Page 153 of Until I Own You

When I get to the office, Solomon gives me a look over his shoulder. “Close the door behind you.”

My stomach drops. I didn’t realize this was a private showing of his ship in a bottle, but I do as he says.

“Sit, sit, sit.” Solomon gestures toward the ugly old couch against the wall.

All the furniture in here feels like it’s from the eighties.

Just because it’s ugly doesn’t mean it’s bad, though. There’s something comforting about it all.

I take a seat and try to look casual, which proves to be impossible.

Solomon grabs his ship in a bottle off the top shelf and turns back to face me. He looks at the bottle, then at me. “Look, Seth, I owe you many thanks for what happened the other night.”

My eyebrows lift. “Oh. Well, no thanks needed. Just doing the right thing.”

Solomon is quiet for a moment. “Sure. Sure, of course.”

He sits down in the armchair facing the couch, admiring his work. Then, he holds the bottle out to me. “Take a look for yourself. Easier than it looks, I promise.”

I take the ship in the bottle and stare at it without seeing. My mind is in knots. “It’s…nice.”

“Well, thank you. I’m working on a new one. Should be even nicer. This one is kind of sloppy.”

I will myself to look back at Solomon and just say it. “Sir, I have to be honest–”

“Sir? You’re calling me ‘sir’ now?” Solomon says with an amused smile, leaning back in his chair.

“I just haven’t done something like this before, and I’m not sure how it should go.” My mouth is hot and dry. I try to wet my lips and then go for it. “I’m afraid I have been dishonest with you.”

“Oh?”

“I didn’t want to talk about the boat.” That’s not what you were supposed to say, dummy.

“Is that right?” Solomon asks.

“I have to speak to you about something serious. Something important.”

“And that is?”

Solomon’s eyes are laser-focused on me.

I’ve never feared him, but right now I am afraid he could kill me.

Better now than later.

“I know that the circumstances make it strange, but I have feelings for your daughter.”

Solomon stares at me. Says nothing.

“Romantic feelings.”

Still nothing.

“I love her,” I say, shocked it even came out of my mouth. “I’ve fought it for a long time because of our…”

“Circumstances.” Solomon crosses his legs.

“Yes, thank you. Our circumstances. But I’m only human.” I smile, lips trembling. “And she’s amazing.”

---