“Work can wait. Tell me the rest.”
“Well, we spent the afternoon at the park. Dalton played while Malcomb and I talked about things. Found out he was at the bar the other night.”
“Oh really?”
“Um-hmm.” I cleared my throat. “He’s the one who brought me home.”
“Do what?”
“Oh, yeah.”
I told him all about my drinking escapades and how Malcomb had made sure I’d gotten home safe and sound. I also told him about Danny and the text Malcomb sent. Judging by his expression he didn’t approve, but he didn’t say a word. He just sat there and listened as I told him, “And I was too hungover to remember any of it.”
“I didn’t realize you’d drank that much.”
“Neither did I,” I shrugged. “Guess it was good he was there.”
“Yeah, it was.” I needed to get some work done, so I rushed to tell him, “After the park, we went back to the apartment, and Malcomb made us pancakes. It was a really great night.”
“And that was it?”
“Yep.”
“Bullshit,” he argued. “You just said he didn’t leave until this morning, which means he stayed with you last night. Now, quit stalling and tell me.”
“Well, he was going to head home, but he kissed me and umm...” I leaned in closer. “You know.”
“You dirty little whore.” He gave me a playful shove. “You banged him, didn’t you?”
“Jackson,” I hissed. “Keep your voice down.”
He leaned in with a smirk as he whispered, “You banged him, didn’t you?”
“We had a lovely night together.”
“You. Dirty. Whore.”
“Jackson!” I giggled. “Stop.”
“Well, I’m proud of you. It’s about time you two started figuring things out.”
“About that...” I shifted in my seat, preparing myself for his reaction when I told him, “He’s asked me to move in with him.”
“Whoa. That was fast.”
“Yeah, I know.”
Jackson’s voice was laced with concern as he asked, "Are you sure you're ready for that kind of commitment?"
I nodded, feeling my heart swell as I answered, "I think so. I mean, I’ve been hoping for it, right?"
"Yeah, but this is a big step," Jackson pointed out. "It’s been a long time since you two spent any real time together. You do this, and you two will be seeing each other day in and day out, and that can be tough right out the gate."
“I know.” I bit my lip, feeling a surge of anxiety wash over me. “But isn’t that the point?”
“Sounds like you’ve already made up your mind.”
“I guess I have.”