“You know I spent money getting someone to cook my balanced meals, right? I don’t always have the time.”
“Well, I like cooking, so I’m going to make us somethinghealthy.” She rolled her eyes. “And we can watch a movie afterward, maybeIce Age, and you can meet the original Sid the Sloth. How’s that?”
“Sounds good,” I said, helping her up onto the seat and shutting the door.
As we headed out of the parking lot, I could feel Charli’s furtive glances aimed my way one too many times for my comfort, and it set me on edge once more. Whatever was on her mind wouldn’t be good.
Close to an hour later, back at my apartment building, and as we entered the elevator, she faced me.
“War,” she began, repeatedly tugging the straps of her bag, and my heart ping-ponged hard against my ribs as the cage bore us up to my apartment.
Expression cool, I leaned against the metal wall and waited.
“Staying with you was only temporary. You knew this, right?”
“Back when we werefrenemies, yes,” I tossed her words back at her. “We’re in a relationship now…” And I couldn’t force her about this. “Charli, look—” I straightened. “I’m going to be working on the beach house and will only return to the city full-time when the preseason games start in mid-September. Make a decision about a new place then.”
Frowning, she shifted her tote to her other shoulder. While she contemplated the pros and cons of living with me or at least sharing my apartment or beach house for now, I ushered her into the foyer, hoping she’d choose me.
Back in the apartment, she made her way to her room. I tossed my keys on the entrance table and headed for the kitchen to put the coffee machine on, restlessness keeping me on edge, wishing she’d just say yes, or no, and for me to simply fuck off.
I didn’t hear her footsteps in so much as I felt her presence, like a gentle stroke over my skin, just as I did back when she came to see me in SoMa.
I glanced over my shoulder. She’d changed into one of those short skirts she favored, teamed with a faded, navy university t-shirt and thick gray socks. No shoes. Her hair still piled into a messy knot. My heart clipped hard knowing she was mine. Not totally yet—we still had ways to go with her being a little skittish when it came to relationships—but she was mine.
“By the way,” I said, removing two mugs from the cupboard. “I have a hockey engagement on Saturday.”
“Oh?” She leaned against the counter opposite me, her brow furrowing.
“It means you’re my date.”
“Is it lavish?” she asked warily.
“You don’t like crowds much, do you?”
“No. I’m sorry.” She wrinkled her nose. “It’s just that it makes me feel like I don’t belong there. When I’m with Ila or Ray, then it’s not so overwhelming.”
Yeah, I could understand where she was coming from. I wasn’t an introvert, more a recluse. Except playing hockey made that impossible. “It’s okay. But when I travel for the game, I would like you to come with me. Think about it.”
She stared at me for a second, then slowly nodded. “I’ll do that.”
Thank fuck. At least it wasn’t an outright no. “As for Saturday morning, I’m coaching kids in hockey.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful.” Her smile went from forced to spotlight-bright in ten seconds flat. This girl sure hated the limelight, and I was in it most of the time. It would make our dating tricky. But it was okay, I would be there with her.
“You are aware we have to attend Ila’s showing at the gallery tomorrow evening, right?” I asked.
Aaaaandbam, back to her looking at me like I told her we should elope to Vegas.
She pursed her lips then shrugged. “Yes, I know. Ila and Ray will be there, too.”
Her anchors.But I want to be that for her. “And me.”
She blinked, then a smile curved her mouth. “Yes, you will be. So, what shall we have for our early supper?” she asked, changing the conversation.
Hell. I didn’t want to push her, but whatever this was about crowds that had her almost hyperventilating, I wanted her to talk to me about it.
Really? When you keep all your shit locked inside?
