Page 105 of This and Every Life
I lick my lips before answering him. “I’m yours.”
Lee barely blinks. “You realize how that sounds, don’t you?”
“It’s the truth.”
He exhales, leaning back, the broad lines of him taking up a substantial portion of the cushion he’s on. “I can’t decide if it’s brave or foolish, how transparent you are.”
“I don’t have a choice.”
“Don’t you?”
I shake my head slightly. “Not with you.”
Lee shuts his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I need to get my truck. And you need your bike.”
“Sure. Shall I call us a carriage?”
He opens his eyes slowly, peering at me.
I shrug. “You said you like feeling old.”
Lee huffs a short breath, shaking his head as I grab my phone to order a ride. I swear there’s a smile on his face hiding not far below the surface. It’s nearly dark when we get to the park, and Lee helps me load my bike into the bed of his electric truck.
He hesitates once we’re inside the vehicle, his hands flexing on the wheel. “Where am I taking you?”
“That depends, I guess.”
“On?”
I hold his gaze. “Whether or not you want me gone.”
He groans, looking pained. “Jesus. One day. I’ve known youone day.”
“I’ve known you a lot longer.”
He blinks several times, gaze aimed up at the roof, his hand rubbing over his mouth and stubbled chin. “God. Fine. But you’re sleeping in the guest room.”
“If you want.”
He doesn’t say a word to that, only pulls out of the now-closed park. We stop at my rental first so I can grab a bag of essentials. Most of my things are still boxed up. Unpacking hasn’t been a priority.
Back at Lee’s, he cooks us dinner while I take a shower. I thought I would feel more…frantic than I do now that I’m finally here. I’ve been racing toward this point for so long, after all. Searching for this man forsolong.
But all I feel is…eerily calm. Settled.
I never expected Lee to believe me. At least not this quickly. To maybe evenacceptme.
I probably should have known better.
Lee is in the kitchen when I get downstairs. He spares me a glance as I join him at the table, Shelly licking her paw not far off. He’s a great cook. The pasta dish is full of flavor, chicken and cherry tomatoes giving it a healthy edge. I wolf down a good portion before coming up for air.
“I can help with groceries,” I offer, knowing my cooking skills are not at the same level as his.
He raises an eyebrow. “Planning on staying long?”
At my non-answer, Lee huffs a breath.
“When do you go back to school?” I ask, grabbing his plate to clean up before he has a chance.
