Page 111 of An Engagement for Erica

“Do you want to go out tomorrow?” he asked.

“I wouldn’t mind doing something, but not sure what,” she said. “I don’t have anything pressing work wise that I’ve got to take care of.”

He always had something come up, but maybe it’d be nice to take that time away to be with Erica.

“I think you should find something to do tonight,” his mother said. “And hold Tucker to it. Don’t be cheap, Tucker.”

He laughed. “I don’t think anyone would say I was cheap.”

“Only with that fake ring you gave Erica,” his mother said dryly.

He wasn’t sure how he was supposed to take that comment.

That he should have given her a real ring for a charade they were playing?

Or that his mother was hoping a real ring would come out of this?

Yeah, the second one was where his mind was going, but he wasn’t so sure where Erica stood.

And hours later, his mother was back in the guest house and he and Erica were in the family room with the TV on.

“Sorry about my mother tonight.”

“Why?” she asked.

“Because she was getting a little personal. You don’t think I’m cheap, do you?”

Erica laughed and leaned against him on the couch. He put his arm around her. “Hardly that,” she said.

“How about the time we spend together? Am I cheap with that?”

She was silent for about three seconds, but it felt like three minutes. “I don’t think so. And I know my hesitation might give you the wrong impression. I know you’ve got a lot on your plate. I’m trying to give you the time to do what you have to and not feel guilty that you aren’t giving it to me.”

“I’m not sure it’s easy to not feel guilty,” he said. “There is part of me that worries and then the other part that says you understand and it’s all good.”

“I do understand,” she said, leaning back and kissing him on the lips playfully.

“But then I do wonder if it takes away what we should have too. I don’t want to short you.”

“You’re not,” she said sincerely. “I’m busy also. I’ve got two other clients that have reached out this week that need me to work on a few things.”

“Oh,” he said. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

She laughed. “I wasn’t aware I had to fill you in on my business obligations.”

“No,” he said. “You don’t. But do you have to travel for them?”

“I do have to go to New York City next week. Harmony has to for work too. We decided to go together and get a hotel room. We can get things done together and be there for two nights and three days.”

“I’ll miss you,” he said.

She let out a soft laugh. “I’ll miss you too,” she said.

“How much?” he asked.

“Do you want me to show you?”

“I’d love it if you did,” he said.

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