Page 21 of The Joy of Us

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“Sounds like you have me all figured out.”

“Don't tell me I've hurt your feelings?”

“Yep, I'm gonna cry myself to sleep tonight.”

She rolls her eyes as I crack a smile.

“I doubt you've ever cried over a woman in your life.”

Jesus Christ. Says the one who’s currently giving me emotional whiplash.

“Do you want more water?” I ask.

She furrows her brow at my abrupt subject change.

“Or should we talk about your dating history now?” I taunt.

“Absolutely not.”

“I can't imagine why you'd have relationship issues,” I say dryly, earning me a scowl. “With you being so pleasant and sweet, it's a mystery to me.”

“Are you done?”

Her resting bitch face has me fighting back a smile because she's a natural.

“Dessert?” I ask, grabbing my plate and bringing it to the sink.

“Depends. Does it come with your sarcasm and bad jokes? Because if so, I'll pass.”

“Suit yourself. Thirty-eight women think my jokes arefuck-worthy.”

Her eyes widen in horror as she nearly chokes on her pasta. “Total or...this year?”

Instead of answering her, I grab a fudge pop from the freezer, then shoot her a wink.

I'll letJudge Judyoverthink that one for a bit.

There's no denying Fallon has some serious past relationship trauma that she's externalizing onto me for the simple fact that I have a dick. She acts like every guy is out to hurt her, and if that's the case, I'll tread lightly. I want her to feel comfortable enough to drop the act and, eventually, her guard. Her brick walls are tall and built to withstand a category five hurricane.

I’d like for her to trust me and know that I only have good intentions.

And in order to do that, she’ll need to open up.

After dinner, we go our separate ways. She curls up on the couch, and Dasher, the traitorous shit, stays down there with her while I go upstairs. It's pitch-black in my room, but I know every inch of my house like the back of my hand. But since Fallon doesn't, I make sure to leave a flashlight on the coffee table so she can find her way to the bathroom.

I strip down to my boxers and slide under the covers, hoping the power and phone service come back on tomorrow.

Since the storm has fully passed, the state snow plows should be out clearing the roads for the lineman. As long as the wind stays calm, I’ll be able to clear the driveway so we can get out of the house. I'm ready to go back to the farm and show my favorite Ebenezer Scrooge around town.

I fall asleep with thoughts of Fallon on my mind, but when I wake to her soft voice, my first thought is thatI'm dreaming.

“Levi,” she repeats my name, shaking my arm.

“What is it?” I murmur.

“The fire needs more wood, and there's none left in the house,” she tells me.

“How's that possible?” I turn toward her with half-opened eyes.


Tags: Kennedy Fox Romance