Page 26 of A Gift of Time
I shrugged. “Well… yeah.”
He clearly hadn’t expected me to say yes. Once I answered him, his brows shot upward and he made an adorably confused face.
“Really? You’re serious?” he asked. “I could be an axe murderer for all you know, Jack.”
“Nah,” I disagreed, looking into his blue eyes. “There’s not an evil bone in your body, Cay.”
“Oh, yeah?” He smirked, trying for an impish grin, but it only made him look even more endearing. “What makes you so sure?”
Because I know you.
“I just am,” I answered. “You can stay with me until you get back on your feet, or at least through the Christmas season.”
Please say yes.
Having him stay at my place would give me a better chance at winning him over. And I also hated the idea of him sleeping in his damn shop. He deserved better.
“I’m not sure about this, Jack.” His furrowed brow and doubtful appearance took the hope right out of my chest. But his next words brought it back. “I don’t want to be a burden on you. I’d just get in the way.”
“No, you wouldn’t,” I said, reaching for his hand but stopping myself before I made contact.
His gaze studied my retreating hand before lifting. “I meant what I said over the phone, too. About the no dating thing. I’m just not ready. So, if this is some ploy to—”
“It’s not a ploy,” I interjected. Yeah, I hoped it would allow us to grow closer, but my concern forhimwas the main reason. “I have more than enough room. I only have one bedroom, but my couch is extremely comfortable.” Not that I’d make him sleep there. He could take my room, and I’d sleep on the couch. “Consider it as an opportunity to get a better look at my apartment while you’re there. For decorating purposes.”
Caden visibly pondered the suggestion before saying, “And you’re sure it’s okay?”
“One hundred percent,” I answered right away. “There’s no catch to the offer. Just consider it a kindness from one friend to another.”
I held my breath as I waited for his response.
“Okay… but only if I can help out with expenses.”
“Whatever makes you comfortable with the arrangement,” I said, knowing damn well I wasn’t letting him pay for a thing. Not when my checking account alone had more money than I used to spend in a year. “So, that’s a yes?”
“It’s a yes.”
He smiled, and suddenly, I felt like everything would be okay. Wish or no wish; nothing could keep us apart for forever.
