“I know. But, hey, I wouldn’t mind a little me or you running around.”
“You crack me up. But please, let’s be more careful next time.”
“Sure, you got it.”
I let out a breath and sat up as he rolled off me to the other side of the bed. I found my clothes and passed him his pants. I didn’t want the trip to end.
“Listen to that, Tate. Do you hear it?” The sounds of nature were the only ones tickling my eardrums.
He narrowed his eyes. “Um, I don’t hear anything.”
“Exactly. It sure beats the sound of Rain’s band banging in my ears or the sound of my ex-downstairs cracking jokes for everyone to laugh at. Even the Loving Cup is noisy. I like it out here with nothing but the sound of your voice and the pleasant song of nature.”
“Why don’t you move out, like you’ve been talking about?”
“Aunt Helen rents it to me at a discount because she doesn’t owe anything on the place and it keeps it from getting too run down. I’d love to move, but that would mean dipping into my savings and I want to pay off my debt.”
“I could help if you wanted.”
He was sweet to offer, but I shook my head immediately. There was no way I was going to let him. His money was his own, and I wanted no part of him doing things for me on that level. Buying dinner was one thing, but helping me with an apartment was totally different.
“No, that’s sweet, but I think what I need to do is get another job. If I took on an extra income, I wouldn’t have to take anything out of my savings.”
“You already work so much at the coffee shop, how do expect to find the time? I don’t like the idea of you working yourself to death, and I want time to be with you. Let me help.”
“You help by supporting me; being with me. And don’t think for a minute that I’m going to let anything keep me from seeing you. I’ll make sure we have time.” He was so sweet to care, and as I helped his pack up the equipment, he was quiet.
I couldn’t take it anymore as we got into the jeep to head home. “What’s the matter? You’ve been quiet since I mentioned a second job.”
“I just want to help.”
?
??I don’t want your money.”
“I know you’re not like the other girls. I offered to help.”
“I know you did, and I really appreciate it. It was a really sweet gesture, but I just can’t take it.”
He nodded and started the car, looking a bit like a petulant child. I reached over and put my hand on his. “I don’t want you to be upset. I’m still wondering if I even want to move. Rain and Aunt Helen are like family to me, and I don’t know if I could move away from them. I think I’ll finish painting and hopefully, the new look and new locks will make me feel better.”
“If you decide to, before you go out and take another job, and divide our time, please consider my offer. That’s all I ask.”
“Ok, I promise to consider it.” I stroked his hand and brought it to my lips for a kiss. I was glad that we were together and as I watched him, staring at the road ahead, I wondered how I got so lucky to end up with a man like him. He was so sweet and devoted to me that I found myself relaxed and trusting in his word. He had been so focused on me, and it was so much different than how Devin treated me. I didn’t feel I needed to worry about Tate straying. He’d proven to me that his only interest was in me and no one else. I decided right then and there to stop letting my past with Devin determine how I treated Tate. He deserved my trust, and I was falling hard for him because of it.
“Instead of going home, how about you stay with me another night?”
“I could do that. But as soon as we get back I’m heading for the shower, so don’t get in my way.” I gave him a nudge, and he chuckled.
“I won’t get in your way, baby. I’ll join you.”
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN – TATE
I was editing my shots from over the weekend, and thought about Kami and how she wanted to get another job. The wasn’t going to help my journey to get her pregnant.
I’d hoped she’d let the idea go a week ago when we returned from camping, but she’d mentioned it again two days ago.
I considered asking her to move in, but I had Megan to think about as well. She might feel pressured to leave, and I didn’t want that either. I knew where she’d go, and my sister didn’t need to move home.