AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Five acres. I bought the lots next door to me and the three lots behind mine.”
I open my mouth to ask him how much the lots cost but shut it again when I remember Ellery telling me it’s rude to ask people questions about money.
“Go ahead. Ask away.”
“I believe my question may be conceived as rude.”
“Ruder than asking me whether I’m having problems with defecation?”
I feel my cheeks warm at his question. “That question slipped out.”
He chuckles. “What do you want to ask?”
“I was curious how much the lots cost, but it’s none of my business.”
“It is your business.”
“No, I don’t believe it is.”
“Yes, it is.” Before I have a chance to respond, he lifts his palm to stop me. “It’s your business because everything about me is your business. This is how relationships work.”
“This seems to be an advanced part of a relationship.”
“Honey, I love you. We’ve reached the advanced part.”
Is this the moment I tell him I love him? According to those romance books Aspen insists I read for our monthly book club, this appears to be a proper moment. We’re alone. He said he loves me. I love him. All indicators are go. But I can’t seem to get the words out, which is most unlike me.
Although most people believe omitting to tell the truth is not a lie, I do not ascribe to this view. I’ve always claimed not telling a person all of the facts is the same as a lie. Which means I should admit to Beckett that I love him. Otherwise, I’m lying. And I do not lie.
“In fact,” while I’ve been debating with myself Beckett moved and is now standing in front of me, “I think we should move in together.”
All thoughts of telling him my feelings are forgotten upon hearing this alarming statement. “What? Moving in together is a big step. In romance novels, the couple does not move in together until their relationship is certain.”
He shrugs. “Okay.”
I’m confused. “Okay? You’re giving up?”
“Yep,” he claims but there’s a smirk on his face.
Why would he be smirking after giving up? I gasp when I realize why. “You think me changing my mind and agreeing to move in with you is a foregone conclusion.”
He doesn’t deny it. “Honey, I saw the way your eyes lit up when you saw the solar panels.”
“I’m an environmental engineer. I’m interested in ways to make a home energy efficient.”
“And when I mentioned geothermal HVAC, you practically drooled.”
“I did not!” I clear my throat when I realize I nearly shrieked and lower my voice. “I’m not ready to move in with you.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s too quick.” And I’m not yet convinced he won’t tire of me and my social ineptitude.
“Okay.” Once again, he gives in easily.
“Is this a trick? You never give in easily. And, yet, you’ve done it twice now.”
He shrugs. “Maybe I have better things to do.” He removes the rubber band holding my hair in place and runs his hands through the strands.
