Page 58 of Choosing a Forever
“It’s okay. I should have changed in the bathroom.” I scramble to pull my pants up and shove the shirt over my head, cursing when it gets caught on my breasts. Of course I’d end up picking the only skin tight shirt I own. It shows every lump and curve and the peaks of my nipples. He’ll for sure be able to see the barbells through the tight fabric, but I don’t have time to change now.
“I’m dressed, you can turn around,” I whisper, crossing my arms over my chest.
Tal turns around, his face as red as a tomato. His Adam’s apple bobs as his eyes travel across my body, so slowly it makes me want to squirm. “Sorry again.”
I shake my head. “No need to apologize. I didn’t hear any footsteps upstairs, so I thought I was in the clear. I’ll make sure to change in the bathroom from now on.”
Tal rubs the back of his neck. “I was outside letting Siren get acquainted with her new space. We’ve been back for about half an hour.”
“I must have been too lost in my book to hear you.”
“Oh, what’s it about? It must be good if you got lost.”
I shift my weight from side to side. “It’s uh, a second chance romance. Two high school sweethearts find their way back to each other.”
Tal gives me a boyish grin. “Sounds familiar.”
I let out an awkward laugh. I need to change the subject. We’re not getting into this right now.
“Are those your clothes?” I nod towards the duffle and suit bag.
“Yeah, and toiletries and such.”
“What else do we need to get moved in tonight?”
Tal shrugs. “Nothing, really. I didn’t realize how little I had until I started packing. My furniture is all in storage, and I only had a few books and my art supplies. Most of the stuff was Siren’s to be honest.”
“No family heirlooms, mementos, or pictures to hang up?”
“I keep all of the important things in a fireproof safe, and I don’t have pictures to hang up. Anything important to remember is either on my phone, an external hard drive, or in here.” He taps his head.
“Cool, well, do you want some help unpacking? I was going to go make some macaroni and cheese. I’m a little hungry now.”
Talmage shakes his head. “It won’t take very long. I’ll just unpack, then hop in the shower really fast.”
“Do you want some food, too? Are you on a special diet? I think I have some lettuce or something. I usuallygo grocery shopping on Sundays, so my fridge isn’t well stocked right now.”
Tal grins. “I’d love some mac ‘n’ cheese. I’m not on a special diet. We can make the list together when I come up after my shower.”
“Okay. I’ll leave you to it.”
“Thanks, Mack.”
This is my life now. I share a room with a boy—no, a man—and we’re going to make a grocery list together.
Good luck keeping yourself unattached.
Chapter 21
Talmage
14 years old…
Ishould be paying attention to the instructions from our teacher about the field trip, but I can’t stop staring at Mack. The dress she’s wearing must be new, and it looks so beautiful on her, I don’t know how I’m going to pay attention to the musical we’re going to. I only want to look at her.
A feeling low in my gut starts to stir, something unfamiliar to me, and I don’t know if I like it.
If it’s what I think it is, it’s something Ishouldn’tbe feeling. Not until I’m married.
