Page 61 of Lime Tree Hill

“It’s just, while I appreciate what you did, I don’t want you to be at a financial disadvantage because of me.”

She waited for him to address her concerns, but instead, he went to start the engine, then stopped with a second thought. “Why didn’t you want to come back?” He turned to face her again.

“When?”

“Today. You left your stuff at your parents’ place without even telling me you were home.”

She leaned back on the headrest and sighed. “Everything got on top of me… I wanted a few days alone to get my act together. Mum’s running on auto pilot, Dad’s struggling with depression, Lisa thinks I was selfish for eloping, and Ruby keeps singing my praises because we did. On top of that, you said you found living with me frustrating. I got the impression I’d passed my use-by date.”

Silence stretched before them. “I didn’t say I found living with you frustrating.”

“Um, I think you did.”

“I said, I’m frustrated when I’m around you.”

A frown creased her brow. “Semantics.”

“Is it?” Mitch slipped his arm along the back of her seat, leanedtoward her and whispered, “Did you hear what I said? Or only what you wanted to hear?”

“You said…” Realization dawned on her. She tensed.

“Look me in the eye and tell me you’ve never thought about us.” He moved closer, his fingers twisting a lock of her hair. “Us, married with benefits. Maybe that was your final condition. The one you couldn’t voice because you were afraid I’d say no.”

Fierce heat crept up her neck and face. He was right. Back then, she’d feared his rejection. She still did. “And would you have? Said no?”

“At the time. Mixing business with pleasure is never a good idea.” They shared a look. “Besides, you didn’t like me much at that stage.”

“So why consider it now?” Unsure of what his response would be, Tayla braced herself.

“Because I think you like me more than you let on. But something’s holding you back, am I correct?”

My virginity.

“Look,” Mitch continued, “if I’ve crossed a line, I apologize. If not, take your time. I’m happy to wait.”

She sat up straight and fastened her seatbelt with unsteady hands. “We should get going.”

27

WHAT IF?

They returnedto Lime Tree Hill in silence. Tayla mentally played with her words all the way, wanting to agree to his suggestion but concerned at what would happen if she did. There’d be no going back once they took that step, and if it didn’t work out, how could they continue living together?

Mitch pulled into his usual parking space outside the packing shed. He left the Hilux without a word but smiled as he held the door open for her. Upstairs, one dim light glowed above the dining table, and CeCe had gone to bed. Mitch grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, unscrewed the lid, and took several gulps.

“You take my room.” He screwed the cap back on without looking at her. “I’ll sleep in the office.”

“I’m not putting you out of your own bed. I’ll take the office.”

“No, you won’t.”

She huffed a sigh. “Fine. We’ll share then, shall we? Do you have any extra pillows?”

Mitch frowned. “What for?”

“We could put a couple between us.”

He looked at her in disbelief. “Are you serious? If you don’twant me to touch you, just say so. But what are you afraid of? That you might enjoy it?”

---