Page 47 of Raspberry Cake
“Is your lady going to join or is she already on her way?”
“Just sent her off.”
“Give me an hour.” And with that, Shannon hung up the phone.
Once Shannon arrived, they stuffed their stomachs before searching the mall for acceptable clothes for Renley to meet Eveline’s family.
“Fuck, you’re nervous.”
Renley thought he’d been playing it cool but naturally, Shannon read right through his shit. “Yeah, I am,” he admitted, shoulders slumping. “She said there is no need to be, but I can’t seem to get out of my head.”
“So, you guys talked about it?”
“We did—we talk openly about most things. She’s been incredible and makes me feel comfortable having those conversations.”
Shannon smacked his hand on Renley’s shoulder. “Look at you, all grown up in a healthy relationship. I do have a question, but you don’t have to answer.”
Renley crooked his brow at his best friend, leading him into the next store.
“Did she hire you that night because she’s in a chair?”
Sifting through his options, Renley pondered how he should answer that. “Part of it.”
“And how do you feel about it?”
“Her being in a wheelchair? I don’t care.” He shook his head and picked a sleek black shirt. “I mean, Idocare, but more in the sense that I see things differently now. Like, when I plan something for us, I need to make sure things are accessible for her. She’s figured out her life pretty well.”
“You don’t see yourself as her caretaker?”
“Not in the sense you might think. We’ve talked about that too. She doesn’t want me to feel like I am, but part of a relationshipistaking care of each other.”
“You don’t think of me as an asshole for asking?”
Renley sighed and shrugged. “A little. I mean, I get it: You don’t want me to hop into a relationship I’m not ready for. Being with an abled woman could be seen as more convenient to some, but Eveline’s never made me feel like I’m not in a normal relationship.”
“She seems like a good woman.”
“I sense a ‘but’ coming…”
“She’s bossy. I never thought you liked that kind of woman.”
Renley bit his lip, ducking away to hide his blush—but his best friend was none the wiser.
“Oh, fuck—spit it out!”
The words slipped out before Renley could stop himself. “She’s not bossy in the bedroom.”
“She lets you toss her around, huh?”
The smirk got brighter, so bright it pained his heated cheeks. “A little.”
“Kinky.”Oh if he only knew…. “So, is this a ‘dating to get married’ relationship?” Shannon carefully poked deeper.
“Yes.”
“Wow. There’s no hesitation there.”
“We know each other’s expectations.”
