Her eyes widened. “Ugh, I never thought of that. You’re right. We should go and see them first.” She pouted. “But what about the dog? I kind of had my heart set on that.”
I loved her enthusiasm for the small things in life. It reminded me that I didn’t always need to be jet-setting off to the next tropical locale, eating at five-star restaurants or sitting in the front row to watch my favorite team kick ass to be happy. Taking pleasure in the simple things that lit her up were good enough for me. While I’d been busy amassing wealth and posting about my life in the fast lane, she’d been building a real, authentic life.
“Why don’t we pass by your place after we see your parents and you can grab an overnight bag? We’ll hit the grocery store, grill some dinner at my place, and we can talk some more about your plans for the house.” If it sounded a lot like an all-weekend date, that was my intent. I wanted her to get so comfortable spending time with me that she never wanted to leave. “Then we can hit up the shelter in the morning, and spend some time in the afternoon getting the old boy used to us and his new home, while getting some of those pics you want for social media.”
She considered my proposal while munching on her fries. “That could work, as long as you don’t mind if I make you dinner tonight? I need a new recipe of the week and I have to do a test run before I film it.”
I chuckled. “Do I mind if you make me dinner? You’re kidding, right?” This girl could hold her own against any Michelin chef and I knew what a lucky bastard that made me.
She smiled. “You might have to take up jogging again if you’re going to be eating my cooking.”
I was a multi-sport athlete in high school and jogging was my favorite form of cardio. We’d often run together, and it was a hobby I wouldn’t mind resurrecting if she promised to join me. One step at a time, I was determined to build a life with this woman. The life of her dreams.
“Jogging, huh?” My gaze raked over her. “I could think of more exciting ways to burn calories, but I wouldn’t mind jogging again.”
She waved a hand in front of her face as the color stained her cheeks. “Who are you? And what are you doing to me?”
I’d always tabled the sexual innuendo around Gia. Friends told me the chemistry was palpable when we were together, but I kept the flirting to a minimum so I wouldn’t make her uncomfortable or scare her away. Now that I’d be calling her my wife, all bets were off.
“Sorry, not sorry.”
She laughed, shaking her head. “Why haven’t you ever asked me out?”
I choked on the water I was drinking before I asked, “Excuse me?”
“I mean, you’re flirting with me now, but you’ve never asked me out. I always assumed you weren’t interested.”
My eyes widened. Was she for real? “Girl, do you even own a mirror? I’m a single guy. Of course, I’m interested in you.”
“I know you’re interested in sex,” she whispered as she leaned in. “That goes without saying. All guys are. But you’ve never been interested inme.”
Ouch. That hurt. She thought I was only after her body? “What kind of assholes have you been dating while I’ve been away, G?” I’d like to beat every last one of them for ever making her doubt how incredible or desirable she was.
“What do you mean?”
“You think that’s the only reason a guy would want you… for sex?”
Her eyes dipped to her plate before she shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s not like anyone has wanted more. I’ve never been engaged or—” She drew a deep breath, squaring her shoulders before she looked me in the eye. “Forget it, none of this matters. I’m just going to run to the restroom, then I’ll fire off a text to my mom to make sure they’re home so we can pass by there. Sound good?”
I knew this wasn’t the time to push her, so I nodded, as I watched her slide out of the booth and make a beeline for the restroom. I was going to have my work cut out for me, undoing all of the damage her ex’s had done. But I was up for the challenge. I’d prove to her that I was the one man she could count on, and I was in this for the long haul.
ChapterFour
Gia
Thankfully we’d already had lunch and it was too early for dinner, so my parents had been satisfied when we’d said we were just going to stop by for coffee. I hated lying to my parents. It took me back to my years as a reckless teen, sneaking out of the house, and feeling so ashamed when I got caught. I was a daddy’s girl and his look of disappointment still did me in every damn time.
Speaking of my daddy, he was in the garage having a man-to-man with Joel while my mom peppered me with questions about our relationship. Good times.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you all were dating,” she said, slapping my thigh as we sat on the patio and sipped homemade iced coffee. “You know how much we like Joel.”
“I didn’t want you to get your hopes up. I know how you are. You’d have been booking the church if I told we were seeing each other.”
She cast a quick glance at the detached two-car garage before she whispered, “Can you blame me? That man is a catch. Always was, but even more so now. And my goodness, can you imagine the babies you two would have? Beautiful, I tell you, just beautiful.”
I rolled my eyes. “Calm down, Mom. No one is having babies anytime soon.” I didn’t have the heart to tell her I may never have babies. Not that I didn’t want them, but putting my career first might mean sacrificing the family I’d always wanted.
She clucked her tongue. “Don’t say that, Gia. You’re not getting any younger. Besides, all of your friends are having babies. Why not you and Joel?”
