AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Aaron’s arm reached out in front of Brynn, his citrus scent wafting over her. “How about I cook us all dinner while you go take a bath and get off those feet?”
Her attention darted to him once more. “Oh, no. I’m fine. I need to pull my weight around here. It’s my job to cook.”
“Who says?” He shut the fridge.
Brynn nervously twisted her fingers in front of her. “Uh, I’m not sure what you mean?”
“Who said cooking dinner was your job? I don’t remember us talking about that.”
“I . . . I’m sorry.” The apology slipped from her lips. “I just figured that . . .”
He stepped closer, towering over her. She sucked in a quick breath, a mixture of fear and curiosity swirling inside her.
“I think it’s time we talked about our expectations and roles.” He motioned to the barstools. “Want to join me?” He walked over and took a seat without waiting for her answer.
Brynn followed, careful not to sit too close, anxiety spiking as she turned towards him. Is this where he changes? What expectations? Is this because of last night?
“We really rushed into this. Usually, I’d imagine things like this are already handled when someone gets married.” Aaron chuckled, his easygoing manner helping to set her at ease some. But a part of her was still waiting for something bad to happen.
“I guess I always viewed a marriage as something unique to each couple. What works for one, doesn’t for another. And I think if we talk about our needs and what we expect from each other, we can create a plan that serves us best. How does that sound?” he asked.
Aaron wanted her to tell him her needs? They would come up with a plan together like equals?
She nodded, still too stunned for words. Here was a man that held so much power in name, money, and status, and even over her situation, and he was offering her a seat at the proverbial table as an equal.
Aaron tapped the counter with his finger. “I’ll start. I see my role as taking care of you and Dani. I mean that as in putting a roof over your heads, making sure you’re comfortable, and have everything you need. Your safety is my top priority. And I hope we can ease into a friendship and continue to communicate honestly like this.”
“What do you need from me?”
“Friendship. Communication. And I hope to earn your trust.”
He was silent a beat, so Brynn took her cue. “That’s it? What about chores around the house?”
He shrugged. “I mean, of course you can pitch in, but don’t think I expect you to do everything. We can take turns. Even include Dani if you want. Maybe a chore chart, and we can take turns drawing out what we’ll do to make it fair. And as far as cooking dinner goes, we can switch off. And when you’re driving, if I get home first, I’ll start dinner, and you can if you feel up to it.”
She nodded. “You cook and clean?”
He chuckled. “You can thank my mama for that. She always told me she wasn’t raising no little boy, but a man. And men pick up after themselves.”
The corners of her mouth tugged up. She liked the way his eyes lit when he spoke.
“Now, it’s your turn. What are your expectations and needs for me and this marriage?” Aaron prompted.
Brynn stared at the wood countertop. What do I need? “I think how things have been going is beyond amazing.”
He slapped a hand over his heart. “Amazing? Pulling out the big praise for this already?” He leaned in and winked. “Honey, I’m just getting started.”
Her stomach flipped as more of those flighty creatures woke and fluttered in her gut. “I need your honesty, and for you to continue respecting my boundaries. And I need to feel like I’m contributing somehow. I’d like to pay for the groceries at least.”
Aaron inhaled and let it out slowly before he spoke. “How about we go fifty-fifty with the food?”
“But there’s two of us and only one of you,” she pointed out.
“I’m a six-foot-eight man; I eat more than you two combined and then some. Besides, I want you to keep your money for Dani’s and your future.”
Brynn’s chest tightened. Right, for when she and Dani left a year or so from now. It would be nice to have a safety net. Gratitude swelled in her rib cage as she nodded. “Okay, fifty-fifty.”
His grin grew and her heart stuttered. Tingles raced through her, gathering low in her womb. That wanting feeling was back, making her entertain the idea of wrapping her arms around him for a hug, or even to kiss him on the cheek. Her face heated at the scandalous forward thought.
