Page 131 of Seven Year Itch
“Oh God, what? Do you want to redo this house again? I knew it was coming. It’s been seven years, and the styles are changing, and you just can’t fucking sit still, can you, woman?” He flops onto the sofa beside me and scrubs his hand through his hair. “Come on, show me what I need to get working on.”
I smile and shake my head at him. “You better watch your tone, mister. You’re going to like this list, I think.”
I open up my computer to reveal my presentation. Calder isn’t the only one with PowerPoint skills.
Title: Calder Gets His Domestic On
His laugh is soft and warm as he puts his arm around me and moves in close. “What is this?”
“You’ll see,” I say excitedly and flip to the next slide.
Primary Objective: To live happily ever after.
“Too late,” he says, kissing my shoulder and sending goose bumps all over me. “I’m already there.”
Secondary Objective: To have more great sex.
“I really like where this is going, Ace.”
PROPOSED PLAN:
#1: More Cat Walks
“Already loving this presentation.” His voice is thick with giddiness as I click to the next slide.
#2: Family Feud in the Workshop
He eyes me skeptically. “Is this a list of all my favorite things?”
I giggle and remain silent because it’s all of my favorite things too.
#3: Weekly Hot Tub Dates
“Baby, you know I don’t need a presentation to see you in a bikini more. Count me in.”
#4: Dinner Together Every Night
“Okay, I think we can figure that one out.”
#5: Move In Together.
“Seriously?” Calder asks, and his body goes tense beside me.
I nod and smile. “You’ve been so patient with me, and it means so much to me that you’re not pressuring me to do anything until I’m ready. And while I’m still in no rush to get married again, this... this I can do. If it’s something you want, of course.”
“Fuck yes, I want it!” He leans in and presses a chaste kiss to my lips. “I’ll start packing this week.”
My lips part in shock at that very unexpected response.
“What did I say?” he asks, his brows furrowed as he notices my change in demeanor.
“You’d move into my house?” I ask, feeling my eyes sting with tears.
“Well, yeah, I thought that’s what we were talking about. I know how much this house means to you. You worked hard on it and have big dreams for it. I don’t want to take that away from you.”
“But your brothers,” I croak, my voice thick with emotion.
He shrugs. “I’ll still see them all the time. I’m not worried. The cabin can be like our getaway place.”
