Page 52 of The Marriage Deal
I ignore my inner monologue and stand to face Madelyn. “Thanks.”
She bobs her head. “Want me to help you unpack?” She winks at me but says loud enough for Briggs to hear, “Or would I just be interrupting shag time?”
“I’m good,” I tell her. “If you referenceAustin Powersright now, though, I’ll never talk to you again.”
Briggs chuckles and my eyes flick to him but land back on Madelyn as she huffs, “It’s a classic, admit it.”
“Never.” Iamlaughing now. “It’s terrible.”
“It’s shagadelic, baby.”
“Ohmigawd.” I groan as I cover my face. Senior whines, tail dusting Briggs’ drive.
Madelyn laughs as Briggs joins us. I admit, his step is a little cautious, like he’s not sure if he wants to enter this conversation. Still, not one to put a crack in the show of us, he slides an arm around my waist that has my heart lodging itself in my throat.
He tucks me close, like Dad tucks Mom close. My heart gives a little squeeze. It’s a little painful.
“I take it that movie won’t be on the roster comemovie night?” Briggs asks, and I wince as my gaze flashes to Madelyn.
She plays it off in a way Dakota wouldn’t. “Lilah doesn’t do a whole lot of TV. She prefers books.”
“Huh.” Briggs’ hold tightens around me. “I didn’t know that.”
Madelyn appraises him. “You guys are moving fast, but you’ll learn.”
Briggs doesn’t reply and Madelyn sighs as she tosses me a grin that says ‘good luck’ as she gives Senior some love before she tosses us a wave. “I’ll see you soon.”
We watch as she leaves, and as soon as her car is out of sight, Briggs drops his arm from around my waist.
He gives Senior a look and mutters, “So, this is the dog who needed a home.”
“Senior,” I tell him. “We think he was dumped but can’t find any info on his owner.”
“Doesn’t have a tattoo?”
“It’s illegible.”
Briggs grunts as he looks up at the darkening sky over the house. “Better get your things inside before the rain starts. They’re calling for a storm.”
“I don’t have much,” I say, but Briggs is already heading for my car.
I hate that I notice the way he looks walking away in the dark jeans that fit him a little too right.
I force myself to look down and find warm ambereyes looking back up at me. “Well, Senior, this is the first day of the rest of our lives.”
Senior gives me a doggy huff, like he knows exactly what I said and he’s gearing up for what will undoubtedly be a hell of a ride.
21
STILL JUST A STRANGER
LILAH
The storm they called for never came. I spent the night curled up in my new room alone with Senior, and far too much silence for company. Clearly, Senior had never been welcomed on the bed because he curled up on the rug that sat in the center of the room, leaving me to sleep alone despite my attempt to get him to climb up.
I can’t say the bed isn’t the best I’ve ever slept in, because it’s phenomenal. And the room is beautiful. Unlike the rest of the house, my room is pretty and light. The paint is warm cream, and the wood accents are light oak. The carpet in the center of the room, tucked under the bed, is a rosy blushed pink. It’s clear Briggs put effort into making this room mine, and I appreciate the effort.
Still, the house is unfamiliar. The man is unfamiliar.
