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“It’s the big store on the corner,” she explains. “It’s historical and pretty famous to the locals. My mom worked there all through my childhood and up until she met Tim. Anyway, the woman’s husband was walking their dog by the lake downtown and the dog got attacked by an alligator. It snatched him from the water’s edge and dragged him under. They never found the dog. It scared me to death because the day before I’d been at that lake, skipping rocks and splashing. That could have been me.” She shivers and hugs the blankets tighter.
“That’s scary. I’m surprised you let me take you out here.” Amazed really. “If I’d known what caused your fear, I wouldn’t have suggested it.”
“I’m glad I came. I’m glad I got to see this.” She gazes at the stars again.
“It’s pretty brave of you, Sadiecakes.”
She giggles and shakes her head.
Feeling a little better now that I’ve got her talking and smiling, I start the engine and then drive us to shore.
We exit onto the dock. I take the pile of blankets, and I offer her the less bulky, empty basket to carry.
“Do you want to talk?” I ask on the way up the slight incline to the house. Small lights line a stone trail, leading the way.
Hooting sounds in the trees, drawing Sadie’s gaze. “What was that?”
“An owl.”
“I’ve been in the city for too long. I forgot what it’s like to be surrounded by nature. I miss it.”
“Maybe you should move back.” Maybe you should move here. The thought throws me off balance. I stumble but catch myself before she notices.
She draws in another deep breath and releases it out slowly. “It’s something to think about.”
She gets quiet again, and I can’t help but wonder if she’s thinking about Dash and his offer to move to a small town outside of Atlanta. It won’t be like this. She won’t get what she wants most. This is what she wants. Maybe I could build her a house on part of the property. Would she like that? Coming from me, probably not. She’d think I’m taking pity on her. Coming from Everleigh though, she might be open to it.
I should talk to my sister-in-law, ASAP. But wait. How does that fit in with my lifestyle? Would bringing women back to the house make things awkward if Sadie ran into us or noticed? After the sex I had with Sadie, the thought of other women is a complete turn off. I can’t imagine sleeping with anyone other than her. Hell, I’d take her to my bed and have my way with her right now if she seemed interested in round two. I can’t get a read on her though, unusual for me.
“Let’s go in through the basement.” I lead her around the side of the house to the entrance.
We enter a hallway, where I dump the blankets in a laundry room.
“So this is where this is,” she says.
“One of them. I prefer the laundry room on the second floor.” I freeze. “Wait. Did I not tell you where they are?”
She lets out a breathy giggle. “No, but I wouldn’t have needed to use them. I’m leaving—or I was leaving this Friday.” She sighs. “I wish I had more clothes now. I need to make sure Reva can keep watering my plants, too. At least I was smart enough to bring DP. I should check on him.” She takes a step then pauses. “Which way to the stairs?”
“I’ll take that.” I retrieve the basket from her and point down the hallway. “The stairs are halfway down on the left.”
“Thanks.” She walks off, leaving me dumbstruck and uncomfortable in a way I’ve never known. I’m not a closure guy. I’m an upfront guy. But with Sadie and this situation, I need closure. More importantly, I need to know how she feels about us having sex and if we can continue to have more. I’ve never been in this predicament. The uncertainty is a mental torment I’m not familiar with.
I empty the basket, then set it on the counter. Once I’m upstairs I glance around the empty great room, my gaze landing on the kitchen. I’d planned to make coffee or cocoa. I ordered hot chocolate for her after she mentioned it the other night. The delivery arrived yesterday with an assortment of flavors: dark chocolate, milk, peppermint, hazelnut, and s’more.
I need a shower, but I’m not yet ready to leave in case she comes down. Screw it. I text her.
Easton: Do you want hot cocoa?
Sadie: We don’t have any.
Easton: I got some.
Sadie: You did?
Easton: Surprise.
Sadie: That was sweet, but I need to shower.
