Mr. Swoony (The Nest #3)

Chapter 17

Seventeen

Eloise

“Are you out of your mind?” I ask, because on what planet is this a good idea?

“Probably. But I have a second bedroom. It’s yours. For a night, a week, or however long you need it.”

I straighten my back, and his arm falls off my shoulders. “It’s a horrible idea.”

“Yeah, it is.”

I like the fact he isn’t trying to rationalize it.

“You’re taking that fixer thing to a new level.” I lean my head on the iron spindle and think about his offer.

Conor chuckles. “Well, I guess you’re learning to fight your people-pleasing habits, since you’re telling me no.”

“I didn’t say no,” I joke, although I’m about to.

“Listen, I’m behind on my offseason training, so I have to kick it into high gear if I’m going to be the stellar player I was last year.”

“There’s that ego again.” I roll my eyes.

He shrugs. “I won’t be home a ton is what I’m saying. So, you’ll have your space. I’m not doing this as a fixer.”

“Then why?” I’m genuinely curious why he would want me to move in with him when I’m not close to being ready to be with anyone.

“Because walking out on your wedding was a step toward a new future, and I don’t want to stop that progress. It’s admirable what you’ve done and… everyone needs a person who believes in them around to support them.”

“You don’t even really know me.”

“Listen, take out all the shit people would say, since I know that’s the reason you’re resistant to the idea. You’ll never find a place right away. Not a decent one at least.”

“I could stay here.” I motion toward the house behind us.

His eyebrows rise, and I know we’re thinking the same thing. Henry and Jade are finally starting a life together, why would I want to intrude on that? I wouldn’t.

I sigh. “Yeah, I couldn’t do that to them. Plus, after I break off my wedding, I really don’t want to live with the happiest couple I know.”

He chuckles. “Try being around them and my sister and Rowan. Come live the single life with Tweetie and me over at the Nest.” He knocks my shoulder with his.

“Conor…” I’m not sure how to answer.

“Don’t think about what other people are going to say. What do you want? And I promise to keep my hands to myself… until you maul me.”

I giggle and shake my head. Conor’s right, I’ll never find somewhere decent in a week. Nor do I want to sign a lease for an apartment when I don’t know what my future holds yet. I’ve done enough settling lately, and when I woke up this morning, I loved the feeling that all my decisions were mine again.

“Are you sure?”

“It’s up to you. You’re the ruler of your life now. I’m just offering you shelter while you figure it out.”

His offer is enticing. But my attraction to Conor is what scares me. How can I possibly be around him every day and not cross that line with him?

“I’m messy,” I say.

“I have a housekeeper.”

“I can’t cook.”

“I can.”

“I’m moody.”

“I’ll make you a sign to wear around your neck that says don’t talk to me today.”

“You’re positive?”

“I knew you liked the thought of it.” His self-assured grin tells me once again how bad of an idea this is. But I can’t seem to care.

“I admit that I do, but if it ends badly, we’re going to make it uncomfortable for all of them.” I nod toward the house.

“What if it doesn’t end badly?”

He’s right. Given the situation I just got out of, perhaps I am being a pessimist. Maybe that’s what I like about Conor. His optimism.

He stands and steps in front of me. “This is your decision. If you say no, that’s okay. It’s an option, but I can’t deny I wouldn’t mind being alongside you as you start this new chapter. In friendship only… at first.” He slides by me, stepping up to the front door.

“Conor,” I say, not taking the time I should to make this decision, “I pay my share.”

He chuckles. “Deal.”

Shit, just like that, I’m moving in with Conor Nilsen. But it’s temporary. A month at most. But it will be an experience, I’m sure.

“I’ll see you inside.”

I hear the door shut behind him, but I stay on the steps, unable not to wonder what people will think.

The door opens back up, and Bodhi comes out, sitting down next to me, and handing me a cookie on a plate. “I see why you like them. They’re yummy.”

“Thanks, buddy.”

I accept the warm cookie and take a bite, Bodhi watching me the entire time. The salty and the sweet flavors mix together, and I swallow.

“I love it. You guys did a great job. I’m jealous. I wish I could bake like this.” I finish the cookie.

He hops up and jumps down the steps one at a time then back up. “Jade says you can’t perfect something the first time. That you have to learn from your mistakes before anything comes out the way you hoped.” He jumps down the last two steps and lands on the sidewalk. “But I think she just wasn’t putting enough glue on my school project when she said that.”

I know it wasn’t easy for Jade to give her heart to Henry again. The scariest steps to take are the ones where you can’t guarantee the outcome.

The door behind me opens again. “Bodhi, Daddy needs you for the next batch.” Jade sits on the step next to me.

He hops on one leg, and I can see he’s trying not to step on the cracks of the sidewalk. “I don’t want to bake anymore.”

Jade sighs. “Remember, we have to finish what we start.”

His head falls back, and he groans.

“If you go now, we’ll go to the park later.”

“Okay.” He runs up the stairs but stops right in front of Jade. “She liked it.”

Jade turns to me and smiles, raising her hand to Bodhi. “Way to go, sous chef.”

He slaps her hand, and she shakes it out as he rounds us and heads inside. Seconds later, the front door slams shut.

I bump shoulders with her. “It’s nice to see you happy.”

“It’s nice to be happy.” She wraps her arm around me. “I heard a rumor.”

“Can he not keep anything to himself?” I lay my head on her shoulder.

“Are you sure you want to move into the Nest? You can stay here as long as you want.”

I love that she’s not telling me I’m being crazy and is just supporting my decision. I’ve missed her all the years she was away. Sure, she was there for me to call anytime, and we planned get-togethers where I’d meet her in some exotic locale, but this is what I missed most. Living our lives day by day, side by side.

“You have a family now. I’d be in the way.”

“Elo—”

“No, Jade.” I sit up and turn to face her. “Thank you for the offer, but it’s time I find my footing. I have no idea what I’m doing, but I’m excited too.”

She nods. “Okay, but it’s just roommates, right?”

“Yes.”

She opens her arms, and we hug. “I’m always here, and that room is always yours.”

“Thank you. And it’s only temporary. You can help me try to find a place after I clear up this whole wedding mess with Tristan.”

She cringes, and her gaze diverts to the street.

“What?”

“Tristan posted a picture on his socials this morning.” She opens her phone and scrolls for a moment before handing it to me.

There’s no caption—just a picture of him in front of an ocean with this arm slung around some hot blonde. I would’ve expected my chest to squeeze or for anger to heat my veins, but there’s nothing.

“He went on our honeymoon. Why am I not surprised.”

“Do you know the woman?” she asks.

I shake my head. “If I had to guess, I’d say he probably just met her and picked her up at the resort. Either because he’s hurting, or he’s trying to hurt me.”

I understand that I ran out on our wedding, but when he didn’t even try to contact me afterward, that told me all I needed to know. I feel bad about how everything went down, but a man who is heartbroken at his relationship falling apart would at least call you to find out why it happened, right?

“You’re better off,” Jade says, patting my leg and standing. “Come and eat when you’re ready.”

“Thanks, Jade. For everything.”

“That’s what best friends are for.” She walks behind me, and the front door clicks shut again.

There’s no point in wallowing. Tristan wasn’t nearly as invested as I was in our relationship. He’s made his choices, and it’s about time I make mine.

I’ve got until November before I turn thirty, and I plan on finally crossing items off my list.