The retriever barks before she takes off, her golden, fluffy tail fluttering behind her like a sail. I giggle again.
“So why did you want me to come out here, Keri? Do you want to go fishing or something?”
I suppress a broad smile. “Nope.”
“A quick dip in the creek?” He points toward the water.
“Nope. Still way too cold this time of the year.”
“Hmmm.” He nods. “I know. You want to build a fire, roast hot dogs, and make s’mores? It is almost dinner time.” He glances at his rugged smartwatch.
“Maybe… once you’re settled.”
The space between his brows crinkles with confusion. “Once I’m settled? What does that mean?”
I’m bold and loop my arm around his, leading him away from the creekbank back toward the house. “I’d like to offer you this property as a home away from home.”
He stops. Molly gallops right up to him with the retrieved stick in her mouth. He throws it again before turning and facing me, uncertainty marring his expression. “I’m not following you, Keri.I’m not interested in purchasing a home at this time. But you would definitely be my first call if I ever changed my mind.”
I’m touched by his sentiment and clear my throat, eager to explain my offer. “I’m not trying to sell you a home right now. Hear me out, okay? No one lives here anymore, Adam. I haven’t had a single inquiry on this property in ages. It’s sat empty, deserted, and forgotten. It’s too remote and isolated. That’s why I don’t live out here alone. There are still several large pieces of furniture inside—an antique couch, some bookshelves, and a table with chairs. I’ve kept the utilities running for the HVAC system to prevent freezing in winter and mold in summer. The stove is electric, and the refrigerator still works. It’s filled with bottled water I provide for the cleaning crew. The plumbing remains functional too. I always have the cleaners flush the pipes each month.”
He scratches the stubble on his handsome face. “So, you… You want me to stay here?”
I glance at the back of the old farmhouse, weathered boards holding countless memories. “I thought you might want a change of pace. Stretch out on private land. Park your van in a safe spot with privacy, where no one will hassle you. You’d have a place for a real shower. You could… breathe a little.”
“Breathe a little?” he questions.
I chew on my lower lip before the words I’ve really wanted to say come out in a rasp of longing. “You know, stay for a while?”
He eyes me with surprise before he looks out over the land, his long hair blowing back from his handsome face as he contemplates my offer. There’s a visible conflict: a part of him seems grateful, while another part still hesitates, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.
I know I’ve only known Adam for a very short time. But I also know that I don’t need a crisis to change my life. I just need one honest moment. Every real shift I’ve ever made has come from a tiny, quiet moment of honesty: I like Adam. I like him a lot. But what I don’t like is thinking about him sleeping in some random parking lot at night and paying for a shower. Or having to keep Molly locked up every time he goes out to dinner or dancing. I can offer him and his dog a private space to park and rest for a while. To roam free for as long as he wants to. I don’t need confidence to do that. I don’t need certainty, or even a game plan. I just need to finally admit to myself the truth about what I want. And I want Adam to stay.
I sigh after a few seconds waiting for him to respond. “No strings attached. Totally free. I just thought—” My speech is unexpectedly cut off as he grabs me by the arms and presses his mouth against mine. I melt in his embrace, his lips warm and inviting. Although the kiss is brief, I have my answer.
Adam is staying.
Chapter Nine
Adam
Keri gives me a quick tour of the old home, the inside unexpectedly clean and spacious, especially for someone used to living in a sprinter van. White sheets cover the larger pieces of furniture left behind, each expansive room built with nine-foot ceilings, intricate woodwork, and transom windows. I especially like the pocket doors and the unique phone nook off the kitchen. I can imagine Keri in her teens yapping on the landline with her closest girlfriends. The thought makes me smile.
We’re standing in what was once the formal living room of the house. Molly lies comfortably on the cool hardwood floors, panting. It’s been good for her to run around outside off-leash in the sunshine. I think she’s going to love this private respite Keri so generously offered.
“You’re welcome to stay in any of the bedrooms upstairs. I’m sorry there aren’t any mattresses to sleep on. I got rid of those when we cleaned everything out a few years ago. We could always get you a blow-up mattress at the Walmart in Newnan if you’d like.”
I shake my head. “I’ve got a yoga mat and a sleeping bag. I’ll be fine downstairs.”
“Oh. Okay.” She peels the sheet off the long sofa situated in front of a bay window. “Or you could always sleep on this couch. It’s an antique and belonged to my great-grandmother back in the day. It’s kind of hideously romantic, isn’t it?”
I eye the dark green velvet, Parisian-style couch that has seen better days and grin. “That might actually fit my height.”
“Good.” She seems pleased. “So I was thinking. How about I go and grab us some supper from Mr. Garcia’s? You know, some street tacos, chips, and salsa. We could have a little welcome home picnic to christen the place. While I’m gone, you can start bringing in your stuff or go take a shower. Whatever you want.”
I slowly approach her, my pulse echoing in my ears as I slide my hands down her arms. Her eyes search mine, glowing wide with unspoken emotion. “Thank you for this,” I murmur, my voice catching slightly.
“You’re welcome.” Her voice is soft from behind her demure smile.
