Page 68 of Fall With Me
My favorite cushion is the one with an old teal pickup truck piled with pumpkins in the back with “It’s Fall Y’all” in a cute font.
“Your place is nice,” Dawson says, continuing to look around. “But where is your cauldron and broom?”
I grin. “In the basement. Want to come see?”
He clears his throat, shifting his weight from side to side, like he’s nervous I’m being serious. “My place is bigger. How about we go there after rock climbing?”
“Scaredy cat,” I tease, smacking his arm with the back of my hand.
He gathers me in his arms, and a thrill runs down my spine at how openly affectionate Dawson is with me. “I’m not scared, but you’ll find that just like a normal house cat, I like being at home. I relax easier in my own environment.”
Dawson’s houseisbigger, more modern, and has way comfier furniture than mine. Spending more time at his home is a no brainer. “I’ll allow it, if you let me help you decorate it. Your walls are blank and you don’t have any fall decor.”
“A TV is more important than frou-frou stuff.”
I raise one brow at him. He’s such a guy. “You don’t think Finn wants photos of you and him, as well as the rest of your family hanging around the house?”
“He hasn’t mentioned it.”
What little kid would? “How about on Monday night when we shop for décor for the festival we take Finn with us to get a few fall or Halloween themed decorations for your house? We can kill two birds with one stone. And don’t worry, we won’t go crazy and buy every lawn item out there, but a wreath on the front door is inviting, and a few interior items will brighten your space considerably.”
Dawson shakes his head, an amused smile on his face. “We haven’t even gone out yet, and already you want to change how I do things?”
A knot forms in my mid-section. Am I coming on too strong? I step away from him, grabbing my purse off the coffee table as an excuse to get some space between us. “I’m sorry. It’s your house. I shouldn’t have criticized your decorating abilities. Let’s go. I’m starving.”
Dawson puts his hands on my shoulders, bending until his eyes are level with mine. There’s warmth and concern in them. “I’m teasing. With the stress of moving and work, doing anything but the bare minimum right now is off the table. But I’d love to make my house a home. A place where all three of us are comfortable hanging out. If you want seasonal trinkets because it makes you happy, let’s do it.”
“Are you sure?” I don’t want him doing this just for me. Otherwise, it’s a huge waste of his money. “You know I’m not rolling in the dough, so whatever we purchase is with your money.” Great, and now I sound demanding and like a gold-digger.
Dawson cups my neck, his thumbs gliding along my jawbone. I’m doing my best not to shiver from all the goosebumps popping up on my skin. “Let’s decorate. I’d love your help making it feel homey rather than like a bachelor pad.”
“Your couch and dining table are way too nice for a bachelor.”
He rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “You know what I mean.”
“I do, and I would love nothing more than to involve you and Finn in making your space cozier.” Although for it to truly feel like my space as well, there will be a spare toothbrush, hairbrush, deodorant, and feminine products in the main bathroom. Maybe I’ll hold off on those for a few more months. Pillows, blankets, garland, rugs, and wreaths will suffice for now.
“It’s settled. We’ll shop Monday night. For now, let’s head out. My stomach is growling.”
I close and lock my door and head to Dawson’s car. The restaurant is a short drive and we spend the time discussing what colors Dawson finds relaxing. Turns out, he prefers cooler colors.
We’re seated at a table in the back corner at a mom-and-pop Italian restaurant. After placing our orders, my questions to get to know more about Dawson come rapid fire.
“Before you had Finn, what did you do for fun?”
“Oh goodness, that feels like a lifetime ago. Umm, when I wasn’t playing video games I liked to mountain bike, play card games with my family, do puzzles, and find the best vintage sodas. I remember my dad taking me to Rocket Fizz every Friday night before I could drive. I’d get one new candy and a soda to try.” He smiles as if he’s lost in old memories. “I can’t believe I haven’t done that with Finn. He’s eight, and he’s never tried Apple Beer. Or had cream soda from a glass bottle. I’m failing him.”
If fancy soda is the only thing Finn hasn’t experienced, I’d say Dawson’s doing a pretty dang good job. “You’re amazing, Dawson. And it’s not too late to start traditions with Finn. With how much he loves root beer, it’s a safe assumption he’ll love trying new flavors of pop with you.”
“You’re right. After the holiday sugar overload, I might start in January. Thank you.”
“Happy to help,” I say, smiling at him. The question was for me to get to know him more, but if something beneficial comes out of it, all the better. “Pre-Finn, what would you doon date nights? Or what did a typical weekend look like for you?”
“Dates were usually an activity and dinner. Nothing too crazy.”
“So staying in for the night with a movie and dinner bores you?”
“Ha!” One side of his mouth lifts in a half-smile. Amusement dances in his eyes. “Are you kidding me? That sounds like heaven.”
