“I’m a good boyfriend regardless.”
Despite Brayden saying that, Maryann goes on to list all the things she and Perry do. Brayden interrupts her many times to remind her he’s busy, that we both are, and that they aren’t nearly as busy as we are. Maryann rolls her eyes at that. It’s fun to see him get picked on by his mother. After breakfast, I help Maryann clean up in the kitchen while Perry and Brayden move into the living room.
“What do you think they’re talking about?” I ask, because surely, they’re talking.
“They are probably catching up. I doubt Brayden would give him the third degree about us or anything of the sort. Actually, they probably aren’t even catching up. Most likely, they are talking about hockey.”
That makes more sense. I think Brayden would want to focus on safe subjects and that’s the safest one. I smile when I hear some laughter from the other room; that’s a good sign. Maryann asks me about my shop, my relationship with Brayden, and Otis. I still like her. She’s a person who seems so very genuine in everything. She see
ms to care and be interested in everything. She can be funny, as well.
Once the kitchen is tidied up, we drive to the outdoor rink. We have to rent skates, but once Brayden puts mine on for me, we’re stopped multiple times because he gets recognized. Back home, people didn’t stop him. Brayden always said it was because he seems unapproachable. However, people think he’s approachable here.
My arms are tight around Brayden’s waist once we’re on the ice. Learning is impossible when people keep interrupting our lesson. It’s a bit awkward, too. The people seem nice enough, but it’s uncomfortable for me to stand nearby while Brayden carries on a conversation with someone. After they skate away, though, Brayden glances down at me with an apologetic smile and says, “Sorry.” I just smile because it’s okay.
Eventually, we’re left alone and Brayden helps me get the hang of the basic movement, so I can only clutch his hand instead of his waist. I wish I brought another coat because it’s freaking cold out here.
“Having fun?” Brayden asks, though his eyes are on a laughing Maryann and Perry a few paces ahead of us.
“Yes.”
“There’s something I want to ask you.”
“Well, ask me.” I focus on my feet, but I want to look up at him. However, I’m scared my feet might go haywire if I look away.
Brayden slows down and hooks a finger under my chin to make me look at him.
“I might fall!” I protest.
“You won’t.” He holds up our joined hands as if that alone will keep me from falling. “You’re over at my house a lot. I was thinking—” He stops, pauses, and starts again. “I’m hoping you’ll move in with me.”
“What?” I breathe. “You want me to live with you?”
“Yeah, darlin’. It seems wrong that Otis has some of his things there and you don’t.” He gives me a brief smile. He kisses my forehead and with his lips still against my skin says, “Think about it.”
My eyes flutter to a close. Living with Brayden? Coming home to the same place as him? Permanently sharing the same bed? Cooking for one another and having him help me reach his stash of chips when I want a snack? It all sounds pretty nice.
But I’ve never lived with anyone before. I’ve lived alone ever since I moved out of my parents’ house. I’m not so sure I’d be a good housemate. Opening my eyes, I find Brayden still has his eyes on me. He looks patient mostly, which makes me chuckle.
“What is it?” he asks.
My mouth opens to ask him if he’s sure, but the moment I do, I realize that’s a stupid question. Brayden wouldn’t put the offer out there if he’s not prepared to both make it worth our while and go all in. He’s sure. “Can we compromise?” I ask.
“How?”
“Well, I haven’t lived with anyone since my parents, so I might be annoying or terrible or something. You have a short fuse as it is, and this seems like the perfect thing to set it off.”
“You stay over all the time and you stayed with me for nearly a week when I was out with my concussion. You haven’t been that bad, darlin’,” Brayden interrupts the moment I take a small breath.
“Living together is different, though. My things will be all in your space. What are we going to do with my sewing and quilting things? I have an entire room dedicated to it at my house. And—”
Brayden cups my face, his thumbs pressing over my lips to shut me up. “You don’t think I haven’t considered all of that, Deanna? We’ll work it out. I’m prepared to work through anything that happens. If you move in, all you have to do is be prepared to do the same and we’ll be fine. But like I said, think on it. You don’t have to answer me right now or today.”
I shake my head because it feels as if I do. If I don’t answer him now, if I say no, what does that say about my commitment to our relationship? Especially since the idea of living with him excites me to no end? I would love to do it. Granted, I didn’t think it would happen now. And despite my concern, I can’t get this image of us together in his house with my things intermixed with his out of my head.
“Yes,” I whisper, nodding to myself. “I’ll do it. I want to do it.”
The most radiant smile bursts onto his face; he doesn’t try to hold back at all. He brings me close and kisses hard and carefree. The moment his tongue dives deeply into mine, I forget we’re in public with a ton of Brayden’s fans around. All that matters is this kiss that heats up my entire body and sends my heart racing. The kiss that causes my body to relax against his. All that matters is that I belong to the man behind the kiss and I couldn’t be happier about such a thing.