“I care about him. A lot. I know he feels the same way, but we’re taking it slow. He’s a good friend of Ethan’s and I don’t want it to be weird if things don’t work out, ya know?”
“No, I don’t know.”
Bella knew that tone. She’d heard it every time she’d failed a math test because she hadn’t studied hard enough.
“You shouldn’t be thinking about it ending when it’s barely started.” She wagged a finger at Bella. “That’s your problem, you know. You’re always looking for an exit strategy. In case things don’t work out, which they never do, because you’ve always got one foot out the door.”
Her mother wasn’t the type to pull punches, but Bella didn’t expect her to call her out so soon after learning about Loran. “I don’t have one foot out the door. It’s different with him.”
“Is it?” She didn’t look convinced. “Tell me how.”
“We get along great. We talk and laugh. Have great chemistry. He really gets me and I get him too.” They were friends, in addition to having an intimate relationship, and she’d never had that before.
“Will it be hard for you when spring training starts?”
“Honestly, I haven’t thought that far ahead. We’re just taking things one day at a time right now.”
“But you must be spending a lot of time together. Loran told me you were designing a house for him.”
“I am. And we are.” Bella was satisfied to leave it at that, but she knew her mother wouldn’t be.
“This house… what’s it like?”
“It’s going to be beautiful. Everything he’s ever wanted, I hope.” That was her goal with this project, to exceed his expectations, and give him things he’d never even realized he wanted.
“Has he given you any indication he’d like someone to share it with him?”
Subtlety had never been her mother’s strong suit.
“He says he’s ready for marriage and kids.” Bella tried to ignore the smug smile on her mother’s face as she dusted a tray of homemade lemon bars with icing sugar.
“Is that so? I wasn’t sure he would be. I know he has a bit of a reputation. I thought maybe you two were just having fun. I know that’s always been your relationship strategy, have fun for as long as it lasts, then cut your losses and move on.”
That made her sound cold and indifferent and Bella didn’t think she was. Granted, she’d never been in love before, but that didn’t mean she’d felt nothing for the men she’d dated.
Her mother touched her face gently, a small smile gracing her lips. “Don’t give me that look. You know I love you too much to sugar coat it. I just want you to be happy, and if Loran makes you happy, which he seems to, I just don’t want to see you screw it up because you can’t commit.”
“I have committed to him.” Bella bit her lip as she realized it was true. For the first time ever she was all in with a man. “He’s my boyfriend. That’s all I can tell you right now.”
***
“Sorry,” Loran said from the kitchen door. “Didn’t mean to interrupt. Just came in to grab a few more beers for the guys.” He’d overheard Bella tell her mother that he was her boyfriend, which he supposed should make him happy. At least she was willing to label their relationship.
“You’re not interrupting,” Bev said, smiling sweetly at him. “Honey,” she said to her daughter, “Would you mind taking that platter into the living room? The kids are probably ready for some sweets.”
“Uh, sure.”
Bella cast him an uncertain glance, but he winked to let her know he was cool with her mother peppering him with questions about their relationship.
He dropped a quick kiss on Bella’s lips as she passed, making her mother smile.
“You’re crazy about her, aren’t you?” she asked, as soon as her daughter left the room. “I’ve been watching you two and you’ve barely taken your eyes off her all day.” She poured two cups of coffee and handed one to Loran. “You don’t need another beer. Neither does my son. You’re both driving.”
Loran smirked as he raised his mug. “Point taken.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“Am I crazy about your daughter?” He didn’t even hesitate. “Yes ma’am, I sure am.”
