Page 75 of Riding the Curve

“I work hard to make sure to pay for all these luxuries that we both indulge in. You and I both know your paycheck and contributions cover barely a third of our expenses. So, Henny, I think it’s the least you can do, right?”

My fingers curl around the edge of the sink and Emerson’s eyes go wide.

“Everything okay?” he asks, gently.

I nod. “I’m just not used to all this.”

“Not used to what? People doing things for you or people taking care of you?”

“Both, I guess,” I say softly with a shrug.

Emerson’s head shoots to the ceiling as he grumbles something under his breath. Then, with a heavy sigh, he lowers his face to meet mine. His thumb still brushing tenderly against my neck again as he speaks.

“I’m sorry you’ve been through such horrible relationships. You always do so much for others, and deserve to be taken care of in the same way. That is exactly what I plan to do. Understand?”

His brow raises, and I can feel my eyes beginning to gloss over.

“I understand.”

Em smiles and presses a quick kiss to my forehead before stepping back and giving me space. “Now, go get some sleep, okay?”

“Okay.”

His lips pull into one more smile before he turns the water back on and returns to washing the dishes.

My heart feels like it’s about to burst. The last thing I want to do is leave. But he’s right. We have so much work to get done and not a lot of time left. I’m going to need all the sleep I can get to pull off catering this event.

The crisp night air flows over me as I hold the screen door and glance back one more time. I find his gaze already awaiting mine.

“Goodnight, Hen.”

“Night, Em.”

CHAPTER 29

Henley

“It sounds like things have been going really well,” Harper hums, folding the dough for tomorrow’s croissants. “I’ve been waiting around for that man to come to his senses. I’m so glad he’s finally realizing what he has in front of him.”

My heart swells just thinking about the past few weeks. Every day has been better than the last.

Most mornings and afternoons we work inside the cabins, putting together furniture, decorating, and running errands to make sure each cabin is full of all the essentials the guests will need for their stay.

At night, we take turns in each other’s cabins cooking dinner. I’ve been testing out different recipes and appetizers and main dishes each night. Em’s even become quite the sous chef. I only need to intervene once or twice to make sure nothing catches on fire or to save his fingers from being detached from his body.

We’ve even had a few dinners with Preston, up at the house. The first dinner, Em squeezed my thigh under the table practically the whole time. As if my presence was the one thing keeping him balanced. But each time after, I could see him becoming a little more relaxed. The last dinner we had, he even stayed behind to have a nightcap with his Dad, without me.

A smile blooms on my cheeks as I think about how much effort he’s been putting in to help himself. He even opened up about what’s been burdening him about the night his mom passed, as well as the conversation that he had with his Dad. I’m so proud of him for opening up to me and telling me that he’s been talking to an online therapist twice a week. That alone inspired me to do the same. I have one scheduled for myself next week.

Our nights together have become longer. Conversations deeper. Kisses more intimate.

As if our lips are saying words that our voices cannot.

All of it seems like a dream.

I am ashamed to admit, however, that there is doubt dwelling deep within me. A fear of the day Emerson gets the call that he’s off suspension. I want to believe with everything I have that we will make this work, but I’m still worried he might change his mind.

Decide that it’s not worth it.