Page 89 of Make You Stay

“This is a highly desirable location. Near town with an enormous piece of property. People will want this house.” Walking closer, I drum the porch railing with my fingers. “I guess the question is, do you want this house? Doyouwant to stay here?”

Before she can answer, I move to her side, pressing a kiss to her lips.

“Don’t feel obligated to answer that right now or to take any of these offers. Sleep on it for twenty-four hours, okay?”

Chloe nods, but there’s such an air of uncertainty surrounding her, enough so that it makes me nervous. “I have an article to write, so I’m going to duck upstairs. What would you like for dinner?”

“Actually, I’m headed to Enid and Jeff’s house. Family meeting.”

“Is everything okay? Relatively speaking?”

“I hope it will be.” It’s the only reply I can provide as I steal another kiss. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.”

She smiles, giving me a flirty wink. “I know, big man. You can run, but you can’t hide.”

* * *

“Where’s the fire?”Enid asks, walking into the condo with bags of Chinese takeout.

After leaving Chloe’s house, I immediately called my family and demanded an in-person meeting. I need their advice, or at least their opinion onmyplan.

The last thing I want to do is crash and burn, but I know I need to act and fast.

“Chloe has five offers on her house,” I blurt, pacing the rug.

“Wow, I didn’t know it was listed.” Enid pops open a container of lo mein, sending me a knowing look. “What are you going to do, Aidan?”

Scrubbing my face, I suck in a supportive breath before facing my family. “I have an idea, but I need all of you on board.”

My ex-wife’s grin widens as she perches on the arm of the chair. “This sounds promising, Mr. Reid. Let’s hear it.”

Chapter 20

Chloe

With a sigh, I enter the same pub I exited in tears only a couple of nights earlier. Even in my twenties, I never frequented bars this often, but Aidan has a last-minute gig, and he asked me to come and hear him play.

How do I turn down the man I love? Oh yeah, I don’t.

I’ll admit to having some reservations. After my realtor’s unannounced visit, Aidan rushed off to some family meeting, and he still wasn’t home by the time I headed to bed.

Then I awoke this morning to a call from Aidan, imploring me to be at the pub at two for an impromptu concert.

The alone time gave me room to consider my options, but I’m no closer to a decision today. There are too many variables: does Aidanreallywant me, does hereallywant a future, what does that future look like?

The list goes on and on.

I don’t want to sell my mother’s house, but the place is gigantic. If I keep it, I have three options: have about ten empty rooms, start a bed-and-breakfast, or convince Aidan and his girls to move next door.

Unfortunately, the last option requires a third party’s approval, and I’m a bit gun shy after the last time.

Still, I must decide, even though I figured the house would sit on the market for a couple of months, giving Aidan and me time to work out a plan… if we end up having a plan at all.

See? Gun shy central.

Stop borrowing trouble, Chloe. You and Aidan are good, better than good.

My brain is right. These last couple of days have been amazing. Aidan has shown me in so many ways that he loves me and wants to be with me.

---