Page 114 of The Proposal
“Not much.”
“Come to bed with me. I need you, Blakely. More than I’ve ever needed anything else.”
That’s all he has to say.
Because even though I’m worried, scared, and unsure about the future, I know I’ll be there if he needs me.
And really—I need him too.
CHAPTER24
Blakely
“What’s wrong?” Renn reaches for me across the middle console. “Are you okay? You’ve been quiet this evening.”
I let him have my hand but stare out the window. The community we entered a few minutes ago, one that’s a short drive from Renn’s, is more upscale than his.And I don’t know what to do with it. Mansions that must expand into five digits in square footage make the luxury cars in the driveway look like toys. It’s overwhelming.
I’m intimidated.
My stomach has been upset all day—since last night, really, when Renn said we’d talk after his mother’s dinner. He’s acted normally toward me, more or less. He’s a little on edge. Jumpy. His brows pinch together when he thinks I’m not looking. I’m confident it’s not a health issue like Brock’s, but I don’t know what’s bothering him.
And I hate it.
The unknown screws with my confidence and messes with my heart. I feel my walls going up, readying to protect me from impending doom. I’m aware of this reaction; it’s a weakness. I know I should give Renn the benefit of the doubt, especially because he hasn’t given me a real reason not to.
But pain is pain, and I’m unprepared for the heartbreak he could deliver.
“You look beautiful,” he says, removing his hand to downshift.
We pull onto a circular driveway in front of a three-story home. The sun’s final rays give the home a backdrop of amethyst and ruby. It’s as though Mother Nature feels compelled to contribute to the wealth of this family.
Renn turns off the main drive and around a half wall. On the other side is a line of cars that cost more than the GDP of small nations.
Holy fuck.
“It’s just my family,” he says, warily. “Remember that. These are just my parents and siblings. It’s not a big deal.”
“If these machines are their daily drives, this is a big deal.”
He cuts the engine. “What’s the worst that could happen? Give me your worst-case scenario.”
“I don’t know. I make a fool out of myself?”
He grins. “Impossible. But let’s say you manage it. You’ll still be adorable.”
I smile as he kisses me.
“Now, come on,” he says, opening his door. “The sooner we get this started, the sooner it’s over.”
“Amen.”
I round the front of his car, taking in his good looks. His hair is fixed in hisI woke up like thisstyle. He wears dark denim jeans and a checkered button-up that he refused to tuck in. The sleeves are rolled to his elbows.
“Did you keep everything Astrid sent?” he asks, snatching my hand again.
“No. Did you see the price tag on some of those clothes? It’s outrageous.”
He chuckles as we walk to the door. “Did it all fit?”
