"Tomorrow, we will add all the finishing touches," he says, resting his head on my shoulder. I look at him but something outside catches my attention.
"It's snowing!" I stand and go over to the window. Troy follows, then wraps his arms around my waist. "Those are huge snowflakes," I say.
"It looks like it's been snowing for a while. There wasn't anything on my truck this morning but there's a good three inches on it now."
My hands go to his as we sway side to side.
"Movie and hot cocoa? After we eat some real dinner?" I ask him.
"That sounds like perfection."
He kisses me on the cheek. We stand there watching the snow fall for a while before darker clouds move in. Troy makes lasagna for dinner while I shower then make a salad to go with it.
"Who taught you how to cook?" I ask him.
"My grandma, actually. My mom hates cooking."
"I'm not a huge fan, either, but I make do."
"My grandma told me I needed the basic skills."
"Smart lady."
We eat for a few minutes in silence. How did this take a complete one-eighty? I came here fueled with hatred for this guy, and now here I am, having dinner with him, willing my sex drive to calm the fuck down.
"So, tell me what it's like having so many siblings. Do you guys fight a lot?"
"We used to, when we were younger. Now the youngest is about to graduate high school. We are best friends now. They come to me before they go to our mom about anything happening in their life."
"That's awesome that you all are so close."
"Yeah." My voice is somber. I move the food around the plate with my fork.
"What's wrong?" Troy puts his fork down, giving me his full attention, and it makes my heart race speed up.
"They are what's holding me back,” I tell him.
"What do you mean?"
"I've thought long and hard about moving out here. Sarah has been my best friend for years, and I miss her. My brother is leaving after high school. Now you, I, I,” I stutter at the end then give up on what I was going to say.
"I would love nothing more to see you move out here, but you need to do what's right for you."
"Yeah, I know. I just don't know what's right."
Troy rises from his seat, putting his hand out for my plate.
"You will figure it out," he says as he walks behind me, laying a gentle kiss on the top of my head.
"I'll make the cocoa, you find us a movie, alright?" Troy says.
"I can do that.”
Chapter fourteen
Chrissy
TroywentoutsidebeforeI woke up. He shoveled the walkway, fed the animals, and had breakfast ready for me.