Page 63 of Wooing the Wiccan
“I gotta go.”
“Good luck. I think I’ll support the Warhammers during the playoffs,” I say impulsively, “so maybe try to win in spite of your teammates.”
He scoffs, walking backward from the gate. “That’ll be a trick. Hey, you know how you said your whole life changed and you don’t know who you are?”
I wince. “Yeah?”
“Maybe a good person to talk to about that would be someone whose world was destroyed and had to start over on a completely new planet.”
My jaw drops, and he shrugs.
“Just a suggestion.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Raðulfr
Jared didn’t mention havingany special plans after work, so when Eoin parks the car in front of his house, I’m surprised to see him on his front stoop, still in his work clothes. His keys are in his hand, and he’s turned to look at us… did he just get home?
“I really can’t convince you to talk to him about it?” Eoin asks for the tenth time as I reach for the door handle.
“He won’t agree,” I warn, and he takes that as a sign of compliance, sagging a little in relief.
“Just ask. Please. I’m getting desperate.” His voice cracks on the last word, and I pat his arm.
“Thiswillwork out,” I assure him quietly. “Just give him time.” I get out of the car before Eoin can say anything else. He and I can talk later, but since we still haven’t worked out a way for my bodyguards to be comfortable while I’m here, Jared and I only have a few hours together before I need to head home.
I’m hoping that soon we’ll be able to move in together. I don’t want to bring it up until whatever is bothering Jared is resolved, but hopefully soon.
As I walk up the path toward him, my lips curve into a smile. I can’t help it. Seeing him makes everything in my world better.
He smiles back, and it’s different from usual… hesitant, perhaps? Or nervous. I’d worry, but when I reach him and lean in for a kiss, he meets my mouth with the same eagerness as always.
“Are you just getting home?” I ask when we break apart and he turns to put the key in the door.
He nods, glancing over his shoulder. “Yeah. I got sidetracked after work. Do you think we could talk before dinner? It’s not bad, but?—”
I kiss the side of his neck, breathing in the familiar lemon scent. “Of course we can talk, even if it is bad. Whatever you need.”
For just a few seconds, he leans back against me. “I love you so damn much.” Then he straightens and pushes the door open, his foot automatically moving to catch Marge before she can sneak out. I bend and scoop her up.
“None of that, miss,” I chide, my mind racing. Is Jared finally going to tell me what’s been bothering him? Even as I go through the motions of closing the door, letting Margie race off to the kitchen, and taking off my shoes, I prepare myself for anything. No matter what he says, I’m going to be calm and supportive and do everything he wants from me. If that means I need to stand aside and watch him be unhappy while he tries to fix this himself, then I’ll… try.
By the time Jared has changed out of his work clothes and meets me in the kitchen, where I’ve poured glasses of iced tea for us both, I’m ready to be the best, most supportive partner ever.
His smile is tired and doesn’t quite reach his eyes as he slides into a chair and picks up one of the glasses. “Thank you. You spoil me.”
“Hardly. Though if anyone deserved spoiling, it would be you.”
He takes a sip so tiny, it convinces me that he’s done it for distraction rather than thirst, then sets the glass down. “I’m just going to dive in. I…” He hesitates. “I feel stupid about this, to be honest.”
“What would you say if one of your students said that?” I ask gently, and get a rueful chuckle.
“Fair point. Okay, so feelings aren’t stupid. I know this. But I’ve been struggling with some of my feelings lately.” His gaze meets mine. “You’ve probably noticed.”
I choose my words carefully. “I’ve noticed that you’re not entirely happy.”
He nods. “Yeah. I’m not, which is st— Which annoys me, because I have so much in my life to be happy about. So much Iamhappy about.” He stops again, but this time I don’t speak. He’ll tell me when he’s ready.
