Page 84 of Learning at 40

I instantly wrinkle my nose and then feel bad.

Zack softly chuckles. “I didn’t think so.” He turns to glance at the property over his shoulder. “I won’t lie and say I’d be happy to give up this land. I would be sorry because it’s a beautiful piece of property with a gorgeous setting.” He shifts his attention back to me. “But it’s the gorgeous woman I want more than anything. I’ll live in a box with you if you want. I just want to be together.”

Mr. Dress Shirts and Khaki Shorts would never live in a cardboard box, but I hear what he’s saying.

“I don’t want to move,” I admit of the truth. I do love this house and this location.

“Would it be too bold to ask if I could move in with you?” I stare at him, surprised by the question. “I realize I’m doing it all wrong. I should be asking you to move in with me or suggesting we move in together. Your call. I just want to live in the same zip code. I don’t want anything between us. Not distance or hours. I want to be with you. The boys miss you. I miss you.” He gives me that sexy pout of his, knowing what it does to me.

I hold up the glass of wine in my hand. “Would you even know how to share if we lived together?” Because I want a partnership, not a man bulldozing things.

“Teach me,” he whispers, lowering his eyes for my lips.

“Negotiate.” My voice is cautious, uncertain if I’m hearing what I think I’m hearing.

“I want to renovate this place and give it new life. I want to freshen up everything and fill this place with love.”

“Do you think I don’t love it enough?”

“I think there’s more love in your pinky than this house can hold, but I still want to be part of that love. I want my boys to have that love. From you. From me. In this place. I’ll handle the cost of everything.”

I sigh. “I can’t have you do such a thing.”

“You can’t have me move in?” His facial expression drops to something I’ve never seen before, and his hands slip from my face. Quickly, I catch his wrists.

“That’s not what I said.” Slowly, I smile, chewing at my lip.

“What are you saying then? Be clear with me.”

“I want to do it.” My smile grows larger. “I want you here.”

“Yeah?” He hesitates.

“But we do it together,” I say, my heart racing. This is really happening, and I emphasize again. “Together.”

“Are you trying to compromise?” He flirts. “You’re typically so pushy,” he sarcastically adds.

This man.

“I’ll show you pushy.” I press off the cushion and straddle his lap. Placing my hands on his shoulders, I peer down at him as he tips his head back to look up at me.

“Please push me,” he says, his voice dropping. His hips thrust upward to emphasize his point. Then with his hands on my hip, he flips me to my back, climbing over me. His heavy length presses against my heat, and he kisses my neck. “Push me to be a better man. Push me to be what you see in me.”

“You already are a good man, Zack, but I promise to try to make you better as long as you do the same of me.”

“How can I make perfection better?” His nose drags over the shell of my ear.

“Together is how we are better.”

“Together,” he whispers.

“No holding back,” I warn.

“I never hold back with you.” His head pops up, and he stares down at me.

Laughing I say, “Because you have no boundaries.

“Because I love you,” he retorts. “River, you once told me if I want something to ask for it.” He pauses, licking his lip and chewing on the lower swell for a second. “You mentioned treasure being under my boys’ nose. I saw you as the treasure you are the day we met. I’ve already told you how quickly I knew you were who I wanted. You’ve captured my heart and my boys’ as well. I want the time to be with you, to love you, to share with you. . . I want you to marry me.”