Page 72 of Love Me Forever

"I would like very much for you to move in."

My eyes widened. "Wait, what? Are you serious?"

"Yes. Listen, I don't need an answer now. I want you to think really hard about it. What if something like this happens again? What if the issue with the blood pressure gets worse? If you live here, I can take care of you."

I was completely overwhelmed. I couldn't give him an answer now, even if I wanted to. I just couldn't process it.

He was doing all this for the baby, of course, but I wasn’t sure I could keep that perspective. After just one night, I was falling for him all over again.

"You can have cupcakes whenever you want, your favorite food, and, of course, Netflix series marathons. And I have a few more aces up my sleeve."

I smiled at him. "So, you mean you're not using the big guns on me yet, huh?"

"No. It's all about the layers. You build it up and only bring the defining arguments in the end when you're going in for the kill."

I burst out laughing. This was how we were in Oceanwell Bay. What I had missed when Travis left and hoped we’d rekindle back in Chicago, but we never got the chance because of the pregnancy.

Could it still happen?

"You sound like I’m a business opponent and you're trying to win me over.”

He nodded once. “The strategy is similar, but the arguments differ.”

"Not really helping your case here."

"That's because you haven't heard the defining arguments."

"Am I about to?" I teased.

"No, you're not. As I said, it's all about the layers. For now, I'm only laying the groundwork, giving you something to think about."

"I see. So, when am I to hear the rest?" I inquired.

"When you least expect it. Also, when you're vulnerable.”

"My God, I'm impressed." I took another spoonful of smoothie, mulling this over. After swallowing, I said, "You've got this down to a science."

"I do. Though I have to admit, I've only used it in my business life until now."

I didn't admit it out loud, but his technique was working. He'd planted the idea in my mind. And while I ate my breakfast, it was all I could think about. Could I move in here with him? I wasn't even sure I could make it through this weekend and come out on the other side without jumping him. How could I possibly live here for months? And what if I got used to it? And then, once I was on my own with the baby, could I handle it?

"I'm so full. I can't eat anymore.” I still had some granola left.

"You can eat it later if you want."

"I will."

He took the tray away, then came back a few moments later.

“Want to move to the couch?” he asked me.

"Oh, you'reallowingme to?" I said with sass in my voice.

"I can carry you."

I burst out laughing. As much as I wanted to feel his muscles up close, that was very dangerous.

“I can walk by myself. It feels good to stretch my legs a bit.”

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