Smokescreen

“No more. If these contractors can get us up and running the way I want in the next month, I’m moving in on Edward. This shit is done. And, babe, we’ll be taking an extended vacation. Anywhere you want.”

“One day at a time.”

“One day at a time,” he agrees but his expression is still grim. The worry very clear, something is still not right.

Two days wasn’t nearly enough to appreciate our time at Lake Lanier. Max’s “cabin” was more like a lake house mansion compared to the places my parents used to rent when we’d vacation here. There were four actual bedrooms, but with the basement addition, the place slept twelve comfortably. It’s three levels, with a wraparound screened porch that takes up the entire backside. The view of the water is breathtaking and I’ve spent the last two mornings curled up with my coffee watching the lake come to life.

On the drive here Friday night, I told Max about my conversation with Jake. His jaw was tight and face unreadable when I finished. One hand held my thigh possessively, squeezing every few seconds. Without him asking, I told him I wasn’t upset with him for keeping Jake’s involvement hidden. I understood the levity of the situation.

Until the factory renovations were done, my association with JOS was mostly positive press releases and working with the community interest. Laci’s efforts had secured a few new clients and I was starting on their business projects next week. He was actually relieved I’d be stepping back because he felt my visibility was dangerous.

We didn’t talk about business for the rest of the weekend, but enjoyed the time alone, the lake, and the solitude. Each night, we gave into the throes of passion and made love until we fell asleep with our bodies tangled. I hated to admit it but I woke up this morning filled with dread. Knowing we had to go back to the “real” world and things were changing scared me a little. After our boat ride around the lake this morning, we packed our bags in silence.

“Bella, why so quiet?” He runs his fingers down my arms.

“I’m sad to leave.”

“We’ll come back anytime.”

“Max, do you think things are going to change, now that we’re not working together every day?”

“Change how?”

“I’m probably being stupid, but I’m going to miss working on JOS, more importantly, working with you. Do you think our relationship will change?”

“No.”

“How can you be sure?”

“For you to even ask tells me you’re not confident in the way I feel about you. Where’s this coming from?”

I shrug. “I don’t know really. My mind is reeling with everything happening around us and my insecurities are coming through.”

“I thought we’d established how deep my feelings are before we left on Friday. Remember ‘forever’ and ‘the rest of our lives’?”

“Yes.” My confidence returns. “I do. Sorry for being an idiot.”

“Move in with me, live with me and share my life. We’re practically living together now. Let’s make it official.” He turns me gently to face him.

“W-w-what?”

“You heard me. Move in for good.”

“But I love my house. It’s a reflection of me.”

“Make my place a reflection of you. Change anything you want. Add any touches. Whatever makes you comfortable.”

“I think it’s too soon. And you just recently got rid of a woman in your place.”

“That duration thing again? Thought we’d established time doesn’t matter. It’s how we feel about each other. And do we really want to bring her into this conversation?”

“Why are we talking about this now? Did my lack of confidence force your hand?”

“Nope, been wanting to ask since Friday night when we got here. But I knew you were processing everything. So I took the opportunity to seduce you all weekend, in hopes to wear you down so you couldn’t argue.”

“I could argue with you even on my weakest day. It’s a specialty of mine,” I joke.

“You’re also good at changing the conversation. Say yes.”