Page 63 of Conflagration
“I know. I think you’ve spoiled me. I’m ready to spend the rest of my days living in T-shirts and sweats, watching bad cartoons, and getting my fill of you.”
A gleam fills his eyes, and I blush. Then I gesture towards the phone, a mock frown forming on my face as I let out an exaggerated sigh.
“But it looks like it’s time for reality to set back in.”
“Mmm, Ariana, you’ll never have to worry about not getting your fill of me,” he says, brushing the hair out of my face. “And yeah, I think it’s about time we return to the real world, but that’s nothing to be sad about. In fact, I think our new reality is a pretty damn good one.”
“Touché,” I agree. “So what was so urgent that you had to get out of bed this early on a Sunday morning?”
“Dad called and needed to talk shop,” he says vaguely.
I wait for him to elaborate, but he doesn’t. “Everything okay?”
“Oh, yeah, it’s fine. It’s just that you were right. As much as the old guy loves me, I think he’s done with me playing hooky. I kind of ruined the whole ‘still need time to heal’ thing last night when I didn’t wear my brace.” He frowns, and I laugh.
“That’s what you get! It’s fine, Branson. We knew this day was coming. So it’s back to the office tomorrow?” I ask.
The same anguish I felt last week when he went back to work is absent, and I know it’s because our relationship is no longer hanging in the balance. There’s no question mark over us. No more expiration date. In fact, I’m glad things are going to get back to normal. Or, well, starting to become normal for us.
“Not exactly,” he says cryptically, and I pull back to look at him, unable to read his expression. “He needs me to go on a business trip.”
“Oh. Well, what about physical therapy? Did you remind him about that?”
His eyebrows knit together as he shakes his head. “No, it didn’t cross my mind, actually. I’ll just have to miss this week.”
A wave of disappointment washes over me, but I push it back. I will not be the clingy, needy significant other. Maybe this will be good. While he’s gone, I can start looking for a job. It’s time I start setting up my life here in Belle Meade anyway. A few days apart won’t kill us.
“When do you leave?”
“As soon as I pack and grab a quick shower,” he informs me nonchalantly.
Oh. So much for basking in this newly declared love. The disappointment in me is palpable, and if it’s any indication of how dependent I’ve become on him, then some space will be a good thing. At least that’s what I try to tell myself.
Clearing my throat, I plaster on a fake smile and climb off his lap. “Okay, well, I won’t keep you. Anything you need me to do?” I ask as I start to move away.
He grabs my hand and pulls me back to him. “Yeah. There is.”
“Oooookay,” I say slowly, waiting for him to continue.
“Pack a bag, baby.”
“For you?” I ask, not knowing what in the hell to pack him for a business trip.
A slow grin spreads over his face as he rolls his eyes in exasperation. “For you,” he says with emphasis as he pokes me in the shoulder.
Oh. Well, perhaps a few days apart isn’t necessary. “You want me to come?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I? It’s actually pretty damn perfect. I have to check in on some things in Atlanta, so I figured we’d make a road trip out of it and drive down to get your stuff. Take a few days and settle things there for you.”
“What?” I question, feeling like an idiot for needing this spelled out for me. But I want him to spell it out for me.
“You were there last night, right?” He teases, and I nod. “So if I’m going there, we might as well make the trip worthwhile. Two birds, one stone, you know? We’ll get everything settled and move you in. Dad already said I could borrow his truck, and whatever doesn’t fit, we’ll schedule movers.”
“Move me in?” I blink.
“Jesus Christ, Ari,” he taunts, tapping my temple. “Didn’t we just talk about this last night? Are you in there? Do you comprehend what I’m saying?”
I push his hand away and glare at him. “Don’t be an ass.”
