Page 71 of Someday Not Soon

“Never been more ready.”

“Are you nervous at all? About the move?”

“Surprisingly not. I’m taking it as a good indicator that it’s the right decision.”

He glances at me from beneath his arm, and smiles. “Well, I may be biased, but I definitely think it’s the right decision.”

He kisses me and nods towards the tornado of boxes scattered around the living room right outside the bedroom. “Ready to get home, love?”

Home. The word pierces me. Even as a child, I never felt like I fit into my family’s home—I was always theoutsider, searching desperately for a place where I could be wanted, where I felt like I belonged. Eventually, I gave up, accepting that belonging wasn’t in the cards for me. Surviving another day seemed like enough of an accomplishment.

But then one day, Jude walked into my life, and suddenly, that elusive sense of home began to bloom inside me.

My home isn’t a place—it’s a life built around my own happiness. It’s being with Jude, and surrounded by friends who feel like family. It’s a potential career that may not pay as much, but fulfills me in ways that matter. It’s the cold ocean tide lapping at my feet and the warmth of his hand in mine.

Some days you merely survive, and others you flourish.

Finally, I’m home.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Jude

Present

Fourteen days ago,Ella and I drove twelve hours from Washington to California. Her car was loaded to the brim with boxes as I followed behind in a rickety old moving truck.

She’s been staying with me until she finds another place. And every day she’s here, it feels like a goddamn dream come true. She’s the reason I bought this house after all—seeing as it’s exactly like the one we had talked about ten years prior.

If it were up to me, she’d be living here permanently. But I also know how important it is to her to have space, to hold on to her independence. I can set aside my own selfishness, as long as I know she’s happy.

Slamming her laptop shut, she lets out an excited squeal. “I think I found one!”

“Did you? Where’s it at?”

“Out in the boondocks, right past downtown. Someone had one of those tiny homes built on their land and they’re looking to rent it out. Sherie actually told me about it. She knows the owners. They just emailed me and told me I can come take a look at it today.”

Fucking helpful Sherie. “That’s exciting.” Coming up behind her and wrapping my arms around her waist, I bury my head into her neck. “Not going to lie, I’m going to miss you being here.”

Her smile falters. “Me too. But it’d be crazy to move in together so soon, right? Everyone would think we’re insane.”

Fuck everyone else.

I kiss her neck, inhaling the clean, crisp scent of her. “You already know I’d have you officially moved in within the hour. But make yourself the priority, and do whatever makesyouhappy. Fuck everyone else, me included.”

“Mmm, you know, fucking you does sound pretty nice.”

“You’re killing me.” My dick comes awake merely at her suggestion. I can tell she feels the swell of it behind her, pressing against her low back, as she purposely squirms to get as close as humanly possible.

“Such a little cocktease,” I mumble.

Looking up at me with a satisfied smirk, she rocks her ass against me one more time to really get my attention. “Come with me to look at the house?”

“Let’s go take a look, love.”

As I grab my keys out of the basket on the counter, I domy best not to cross my fingers that this place is an absolute shit hole. If it’s what she wants, then I’ll support that. Even if my flight-or-fight does want to throw her over my shoulder and march her back inside the house—ourhouse.

We drive through downtown, passing storefronts that perfectly encapsulate the charm of a small town. From the outside, none of them appear especially modern, but their vintage appeal makes them come alive.

---