“And don’t worry about breakfast, I’m placing an order from the diner,” he calls over his shoulder.
I’m so spent I can’t argue. I’m not turning down a bath. Snuggling into Nathan’s chest I only have one care in the world. I won’t change my mind, but what if they do?
Nathan hugs me tighter as we descend the stairwell.
Please don’t let anyone come to their senses. Another flicker of worry crosses my mind. What if I’m feeding the dependency I’m working so hard to overcome?
It doesn’t matter because nothing’s ever felt so right.
Twelve
Zoe
Sleepinginmyownbed gave me plenty of time to consider what happened and whatcouldhappen.
My initial reaction to Nathan’s insistence we slow down had been confusion, then fear that he changed his mind about going further. But they were so sweet and tender bathing me and making sure I was tucked in. My myriad thoughts transitioned to happiness and comfort.
It’s happening fast and I think that scares all of us. Giving our thoughts and emotions a day to settle is the right thing to do.
I hadn’t been able to sleep in, and they’d insisted on having breakfast delivered, so I’m curled up on the couch when Nathan comes down.
“Hey.” His sheepish grin matches my nerves.
“Hey.” Will everything be fine between us?
He strides to the kitchen for water. With the bar between us, he says, “You okay? I mean, after last night. Do you have any concerns?”
How sweet. “I’m more than okay.”
Carson’s laugh comes from the stairwell. “Then we’re on for tonight?”
He walks straight to me and kisses the top of my head.
My hand brushes over his scruff as he pulls away. Looking up at him, we’re lost in happiness as I say, “I can’t believe you’re going to make me wait.”
Nathan joins us. “It’s best not to rush things.”
Carson winks at me. “Yeah, we don’t want to rush things.”
Rush must be a relative term.
This feels more like home than anything. Even more than the actual home I’d grown up in. The atmosphere was always ripe with expectations and goals. I never had any power.
Breakfast arrives and I lament that the guys eat quickly before a virtual meeting with their client. The day is set into motion, and I’m surprised that I really have to wait. I don’t want to come across as a petulant child. With them being older than me, it’s crossed my mind that our age gap could be an issue.
While I’m taking the packaging from breakfast out to the trash can, I see Madison waving from a couple houses down.
“Hi, Zoe. I heard you were living, I mean working in Eggplant Canyon. Want to come over and hang out?”
So, word’s gotten around that I’m working here. The rumor mill is astounding sometimes, but since Madison was one of the popular kids who kept up with everyone’s business, it shouldn’t surprise me that she’s heard.
Glancing back at the massive log cabin, and considering the small amount of work I have scheduled for today, I take the offer for some girl time. No need to let high school hierarchy get in the way.
We settle on a time that allows me to get ready. Since the guys are holed up in their office, it shouldn’t be a problem.
I’m about to head out when Carson’s voice booms from his office. “Are you going somewhere?”
His possessive tone is back.