“Oh.” I’m sapped of my fierce determination.
Without it to distract me, embarrassment flickers back to life, for what happened this morning and for running out of the house being dramatic over something that wasn’t as big of a deal as I’ve been dreading. I worry my lip with my teeth.
“Are you ready to head back, or do you want to take another lap or two around the block until you feel better?”
A flutter fills my chest. He knows me better than I know myself. More than that, he understands what I need.
Blowing out a breath, I lean into him. His arm drapes across my shoulders.
“It’s cold.”
He rubs me. “That’s because you left without a coat. I’ll warm you up.”
“Let’s go back. It won’t stop feeling awkward until we move past it.”
He steers us around, laughing when Bauer keeps going the opposite way before reaching the end of the lead. With a click of his tongue, our puppy dashes to follow us.
“Your dad’s sorry for what happened. I think he’ll wait after knocking now.”
I cover my eyes. “Don’t remind me. I haven’t recovered from the humiliation yet. Probably never will.” I tap my temple. “It’ll always live up here, ready to haunt me when I least expect it. Obviously, we’re never doing anything in the same house as my parents again. I don’t know how Jess and Benson handle this.”
“You weren’t complaining when I took you upstairs in the middle of the party. Or that time you answered the phone. And this morning was all you.”
My nose wrinkles. “That was before we got caught. I think it’s time for me to look for a new place. No more…unfortunate incidents for me to add to my anxiety-before-sleep memory rotation if I don’t live at home. Or ten feet from my parents.”
He squeezes me, kissing my cheek. “So move in with me. I already think of it as our home. When you’re not there, it’s just empty space for me and Bauer.”
My steps falter, gaze snapping to him. His eyes bounce between mine as he clasps my chin between his fingers.
“What do you think?”
A delighted laugh leaves me. “Wait, you’re really serious?”
His head dips, leaving barely a millimeter between us. “Are you surprised? You’re my girl, Evie. My world doesn’t spin without you in it. I want you with me when I wake up. When I go to sleep. In the middle of the week. Every—” Kiss. “—single—” Kiss. “—day.”
“I’d like that,” I murmur.
The walk back is short.
“I have another surprise for you,” he says when we reach my street.
“You already asked me to move in with you and got Dad’s approval. What else is there?”
His arm drops from my shoulders to take my hand. “Everything. I’ve told you before, anything you need? I’ll be the one to give it to you.”
“You’re such a sap,” I tease.
“For you, baby. Only for you. Now close your eyes.”
“Okay, but make sure I don’t trip.”
His hand squeezes mine. “I’ve got you.”
I let him guide me because there’s no question he’s the one I trust with my heart.
“You’re about to reach the driveway. Morning, guys,” he says as we start up the incline.
I keep my eyes shut. “Is everyone outside?”
