“Everyone already knows there’s something going on, and if they have a problem with it, they can take it up with me. You’ve kept things professional thus far, and I have no doubts you’ll continue to do so. Your happiness is the most important thing to us.”
“Thank you. I’ll go find her right now.” I stand, rounding the desk, ready to head out the door.
Addison should be coming back from a trail session any minute.
“Just be careful, Juniper,” Daddy says. “The heart is a fragile muscle, and sometimes it can be hard to heal. We’ll be here for you to help if you need us.”
Emotion clogs my throat. I’m so lucky to have them. “Thank you. I love you.”
“We love you too. Now go on. Oh! Take the bill of sale for her.”
I grab the piece of paper and head out the door, nerves prickling under my skin. What if she says no? What if she doesn’t want to spend more time with me?
I’ve been sitting here for almost an hour, and the longer I wait, the more anxious I become.
Addison radioed in to let us know the trail ride would be a little longer. Apparently, one of the riders was wary about coming back down the hill, so they had to stop to calm them down, then took it a bit slower.
Everyone shuffles into the barn, laughing at something Rusty says, and I can’t tell who was anxious. Everyone has big smiles on their faces and relaxed shoulders. I feel for the person who was hesitant. It can be scary to get on a horse when you’re unfamiliar with them, but I hope they enjoyed the rest of the ride.
I help Rusty and Addison untack the horses while they send the group to clean up from the ride. I’m nearly bursting at the seams with the need to talk to Addison.
Once all the horses are put back in their stalls and given a treat for their hard work, Rusty leaves to find Shane and Briggs to set up the fire pit. The moment we’re alone, I pounce on her, wrapping my arms around her waist and pressing my lips against hers. She doesn’t miss a beat, matching my energy with the kiss.
“I missed you, too, sunshine. What was that for?”
“Move in with me,” I blurt out.
Addison’s eyes go wide.
I shake my head. “I mean, for the rest of the summer.”
“What about your parents?”
“They already know…”
Her eyes widen further. “How?”
“We have cameras on the back of the house to watch for animals and intruders, and they’ve seen you sneaking to my house. They suggested you move in for the rest of the summer, so you don’t have to keep sneaking out.”
“And you want that? Want me in your space? Every day?”
“Yes. I want to spend as much time together as we can before…” I don’t need to say the words aloud.
Addison cups my face, rubbing her thumbs along my cheeks as her eyes survey mine. “Oakley’s going to be insufferable about this, you know?”
A smile tips my lips. “I know. Does that mean you’re saying yes?”
“How could I say no to more time with you? I’ll bring my stuff over after dinner tonight.”
Giddiness and relief have my body sagging. I don’t know why I was so worried, but having her agree lifts a weight off my shoulders that I didn’t know was there.
After dinner, I go back to my place and shower, anticipating Addison’s arrival. I clear out two drawers for her and make some space in my closet in case she has clothes she needs to hang up. I don’t want her living out of a suitcase for the next month.
It’s laughable that I’m nervous about this, even though we’ve been sleeping together for nearly three months. This is different. Bigger. More permanent.
Even if it isn’t.
While I wait, I sit in my art studio and work on the small, five-by-seven print I plan on giving Addison to remember her time here when she leaves. Inspiration struck me late last night, and the page is filled with rough pencil marks depicting where I want things to go.
