Page 60 of Home in the Country
“Is it because I’m wearing your shirt?” she manages with absolutely zero bite.
“Ireallywant to spank the sass outta you right now.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing, and I think I might like it.” Her breath is hot against my face, her chest rising and falling quicker with each passing second.
“It is when you’re trying to distract me from what’s important.”
“What’s that?”
“If we do this, we do it onmyterms.”
“I really don’t think—”
“My. Terms.”
“What are your terms?”
“We don’t have sex until I’m ready.”
“So like tomorrow?” She tries to make the joke, but my muscles flex with the insinuation.
“No,” I grit out. “Like when I think you’re in this with me—as a partner. You’re mine, Fallon. I want youandBriggs. I don’t share, and I sure as shit won’t lie to anyone or hide that we’re together.”
“Otto…”
“Don’t answer me tonight.” I push off the door and drag my hands down my face. “I’m serious, Fallon. If we do this, we do it for real.Just friendsdoesn’t work for me.”
I clench my hands into fists to stop myself from touching her. From tellin’ her it’sforever.
“What about what you said before?”
“What about it? You’re so fuckin’ all over the place I can’t keep up. I’mtryin’to respect your space and what you need, but dammit, woman, I’m exhausted.”
“That’s not fair. It’s all so crazy and I’m doin’ the best I can.”
“I’m not sayin’ you’re not,” I agree and soften my tone. “But you don’t know what you want, and I’ve only wantedyousince I was thirteen and you sat next to me in Mrs. Greene’s class. You’re it for me, Fallon. You’ve always been it for me. If I’m still not it for you then let me go.”
Looking somewhere past me, Fallon chews on her bottom lip, and I wait for whatever is about to upend my world.
“Tanner is moving to Clementine Creek.”
“Do you love him?” I ask calmly even though I’m already calculating if I have enough whiskey at the house or if I should get a new bottle on the way home.
“Not in a romantic way.”
“I’m gonna need you to elaborate.”
“We’re not right for each other. But he’s my best friend and I love him in that way. He’s an amazing father and supportive partner, and we want to give Briggs a life here as together as we can.”
“When is he moving here?”
“We’re not sure yet. We thought there was a date set, but it was pushed back so we’re waiting for arrangements to be finalized.”
“He know about me?”
“Yes.”
“What’s he think of all this?”
