Page 71 of Learn Your Limits
The waitress reappears at a perfect time. Reid is acting particularly brattish tonight, and while I love it, I’m about two seconds from putting him over my knee. She pours Reid a glass of wine as she answers his questions about the menu and goes over their specials. While they talk, my eyes stay trained on Reid, how curious and vulnerable he looks as he explains how he hasn’t had much of this fare before.
In the end, he decides on the mac ‘n cheese topped lardon as his entree, while I order the duck confit for myself. Within a minute, a basket of bread and a plate of cheeses and meats as our appetizer is dropped off at our table.
“Please, take anything that might look tempting.” I gesture toward our shared plate, wanting Reid to have his fill before I take some charcuterie for myself.
“Anything that might look tempting, hm?” A little smirk plays on the corners of his lips as he looks me over.
“Eat, or I’ll make sure you go without dessert,” I comment in a stern voice, purposely not looking in his direction as I settle the napkin over my lap.
“Fine.” The whine in his voice amuses me. Thankfully, he grabs a few items for himself, but still loads his plate with mostly butter and bread.
“How were work and classes today?” I ask, reaching over to grab a few pieces of cheese and pickled fruits.
He releases a sigh of frustration, sitting back in his chair before reaching for his wine glass, his fingers absentmindedly trailing along the stem. “Exhausting.”
My heart sinks, knowing he’s beyond busy with his extra shifts and full load of classes. Besides being able to come home to him every night, the major reason I’d like him to move in with me is to not see him struggle like this.
“Reid,” I begin, pausing to take a moment to wipe at my mouth as I feel Reid’s gaze land back on me. I’m never one to hesitate, but my nerves have me on edge tonight, making me feel like I won’t know peace until I ask him. So I blurt, “Will you move in with me?” And I pray he won’t think the suggestion is offensive or completely rash.
His eyes widen, his lips parting in shock for a moment before a smile spreads wide across his face, his amber eyes brightening. “Are you serious?”
“Deadly.” I can’t prevent the matching smile that takes over my face at seeing his excitement at the idea.
I’m grateful there’s a table between us; otherwise, I’d haul him into my arms and effectively embarrass us both. My handreaches into my pocket by its own accord, fingers pinching the extra key to my house tight.
“This is for you, I hope it’s an adequate Valentine’s gift.” Holding the key in my palm, hand hovering over our food, I offer it to him.
With a smile still painted on his face, Reid shoves his chair back from the table, taking the key from my palm as he moves to my side. He leans down and presses his lips to mine, pouring his love into the kiss before pulling back. “I love you,” he says softly. “Of course, I’ll move in with you.”
“I love you too,Muñeco.” The stubble on his cheek tickles my palm as I cup his jaw, his skin pink and warm from the everlasting grin on his face. I’m captivated by the happiness in his eyes, but my mind runs wild with images of Reid making my home into his as well.
It’s all I’ve ever wanted.
Chapter fifty
Reid
I can’t remember the last time I felt this light. Like all of the pressure that has been weighing down on me for months has suddenly vanished, leaving behind nothing but happiness.
However, despite the happiness radiating through me, the last few days have dragged by torturously slow. I would have been ready to move in with Milo the night he asked, but it made more sense to wait a few days. With the weekend finally here, I have a break from classes, and Milo is able to come over to help me pack.
Not that I’m taking much with me beyond my clothing and art supplies. It would’ve been faster to simply throw all of my stuff into a few duffle bags, toss them in the car, and head over to Milo’s. But I’ll admit, there’s a small part of me that’s feeling nervous about the move and is thankful for the bit of extra time that I’ve had with my roommates.
There’s still a shred of doubt lingering in my mind, worried that I may end up being too much for him. What if my messier habits drive him crazy? What if he ends up regretting asking meto move in with him and essentially covering the bill for things while I finish school?
“What time did you say he was gonna be here?” Wes asks, opening the refrigerator to grab an energy drink, the only form of caffeine we keep stocked.
Sliding my phone out of my pocket, I find a text Milo sent a little while ago, telling me that he’s on his way. “He should be here any minute,” I say, dropping my phone onto the counter and nervously combing my hands through my hair. “Fuck, why am I so nervous?”
“Because you know your dad would lose his shit if he found out you were moving in with your psych professor?” Matt offers from his place on the couch, his gaming headphones pulled off one ear.
“That’s incredibly helpful,” I deadpan.
In all honesty, my father’s disapproval hasn’t been on my mind at all. My relationship with my mom has been really good since the fall-out with him. She practically screamed with excitement when I called her to tell her that I’m moving in with Milo.
The people in my life who matter have been supportive and happy for me. If my father doesn’t want to be one of those people, then that’s his choice. If he can’t accept my relationship and my decision to not join his company after graduation, then he doesn’t need to be part of my life.
My heart jolts in my chest when there’s a knock at the apartment door, and all thoughts vacate my mind. All of them except one: It’s time to go home.
