Page 12 of Unexpectedly Falling
“What about your family?” she asks and I notice she doesn’t offer anything about her own parents or sister.
Shaking my head, I give her more power than she can possibly understand. It’s more than I can understand.
I just know I need her.
“It has to be you.”
“Why?”
I don’t know, but the thought of you leaving right now makes it hard to breathe.
She’s not ready for that truth and neither am I.
“You’re the only one she knows.”
“It’s all new…you’ll adjust.She’ll adjust.Everything will be fine.” She says the words but I’m not sure if they’re for her or me.
“Please, Nessa. It’s not that Ican’tdo this without you. I’m asking you to stay for Remi’s sake and mine. You’re the only one she knows right now, and I just want the chance to know you. To know Scarlett through you. To give my daughter everything I can with what I have.”
“This is crazy,” she whispers, looking out the window at the tall grass blowing in the breeze down the road.
“Please,” I say again like I can will theyesfrom her lips.
“You don’t think it will be worse on Remi to have me here longer?”
“Can’t be any worse than you leavin’ right away.”
Her eyes narrow. “IfI stayed it wouldonlybe until I’m done at the university.”
“Of course.”
“Temporary, like don’t even bother cleaning out half the closet for me temporary.”
“You’d have your own room.”
“I’m just trying to make a point.”
My lips twitch because she’s downright sinful all pissed and flustered, with her cheeks stained a pretty shade of pink.
She’s gorgeous, and I swallow the groan that wants to escape because I’m gonna have to get real good at minding my own business while she’s here.
And thank fuck she’s here.
Almost.
“I need to think about it.” She pauses, pulling her phone from her back pocket and scowling at it before typing furiously and tucking it away again.
“We could use tonight as a trial run. There’s some toiletries in the hall bathroom you’re more than welcome to.”
“Keep that nice and stocked for the ladies?” she says, her eyes narrowed.
“More like my mama says southern hospitality requires it.”
“Your mama, huh? She do your laundry too?”
“Most of my laundry gets dry cleaned but I’m proficient with the rest of it. Mama just likes to fuss,” I say, leaning my hip against the counter.
“She lives close?”
