Page 37 of Burning Obsession

“Yeah.”

“You really like him.”

I stare down at my hands.

“Yeah.”

“Then stop worrying about whether everyone else is going to approve and just enjoy the fact that he wants to spend the whole weekend with you.”

That hits harder than I expect.

Because she's right. He didn’t have to invite me, but he did. I even gave him an out. But he still wants me to go. He even asked if I was comfortable sharing a room. He’s thinking of me. And it’s nice.

Before I can say anything else, I hear the doorbell ring.

“Oh shit, Nellie. He’s here. I have to go.”

“Wait!” she screams before I can hang up.

“What?”

“I want details. And pictures.”

“I’ll think about it.” I stand up and head to the door, pulling my jacket off the hook, and putting it on. The doorbell rings again.

“I’m coming,” I call out loud enough for him to hear.

“Nellie, I love you. I’ve got to go.”

“Pictures,” she says again. “If I don’t get pictures, then this weekend didn’t happen. And I want good ones. Full face. The two of you together.”

“Goodbye, Nellie.”

“Victor!”

“What? I need to go.”

“Have fun and don’t overthink. Just be present in the moment. And send me those pictures.”

I take hold of the deadbolt, unlocking the door.

“Fine.” With that I hang up, shove my phone in my pocket, place one hand on the handle and take a deep breath before opening the door.

Jake’s standing there, with a smile on his face. “You had me scared. I thought you were having second thoughts.”

“No, just a sister that doesn’t know how to get off the phone.”

“Good, ready to go?” He reaches out and takes my suitcase from me. Never has a man done that before.

“I can carry my own bag.” I laugh.

“I know. But I want to.”

I look at him with utter disbelief. This man is amazing. I step into the hallway and shut the door behind me, making sure to lock it.

We make our way to the elevator. Neither of us saying anything until we get to his truck.

“Are you ready for this? I want to warn you, sometimes my family can be a bit much.”