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How would I fake it and act like it didn’t bother me?
We stopped in the barn and put Han Solo and Millie in their stalls as we made our way back outside.
“Not a bad way to start the day, huh?” he said, as his hand found mine, and we walked toward the house.
It was second nature for us to touch at all times now. But it had been even before all of this. It had always annoyed Carl that I’d had to make a conscious effort not to do it around him when we were all together, which wasn’t often.
“Yeah. It’s the best.”
“You know, I’d love for you to stay here when I start shooting the movie in Tokyo. Millie likes it, and I think Han Solo would be lonely if she left. I’m going to see about another horse next week.”
I nodded. I hadn’t decided where I’d go, but I needed to figure out a plan. I couldn’t stay here if we weren’t together. Oh my God. The thought of Finn bringing a woman home and me just being the roommate… That would not work.
“Well, I’m not sure what I’ll do. I’ve been looking at some options.” That wasn’t true. But I didn’t want to look like I just expected him to let me stay here. Like I just expected this to all work out in my favor. “But I can still care for the horses no matter where I am. I’m definitely going to be in Cottonwood Cove, seeing as I have a business here now,” I said as an awkward laugh escaped. I glanced up to see his jaw tense as he nodded.
“Silas is going to increase his hours. I wouldn’t expect you to take Han Solo out every day once I’m gone. I know how busy work is, and I think you’ve been pushing too hard as it is.”
Of course, he didn’t need me. He had Silas all lined up to increase his hours. I was the only one who was hoping nothing would change.
“Well, that sounds like a good plan,” I said as we stepped inside, and Finn put on a pot of coffee while I ran to the bathroom to fix my hair really quickly.
He was pouring it into a to-go cup for me because he knew I’d need it.
“Thank you,” I said, as I leaned my backside against the kitchen counter. “I’ve got that meeting with Georgia and Maddox about doing the décor for the casita they’re adding on to their place.”
“You all right? You look a little pale.” He studied me, his eyes filled with concern.
How did he always know when something was wrong? I was tired. I’d been working long hours and not sleeping nearly enough.
“I’m good. Between work and getting ready for the holidays, it’s just been a lot.”
He nodded before pulling back and grabbing a banana and a muffin and dropping them into a paper bag. “Take these and eat. I’ll bring you lunch, okay?”
“I know you have a busy day. You don’t need to bring me lunch.”
“I’m never too busy for you, Miney.”
“You’re just hoping I’ll let you have your way with me, aren’t you?” I teased as he followed me out to my car. I looked up to see a few snowflakes starting to fall from the sky.
“I’m always hoping you’ll let me have my way with you.” He opened the car door, and I slipped inside. “Eat that breakfast, you got it?”
“Yes, sir. And are we still set to go Christmas shopping tonight?”
“Absolutely. And we can grab some dinner at Reynolds’ afterward.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
He leaned over and kissed me hard. Like it was perfectly normal to kiss me goodbye. How would we just suddenly turn this off after this had turned into a full-blown relationship with my best friend?
He shut my door, and I drove the short distance to my office, parking in the back lot and walking around to the front door. Carl was leaning against the wall, holding a bag and a coffee cup from Cup of Cove.
“Hey, I was hoping to catch you real quick.” He appeared nervous. We’d only spoken once since he’d made that appearance at Georgia and Maddox’s house on Thanksgiving, and that was the day I’d finished the project at his house.
“Hi. Sure. I have a meeting in a little bit, but I have a few minutes.” I opened the door and flipped on the lights, and he whistled as he looked around. I slipped my coat off and hung it on the hook beside the door.
“Wow. This looks great,” he said. He’d never come by before, even though he’d continually said he was anxious to see the place. He’d never found the time, and I’d always met him at his house for our design meetings. Now that the job was done, there’d be no reason for him to come here anymore.
He handed me the bag and the coffee, and I motioned for him to take the seat on the other side of my desk. “Thank you for this.”
