretty incredible, given everything she’s been through.” She walked over to the cabinet to put a couple of dried plates away.
I nodded in understanding. “We seem to have trust issues in common. I may be from that world, but I don’t trust that world. It’s why I’m here, to get away from it all. I would never intentionally hurt Addison. I care about her a lot.”But I’m just not telling her that her ex-fiancé is my cousin, and I unknowingly helped him cover up cheating on her.That pit in my stomach, that sickening feeling was forming again.
Laurel nodded. “Good. It’s nice to see her with someone who shares her love for horses. Horses are a part of who she is, always has been.”
I smiled. “They’re a part of who I am as well.” I finished washing the last of the dishes and handed them over to Laurel.
She paused for a moment, her green gaze, the same as Addison’s, studying me. “I’m happy you somehow ended up in Primrose Hill, Dr. Adler.” And with that, she put the last of the dishes away, leaving me to drown in my guilt.
After helping Laurel clean up, I noticed that all the guys had made their way back to the couch to watch some more football, while Laurel and Ava chatted at the dining table. I looked around and didn’t see Addison. I made my way toward the sliding glass door that led out to their expansive patio and noticed a fire going in the pit. I slid the door open and popped my head out, seeing Addison sitting on the outdoor sofa with a glass of wine.
Hearing me step out, she turned her head toward me. “Well, hey there, want to come hang out by the fire with me?” She patted the couch cushion next to her.
I made my way over to her and sat down, our legs bumping against each other. I draped my arm over the back of the couch behind her. “I was wondering where you ran off to.”
She smiled up at me, making my chest squeeze. “Well, you found me. Sometimes I need to get away by myself for some peace and quiet. Our family can be a lot and a bit loud, as you may have noticed.” She chuckled.
“I love it. I think your family is great.” I toyed with the ends of her long hair. With a relaxed sigh, she lay her head back against the couch cushion and closed her eyes.
“Thanks. They are pretty great. Just loud,” she responded without opening her eyes.
I laughed. “Fair.”
“You and Archer have been great with them though. I cantell they all love you guys. I’m really glad you came, Dean.” She opened her eyes and rolled her head to look over at me, my fingers still playing with her hair.
I cleared my throat. “So, uh, I wanted to talk to you about something.”
She lifted her head and looked at me curiously. “Okay, what’s up?”
“I’m not great at this. Telling someone how I feel.” I stared at the fire, hoping it would give me strength, and trying to get the words in my head to come out right. “I really like you, Addison. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way before or had this unexplainable pull toward someone. I can’t stop thinking about you, and I can’t stand not to be around you. I know I said I don’t do relationships, but with you, it’s just different. I trust you. I want to be with you. I know that this is probably complicated with you being my client and all, but…” I blew out a long breath and looked over at her. “I don’t care.”
The biggest grin slowly spread across her lips, and she lay her head against my chest, and goddamn if it didn’t feel like she belonged there. “I really like you too, Dean. I feel the same way. I want to be with you too…even if I am your client.” She looked back up at me with a small smirk.
“Yeah? We’re doing this?” I smiled and leaned down to kiss her. She sighed into my mouth as she opened for me to take the kiss deeper. After a moment, she put her hand on my chest and pulled away, looking at me again.
“Yeah.” She shrugged. “I guess we are. I’m running out of excuses and reasons not to.” She wrapped her hand aroundthe back of my head and pulled my mouth back to hers. We made out like a couple of teenagers under the stars with the fire casting a soft glow across her beautiful face.
I can do this. Open up and trust someone enough to give them the power to destroy me again, right?That was what Addison was doing too. I just hoped this time it turned out differently for both of us. I didn’t know about her, but I didn’t think I could survive a repeat of history.
Chapter 16
Dean
Ithadbeenabouta week since Thanksgiving, a week since Addison and I decided to start dating. She was moving the horses over to her new farm in a couple of days and was beyond excited. I offered to help her get all set up over at the farm with her brothers. Weston was still in town and planned to be for another week or so before he had to head back to Virginia. He and Walker exchanged numbers with me on Thanksgiving, and much to my surprise, they had already texted me inviting me out for a beer at Hops & Hills later tonight.
Archer left a couple of days ago to fly out to Boston to see Harper. I was excited for him. I’d never seen him this serious about a girl in his life. This was all new, but I could see how happy he was. Never thought I’d see the day that he would settle down. The guy was a perpetual playboy. But then again, I never thought I would want to be in another relationship again, and here we were.
