Page 25 of Sloth
“True, but I just wanted you to know that when the time comes and you're ready, I really think Matthew would like the person you get with to be me.”
I feel my mouth drop open and my cheeks burn red.
“You…? Oh, erm…Koben.” I’m speechless, and he’s looking back at me like he’s expecting me to say something. “I’m flattered that you would make that kinda offer, but you really don’t have to–”
“I don’t feel obliged, Erin, I’m just following my heart. I’ve got feelin’s for you. I guess I always have, but you were my best friend's girl.” For the first time since I’ve known him, he looks vulnerable, and it makes this whole encounter even harder to deal with. I’m cussing Liza in my head right now; if she’d have told him that he’s gonna be a dad, I’m sure he’d be concerning himself with fixingthatsituation instead of creating the awkward one with me.
“Like I said, it’s early days and…”
“Hey, I don’t wanna rush you into anything, I just thought ya ought to know how I feel. I’m done with horsing around and playing the fool. This past year, seeing you and Matty together, it’s made me realize that I’m ready to settle down. I want a family of my own, and I have to say it, you’re perfect.”
“There are plenty of perfect girls in Fork River.” I pull one of my hands free so I can reach for my wine. My mouth suddenly got very dry.
“Well, darlin’, they’re gonna be disappointed, ‘cause I got my sights set on one, and one only. Erin, I can’t help thinking that after all that's happened, this is God's plan.” He smiles at me, but I have no words.
“I…I think we should head back. I’m feeling kinda tired.” I see the disappointment on his face as he frees my hand, pulls away, and instantly, I feel guilty for how I’m handling this. I can only imagine how much courage it took him to have this conversation, and now I’ve hurt his pride.
“Sure, we can do that.” He finishes off his beer and stands up, offering me his arm, and I politely take it and let him lead me back out to his trunk.
We make the journey home in complete silence, and when we pull up at the ranch and I see Luke sitting out on the porch smoking a cigarette, I can see by the way he’s tapping his foot against the floorboards that he’s tense.
“Kid’s overstayed his welcome a little, don't you think?”Koben speaks up.
“Luke's not a kid; he’s been really good to me, and he keeps this place running.”
“Jake and Issac could keep this place running with their eyes closed,” Koben tells me, resting his arms on the wheel and leaning forward, “And you know I’m always ready to help ya out.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” I go to get out of the truck, and his hand shifts across the console to grab mine.
“You’ll think about what I said, won’t you? I can be patient, Erin,” he assures me.
“I’ll think about it.” I smile at him before opening the door and sliding out, and after tooting the horn and raising his hand to Luke, he skids the wheels of his truck as he turns around and pulls away.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
LUKE
“You have fun?” I ask as she steps up on the porch; she’s back way earlier than I thought she’d be, which comes as a relief considering I never wanted her to go in the first place.
“I can’t believe you just let that happen.” She slaps me on the chest playfully as she heads past me into the house, and I stub out my cigarette and quickly go after her.
“What was I supposed to do? Say no?”
“It would have been a good start,” she scolds me, heading straight for the refrigerator and pouring herself a glass of wine.
“Don’t you think that would have looked a little odd?” I cross my arms over my chest and laugh while she takes a long gulp.
“It would have saved me the awkwardness of what just happened,” she tells me once she’s done.
“What the hell happened?” I take her hand and pull her over to the couch so she can enlighten me.
“I don’t wanna talk about it.” She drops her head into her hands as if whatever it is has embarrassed her.
“You can’t make all this fuss, then say you don’t wanna talk about it.” I laugh at her again. She’s so fuckin’ cute when she’s like this.
“Koben…” She raises her head back up, biting her lip like she’s about to back out of telling me. “He told me he has feelings for me.” I realize that she’s looking nervous while she waits for my reaction.
“He didwhat!?” I try not to show how fuckin’ mad I am; I don’t wanna trigger her in any way, but I’m fuckin’ pissed.
