Page 132 of The 21-Day Boyfriend
“I trust you blindly.” And it’s only while I’m saying it I realise just how true it is; just how much I want him to trust me the same way.
* * *
IJOINERIC in the kitchen and sit on a stool around the island.
“I’ve never seen such a huge kitchen,” I admit, looking around, almost intimidated. “I wouldn’t even know where to start.”
Eric glances at me from over his shoulder. “Lucky for you, I’m here.”
I smile, even though he can’t see me; he’s too busy rummaging through the cupboards.
“What are you doing?”
“Inventory.” He takes notes, closing the door over and letting his attention land on me. “And a shopping list.”
“Can I do anything to help?”
“You can relax and pour yourself a drink.”
“I think I’ve already drunk enough for tonight. My attention span is dwindling. Your grandmother trashed me three times.”
“Granny always wins.”
“I got that.” I clear my throat, then ask: “I couldn’t help but notice you’re not drinking tonight.”
“Observant of you.”
“You usually drink with me.”
“I wanted to be completely clear-headed.”
“For tomorrow? For dinner and everything?”
Eric considers his answer. “Granny has made up the bedroom in the guesthouse.”
“What’s that, sorry?”
“Surely you weren’t expecting us to have two separate rooms?”
“I don’t follow.”
“My grandmother is very open-minded, you know.”
“I still don’t get it…”
“She’s expecting us to want to sleep together – and not under her roof.”
“Oh… Got it, of course.” I tug at the collar of my shirt, suddenly flushed with heat.
“Are you scared to sleep with me, Mr. Quinn?”
“Scared? Why would I be scared of sharing a room with you?”
He turns away from me again and heads over to the fridge, opening the door and sticking his head inside. He studies its contents for a while, then goes back to his list.
I think about this whole situation, his words, my question which never got an answer. Finally, I put the pieces together.
“You’re the one who’s scared to sleep with me.”
