Page 85 of Searching for Bristol
“Uh-huh. What do you suppose Sandra would think of replacing one of the front windows of the diner with a stained-glass forest…with Bigfoot of course?”
Rocky burst out laughing. When he had himself under control he said, “She’d jump at the chance to have one of your designs at her diner. But seriously? Bigfoot?”
“It’s either that, or a hot, bearded search and rescue guy in the trees,” she said with a grin.
“Bigfoot it is,” Rocky said firmly.
Bristol knew he’d say that. Rocky—and the rest of the team, actually—disliked any kind of attention. They enjoyed their work, and they didn’t do it for recognition or pats on the back.
“You plan anything else for the day while I was in the shower?” Rocky asked.
Bristol frowned. “Like what?”
“I don’t know. Bungee jumping with Finley, rearranging all the books in the used bookstore downtown, or meeting up with Sandra to taste test a new menu?”
Bristol giggled. “No! I’m meeting with the realtor then coming back here to chill.”
Rocky smiled at her affectionately. “Just checking. For the record? I think it’s adorable how everyone you come into contact with wants to be your bestie.”
“That’s not true,” Bristol protested.
“It is. You’ve fit in here seamlessly. It took a year of me living here for people to even remember my name.”
“Whatever,” Bristol said with a roll of her eyes. But inside, she was secretly delighted.
They finished their breakfast and then it was time for Rocky to head out. He took her into his arms near the front door and kissed her deeply. They were both breathing hard by the time he pulled away. “What time do you think you’ll be done with the realtor today?”
“I’m not sure,” she told him. “Before lunch though. She’s picking me up around nine, and I can’t imagine we’ll talk for more than two hours or so.”
He laughed gently. “Don’t bet on it. I’m guessing by the time your meeting is up, you’ll have another best friend.”
Bristol just shook her head at him.
“As happy as I am that you want to settle here in Fallport, I have to admit that I’m going to miss you,” Rocky said softly.
“Miss me?” Bristol asked in confusion.
“Yeah. I like having you in my apartment. Even if you didn’t come to be here because of a good thing, you’ve filled my space with all your good energy.”
“Oh, um…” Bristol wasn’t sure how to respond.
“What? What’d I say?” Rocky asked.
“Nothing. I mean…yeah, I’ve loved being here too.”
He wrapped a hand around the side of her neck. “Look at me, Punky.” When she did so, he asked, “What’s wrong?”
Taking a deep breath, Bristol said, “I just thought…when I found a house I liked…that maybe you’d want to move in with me.”
Rocky stared at her for so long, Bristol felt the need to backtrack. It was either that or she might throw up.
“But I know that’s silly. I mean, we’re dating. I was just here until I got better and my leg is almost as good as new. Of course you don’t want to leave your place.”
His thumb brushed against her lips, stopping her nervous words.
“You want me to move in with you?” he asked quietly, ignoring her babbling.
Bristol shrugged self-consciously. Then nodded. “Well…yeah. At least, that’s what I was hoping. But if you don’t want to, that’s okay too.”
