Page 184 of Brighter Together

Tommy says nothing.

My enthusiasm falters.

“You hate it.”

He shakes his head. “Why would you think that?”

“You’re not saying anything.”

“I’m in awe. Because you’ve apparently designed half an expansion in thirty seconds.”

I slide down beneath the duvet.

“It was just an idea.”

Tommy follows me down.

“No.” He pulls me against him. “It’s a bloody good idea.”

“You think?”

“I do.”

His fingers move through my hair.

“And this is exactly what I meant.”

“What?”

“You understand Greenview Manor.”

The words sound differently from his mouth.

Not like Lee saying I knew how to manipulate Tommy.

Like something I am allowed to be proud of.

“You see what fits rather than what looks impressive on a presentation.”

I smile.

“We’d need to look at planning,” I say, excitement creeping into my voice.

“Obviously.”

“And access to the lake.”

“Yes,” he says with a nod.

“And cost.”

He kisses me. “Ella.”

“What?”

“We can do the practical bit tomorrow,” he mumbles in between kisses.

I laugh softly. “Probably wise.”