Page 66 of Wanting My Husband
James nods. “We finished up our last project this morning, so we decided to stop by and check things out in person so that when we do start, we have a better idea of what you’re looking for.”
“I already told you,” I grumble, but they all ignore me.
“Well, other than the fact that this house is really old and big and creepy at night when I’m all alone, it’s still cool. I can tell it used to be really pretty. So I think just updating everything so it has the charm of the old house, but still feels like I’m living in the modern world, if that makes sense?”
Drew is nodding along, looking really excited. He’s the one who focuses more on the design for their projects. “For sure, man. Keep the character but restore it to look as new as possible? Maybe update the appliances, cabinets, those sorts of things?”
“Yes! Exactly.”
James clears his throat. “John said that the budget wasn’t a big concern for you, but this is a huge house. Those upgrades aregoing to add up quickly. Potentially tens of thousands of dollars for each thing. I know he gave you a rough estimate on some of the things we anticipated you wanting, but I’d really feel more comfortable hearing what your thoughts are as far as prioritizing your spending.”
Chad is unfazed by the mention of spending a fortune on a house he already over-paid for. “Oh, yeah, John was right. I know it’ll cost a lot of money, but I want everything to be done right. I don’t care what order you do stuff in, I’ll pay for it.”
My brothers exchange a confused look while I cross my arms. I don’t know why they didn’t just take my word for it.
“Do you mind if we look around?” Mark asks.
“Sure! You can look wherever you’d like. I’m so excited that you guys are the ones who’ll be doing this.”
Drew matches Chad’s smile. “Me too.”
“Sorry we dropped in on you like this,” James adds. “If you’re busy, we can come back another time, or if you don’t mind us being here without you, don’t feel like you need to stay if you have places to be.”
“Chad and I are going to leave you all to it,” I answer for him before Chad has a chance to.
James raises a brow in my direction, but Chad’s smile grows. “Awesome. Well, I can’t wait to hear more about what you guys think this place needs! It was so nice seeing you all again.” Chad waves and immediately leaves out the front door. Eager as ever.
“You guys could have stayed,” Mark points out.
I shrug. “Text me if you need anything from me.”
They all agree, so I follow Chad outside, heading for his Range Rover, but I freeze as soon as my bike comes into view.
Because Chad is on my motorcycle.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I yell, forcing my feet to remember how to move so I can run to him. “Get off that!” I practically drag him off the bike, and despite the fact that I wasn’t actually supporting his weight, I’m panting ashe spins to face me with wide eyes and a furrowed brow. Or maybe I’m hyperventilating. My breathing is definitely too fast.
He’s okay, he’s off the bike. He’s off the bike, he’s okay.
“Sorry! Sorry,” Chad apologizes. “I didn’t know you’d care. I thought maybe I could ride with you back to your place. I’ve never ridden on a motorcycle?—”
“And you never will,” I growl before I can stop myself.
God, I’m such a fucking hypocrite.
“What? But you love your motorcycle,” he points out with a confused laugh. “I thought maybe you could teach me how to?—”
“Absolutely not,” I cut him off.
He stares at me for a long moment, searching for something in my gaze. Finally, he nods. “Okay. No motorcycles.” He walks closer. Close enough to take my hand in his, and as he takes it, I realize my hand is trembling. Then he continues softly. “I’d really appreciate it if you’d tell me why, John. Can we talk about it?”
I swallow, my eyes still locked on our joined hands. Fuck. I’m not ready to have this conversation with him. I was already too emotional earlier after walking in on his and Blake’s Shibari attempt.
But I also know there’s no way in hell I’m letting him ride a motorcycle. So if I need to explain why to get him to stay far away from them, I guess I’m going to have to talk about it.
I swallow again, trying to force down the lump of emotion that’s risen in my throat. “You know about my ex,” I begin quietly.
“Luke,” he confirms, gazing at me encouragingly as he nods.
