Page 46 of Someday You Learn

“Well, it’s more than I could have ever imagined.” I look back up, into his eyes. “I can’t thank you enough.”

“You’ve said that, Cashlynn.”

“I know, but—”

“I’m in this, okay? I know a thing or two about wanting something so badly you feel like you would do anything to make it work.”

He takes my hand and leads me back to the car, effectively ending our conversation. And even though I want to press him further, I decide against it. He may not be saying much about where his head is at, but his actions speak volumes.

As we head home, I stare at the ring on my finger, turning over the possibilities in my mind. Would I be a fool not to explore this thing between us while I have the chance?

What if he doesn’t feel the same way I do? What if it ends horribly, and then we have to see each other everywhere in this small town?

But taking risks is why I’m here—risking my career, my dreams, and maybe even my heart.

Maybe Hazel’s right and it’s time to test the waters. I’m tired of not living, not chasing what I want. So here goes nothing.

Let the games begin.

Chapter eight

Parker

“Um, what are you doing?”

The sound of a voice coming from my bedroom doorway almost makes me drop the iron on my foot. Unfortunately, I let out an embarrassing shriek instead, lifting my empty hand to my chest to cover my racing heart. “Holy fuck, Cashlynn! You scared the shit out of me!”

She holds her coffee cup in front of her chest, her hip cocked to one side. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t my intention. But, um…” Her gaze drops to the ironing board. “Are you ironing your socks?”

I glance down at the perfectly pressed dress socks and then back up at her, catching the way her ring sparkles on her left hand—the ring I gave her last night that made all of this real. Clearing my throat, I try to shake off the burst of adrenaline coursing through me. “Is that a problem?”

Her mouth parts slightly. “Uh, yes…”

“Why?”

This woman is staring at me like I’m some blue alien with the largest dick she’s ever seen. “What kind of person irons their socks?”

Myeyes dart back and forth between Cashlynn and my socks that are cooling off the longer we stand here. “They’re dress socks.”

“So?”

“You don’t iron yours?”

Her eyes widen like I’ve just suggested she eat her cereal with a fork. “No, Parker. I’m normal.”

Rolling my eyes, I go back to my task, not in the mood to argue with this woman about yet another thing. “What can I do for you, Cashlynn? As you can see, I’m getting ready for work.”

She chuckles and then takes a sip of her coffee. “I just came in to say hello.”

It’s Monday morning. Cashlynn and I barely spoke after we got home from my mom’s house last night. After giving her the ring I picked out, my chest felt tight. Once I slid that ring on her finger, I knew there was no turning back from my decision. And watching her with my family last night was something else.

For once, I wasn’t the only single person in the room. Hazel doesn’t count; she’s in a league of her own. But I’m used to being the one everyone feels sorry for. They know why I haven’t dated in four years. They know my feelings about being in a serious relationship again.

But last night, I had Cashlynn beside me, and for a moment, I didn’t feel so fucking alone.

Then I woke up this morning and went through my normal routine, forgetting there’s another person living in my house now. That is, until she just scared the shit out of me and is now judging me for my totally reasonable sock-ironing habits.

It’s not that weird, is it?

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