“Well, before you strip me naked, can we establish that I’m well aware that you’re avoiding any effort from me to discuss you?”
The moment that he abandons me, I regret that I pressed because being in his embrace is by far better.
He rakes his hands through his hair. “Not avoiding. Just not sure what to say. I barely think past next week. Why don’t we just leave it that I’m happy that you’re a step closer to your preschool.”
Gently I shake my head. “But that’s me. I want some attention on you so we can make your non-dirty wishes happen.”
Oliver lolls his head to the side. He’s the opposite of annoyed, appreciative perhaps. “Hailey, really. Right now, there is no need to push the topic. I’m content. Even when I got approached again the other day about a job in New York, I said I wasn’t interested.”
“You got a job offer?” I’m surprised. “I remember you mentioning on our drive to the wedding that you got an offer way back, I just didn’t think it was still a factor.”
He shrugs a shoulder. “It would be a big opportunity working for the league at headquarters. Maybe if the terms and package were right I would consider, but to be honest, I don’t think I would want to leave Everhope because I’m content here.”
I still feel like he’s holding back something, but I can’t pinpoint it.
“Well, if you say so.” My lips pinch, and I give up because I’m not entirely convinced but he doesn’t want to budge. So, I give up. “Okay. Little things then. Dinner? I can cook simple things.”
“No, you can’t. Remember, we’re not strangers.”
My sight drifts up to the sky. “Exactly, so you know that I love rain, and it will be here soon. Last time, I was stuck with you in a storm, we created our own.”
Oliver instantly sputters a laugh. “That is one hell of a line.” He hooks his arm around my shoulders and walks by my side to guide me back into the house.
“It is, isn’t it,” I proudly admit.
I help him unpack the grocery bags, and I determine that a roast veggie and couscous dish it will be. When I’m distracted grabbing various dishes, Oliver grabs my wrist to stop me.
“Maybe dinner can wait? You have two options. Kitchen table or we actually make it to my bedroom.” That cocky grin causes me to forget that humans need to eat.
Dropping the wooden spoon onto the counter, I throw my arms around his neck and kiss him longingly because his plan works too.
“Whatever you say, Husband.”
It only encourages his hunger for me. He lifts me, and my legs tie around his waist. His intention is to carry me upstairs.
It is still my intention to break away the pieces to discover what Oliver is thinking.
But I’m not sure that day is today.
18
HAILEY
Nervously, I bite the end of my thumbnail as I watch the woman behind the desk typing. The middle-aged woman with a friendly smile and Jane on her name tag is busy inputting my data into the system. With everything online these days, I had to head two towns over to the nearest bank branch.
“My preliminary application online seemed to be okay,” I mention.
Her tiny smile returns as she clicks and examines the screen. Dread wants to boil inside me, and the moment she turns slightly, she abandons the keyboard, causing me to sit straight in anticipation. “I can see that. The application is from more than thirty days ago, so you will need to complete another one.”
“Of course, I did it before purely to check my possibilities. Now, I seem to be on the road to buying a building. I’ve seen the paperwork, but the process will only continue once I meet with the owner as she was doubting to sell.”
To me in particular or anyone who isn’t married. Some audacity. Now, I have a husband. I’m lucky. Problem solved, and it’s with Oliver, too.
Our high tea got pushed back to next week as Ingrid is sick with a flu.
“Okay, and you mentioned that you recently got married which needs to be clarified on the application next to your social security. It’s a good idea that he co-signs as you will be in a far better position for the mortgage if he does, even though you have the downpayment already. Will he co-sign?”
Hmm, I want to say no. This is why I avoided asking my brother. This isn’t a small favor. It’s a big ask of Oliver, even though he would. He already mentioned it. It’s my last resort though, but the option is on the table. The woman seems to notice that I’m slightly uncomfortable.
