Page 96 of Take My Kiss
“Like move here? Move in together?”
He grabs my hand and holds it between both of his. “Yes.”
“Colt, I—” I pause briefly to organize my thoughts. “The last time I depended on a man, he knocked me up and left me homeless with two kids. I can’t just, I don’t…”
My eyes squeeze shut as my rapid breathing takes over. I’m already scared to repeat old habits that left me in that position before, and I can’t risk it happening again.
“The kids are old enough to remember you if somethin’ happens and we split up. I have to put their needs first when it comes to makin’ drastic life changes. I can’t put us in a vulnerable situation that could backfire.”
“I’m not like that, Amelia. I’d never hurt you or them.” He almost looks hurt at the idea of me thinking so. “I hoped you’d realize that.”
“I do, but I thought that back then, too. I trusted too easily and got burned. So I promised myself I’d never put myself in that type of position again. The only reason I let Wilder help us is ’cause he was married, so there was no sexual motivation or risk of gettin’ my heart broken. Even then, I treaded lightly on gettin’ too close, but Sam clung to him right away.”
“I know it’s soon, but I’m more than willin’ to do whatever it takes to earn your full trust and prove I’m worthy of it.”
Leaning in, I press my palm against his cheek. “You’re more than worthy of it, Colt. I don’t doubt you for a second. But uprootin’ our lives after only weeks of knowin’ someone is bound to come back and bite me in the ass, then the only person to blame will be myself.”
“I understand your hesitation, and honestly, if I were on the outside lookin’ in, I’d be tellin’ you to run in the other direction at a man askin’ you to move in this quickly. But I don’t want this to end. So if movin’ here is too risky and fast, then maybe we could try long-distance once you’re home.”
“I don’t wanna make promises I can’t keep, especially without knowin’ the outcome of who’s behind the LLC, but I’m not against it—assumin’ the threat is gone, and we can move back to Sugarland Creek. Otherwise, I’m gonna have to make some big decisions on where we go based on where I can find work.”
“Y’know, I could help with that as the retreat operations manager,” he teases smugly. “We’re always lookin’ for hardworkin’ employees.”
“As much as I appreciate the gesture, I’d like to find somethin’ in graphic design or maybe even an apprenticeship where I can utilize my degree and what I’ve learned. Ultimately, I want a remote job so I can be home with the kids and have flexible hours.”
“Not that I’m tryin’ to coax you into stayin’, but Maisie owns a literary agency and might need someone who can make promotional material or websites. Even if it’s part-time, it could be somethin’ to get your foot in the door and gain some experience. Posey could probably also use the help for her goat soap business. She’s always complainin’ ’bout being swamped with marketin’ and needin’ extra hands.”
“The experience would be amazin’,” I agree. “Anythin’ to add to a resume that’ll prove I’m good enough to get hired.”
“Or…and hear me out,” he says cautiously. “Become a freelance graphic designer. You get your own clients and be your own boss, so you make your own schedule and work from home.”
“That’s a long-term goal of mine,” I admit. “But I still need to finish school and get my degree.”
“How much longer do you have?”
“At my pace, probably two more years. Although I took a summer class, I can only do part-time durin’ the semester since I work full-time and take care of the kids.”
“So, if you had extra help and could work less, you’d finish sooner?” He arches a mischievous brow.
“Yes, and since you’ll have joint custody, I’ll get more time to study.”
His shoulders sag in disappointment, and I can’t help laughing at his overexaggerated frown.
“You walked right into that one, sir.” I stand from my chair so I don’t keep the kids waiting any longer.
“Sir?” He beams, licking his lips. “Are you tryin’ to let me down or turn me on?”
“Shoulda known that’d be another one of your kinks,” I quip, patting his shoulder as I walk around him. “Too bad you’ll have to wait and find out.”
chapter twenty-two
Colton
After our talk,I’m bracing myself for the inevitable heartbreak that’ll come once Amelia and the kids are gone. Whether they go back to Sugarland Creek or she decides to move elsewhere, I can’t blame her for being cautious. Not just for herself but for the kids too.
Although it’s only been less than a month, it feels longer, in the best, most fulfilling way possible. My routine completely revolves around having them here and making sure I’m available to cook or help in between work and watching Remy. He’s still on medication twice a day, and instead of letting him run freely outside, I walk him on a leash so he doesn’t wander off.
Amelia’s been studying and reading for her class while keeping the kids occupied and cared for. My siblings visited between their schedules, and even my parents stopped in to check on everyone.
