Page 2 of No Limits

“Yes, that too. Not that you cook.” He bumps his shoulder into mine. I still let him do the lion’s share of the cooking. It’s just easier since he enjoys it and I…well…don’t.

We look around the rest of the upstairs, finding a gorgeous master suite and two updated bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling tilework in the showers.

There’s no denying how nice the house is, even being a bit large for just the two of us. But the more we look around, the more I can envision us here. Lochlyn could have an office, and I could have a desk in there as well for my homework and eventually maybe something else. The two extra rooms are perfect for guests, or kids.

And there is a spacious yard for both children and dogs to play in.

“Okay. I’m in. It’s a stunning house, and I can see us in it. Let’s do it.”

When we get back downstairs, I walk through the lower level again while Lochlyn and Alisha talk offers. It’s not that I don’t want to be involved; I just still feel weird letting Lochlyn spend so much money on me. And while this is a house for us, I know he only showed it because it’s a houseIwould love.

The others we’d looked at weren’t quite my style. Some too small, some had a poor layout. While I’m okay staying in the apartment, if he wants to buy a house, he knows it has to have an amazing element. And this one does.

A smile spans my face and warmth envelops me, one that isn’t from the sheer heat of the day. Everything is going right. We’re on a good path.

But that moment of happiness bursts when I hear Lochlyn’s phone ringing again.

“Hello. Yes, sir. You got it. I’ll be there, not a second late.”

I know what that means. He won’t be home for dinner tonight. Or he’ll be late getting home and I’ll go to bed alone. Again.

I finger the lacy curtains, looking out at the front yard. There’s a family across the way, with three little boys playing in a sprinkler. The mom is sitting in a lawn chair with a hand fan. The dad is nowhere to be seen. It’s possible he’s inside, or maybe he’s doing some work around the house.

But this is childhood fun—a family thing to do with the kids running around screaming while the parents look on sweating.

And for a moment, while I’m anticipating another night alone, I can’t help but wonder if that’s my future.

Chapter 2

“Where’sLochlyn?Whyisn'the with us?” Chelsea jogs to catch up with having gotten distracted by a dining set.

“He had to work today.” There’s a resoluteness to my tone.

“It’s Saturday.” Disgust hangs from her words.

“I know, but he’s trying so hard to build a name for himself.”

“These are things you should be doing together. Not with me.”

“He’ll do the next one with me.” I can't meet her eyes as I look at the price tags and run my hand along the backs of sofas as I wander through the furniture store. I’m sure she’ll see the lack of confidence in my words.

She flops onto a sofa and winces. “Not this one?”

I roll my eyes and laugh. Furniture shopping is far from my favorite thing, but I was planning to do this with Lochlyn. I'd been looking forward to doing it together, spending the day envisioning what would fit and where. I was sure he was going to make some game out of it, like he does with a lot of other things. His playful, carefree demeanor hasn't shown itself as much lately.

He’s just stressed. I hate how often I keep telling myself that.

“I still don't like that he’s ditching you on a Saturday. Again. Especially when you had plans to do this together. You've been sitting on old random junk for, like, six weeks now.” The tone of anger and irritation is a throwback to how she used to be toward him. I hate to see that come back out just because he’s working.

“Yeah, but you know Lochlyn. He gives everything his one hundred percent.”

“So how much is he giving you?”Ouch. That one hurts. Because she knows it’s far less than one hundred percent and far lesser than it used to be.

“It’s an adjustment, Chels. That’s all.” I hope I’m convincing her, because I’m certainly not convincing myself.

“If he doesn't shape up soon, I’ll have to beat the hell out of him.”

“Like you could.” A quick jut of my chin in her direction and a smirk has her smiling back.

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