Make Me Yours(50)

It helps Drew and I spent yesterday afternoon researching rentals in and around Oakville. We found a sweet little house in the newer part of Oakville Estates, actually within walking distance of Eagleton Heights. It’s just a small, one-bedroom home with one and a half bathrooms. Still, the rent is totally affordable, even without the crazy salary Remi is paying me, and it’s available now.

A little digging revealed Dagwood’s aunt Marsha owns the house, and she’s super sweet. She said she’d take a deposit to hold it, and I could move in as soon as I’m ready. The water, utilities, everything is on. It’s just waiting for me.

That just leaves me to figure out how to tell my boss.

Pastor Hibbert tells us all to bow our heads for prayer, and Remi reaches over to hold my hand. We don’t lace fingers, but still… it’s a public display of affection. A knot is in my throat, and I can’t help wondering if Eleanor sees. The last thing I want to do is pull my hand away, and when I steal a glance, it’s like a shot straight to my core when I meet Remi’s eyes.

He smiles, that dimple peeks out, and my heart is off to the races. I smile back, and he gives my hand a squeeze before letting it go with the Amen.

We’re back at the house, lunch finished, and Eleanor and Lillie are down for naps when I make my way to his office on the second floor. It’s empty when I tap on his open door, but when I see his shadow on the balcony, I go to where he’s standing looking at the lake.

“Knock knock.” I pretend to tap on the French doors. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

He’s still in his slacks from earlier, but his coat is gone. I see his tie is gone as well when he turns his back to the lake. He crosses his arms in that white button-down and gives me his irresistible, dimpled grin.

Panties officially ignited.

“You never disturb me.” His sleeves are rolled up, so I can see the lines on his forearms. He’s just too delicious for words. “What’s on your mind?”

“Everyone’s napping, so I figured it’s a good time to talk.”

“I’m not sure if I like the sound of that or not.” His smile fades a notch, but he still has me captured in his gaze.

Blinking away, I go to stand beside him on the balcony, facing the lake. “I think I’m overdue to give you an answer about New York.”

“Ah, yes.” He turns to face the lake beside me, placing his hands on the iron railing. “Have you made a decision?”

My thoughts are a cyclone in my head. I have my concerns, aided by what my mother would say, the preschool bitches, and even Pastor Hibbert this morning in church, battling against Drew’s encouragement.

Ringing over it all like a bell is this longing in my heart to know Remi better. I can’t pass up what could be a life-changing chance with a man who might turn into someone very special. It’s the one thing Drew said that cut through the noise.

“I’ve thought about it, and I decided yes. I’ll go with you.”

His shoulders drop as if he were holding his breath, and his smile kicks up to a hundred watts. It sends a kaleidoscope of butterflies swirling madly through my insides, and I have to grab the reins before I forget the rest of what I need to say.

“On one condition.”

His smile doesn’t dim, but his brow furrows, and damn him for looking so damn good. “What might that be?”

“I’m not staying with you in the penthouse suite. I’ll only go if I have my own room…”

“Done.” He cuts me off before I’ve finished.

“On a separate floor. I can make my own reservation and pay for it—”

“I already said you’re not paying for your room. This is a business trip you wouldn’t be taking if I didn’t need you there with me.”

“I still don’t think you really need me. You never have.” My mind travels to Eleanor’s words on my very first day in this house.

Stepping closer, he puts his hands on my arms, and I can barely hold his gaze, it’s so full of emotion. “You have no idea how much you’re needed.”

His voice is low and close, and I feel the tension radiating in my spine, the push-pull between what I want so badly and what I feel I have to do, at least for now, to maintain my reputation. Thank God Drew helped me find that house.

“Just so you understand, we’re traveling as friends.”

“Whatever makes you comfortable.” He leans down and kisses my cheek, and goosebumps fly down my arms. “Thank you for going with me.”

I’m pretty sure everything’s about to change.





22





Remi


I watch as my daughter hugs Ruby like her life depends on it.

On the one hand, it makes me sad—not because she didn’t get as upset about me leaving—but she was a newborn when her mother died. I wonder if she still feels a sense of loss or abandonment.

“Who’s going to make me penny cakes?” Lillie’s hazel eyes are round and full of tears. She blinks and a drop hits her cheek.

Ruby pushes a golden curl behind her little ear and wipes the tear with her thumb. “It’s only two days, Lil. I’ll be back on Thursday, and I’ll make you penny cakes for lunch.”

My daughter nods slowly, pitifully. “I guess.”