Chapter 28 #2
“What do you know about work?” I ask, regretting my words the minute I say them. “I’m sorry.” I shake my head. “I didn’t…I didn’t mean for that to be so rude.”
He slowly nods. “You’re right. I don’t know much about work.
But I do know what obligations can do to a person and how those obligations can burn you out.
This shop is your obligation for many reasons, and if you let it suck you dry, then you’re going to resent it, and you’re going to have nothing left in the tank when it’s most important.
Which is where I’m living. I resent the life I live, the one planned out for me.
And the reason I fuck around so much is because when the time comes to take over the family name, I know that all the fun ends.
So if you can afford to have the fun, then do it. ”
With that, he leans forward, cups my chin, and tilts my head up just enough for him to kiss me right on the mouth.
It’s slow.
It’s deliberate.
And it makes me so freaking weak that I open my mouth when he opens his.
And when his tongue swipes against mine, I return it.
And when his arm loops around my waist, pulling me in closer, I loop my arm around his neck.
I want to hate him for doing this to me.
I want to push him away and yell and scream at him for even opening my eyes to…to whatever this is.
But I can’t. I want it.
And I want more of it.
I love being held by him and kissed by him.
I loved it more than anything when his hand was inching up my shirt.
And when he surprised me last night, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was excited to see him.
But I don’t want any of this. I’m far too independent to let someone else take charge and dictate what they want in my life. I’ve been looking after myself for too many years to want anyone else in my life.
And yet…here he is.
He pulls away and takes a step back, his eyes looking dazed as he drags his hand over his mouth.
“Fuck, you’re so good at that.” He takes another step back. “I’ll, uh, I’ll let you go on your walk so you can think about things. But when you get back, I want you to come to my door and grab me so we can walk over to the shop together. We have a bathroom to remodel.”
He gives me a wink and then takes off, heading back to his house. Leaving me alone…which is what I want. Right? Actually, no, I’d like more of those kisses.
What the hell am I going to do?
Freshly showered, I’m curled up on the living room couch, my view out the window very strange. Aunt Kitty is filming herself lip-synching to a Celine Dion song with her treasured horse, Marshmallow, while Rupert uses a leaf blower to blow her hair back. It’s actually making her cheeks ripple.
She was telling me this morning after my walk that she’s gained two thousand followers since Rupert became her social media manager.
Yeah, social media manager. I couldn’t process the new job title, so I didn’t even ask. I congratulated her and moved into the house to take a shower.
Now that I’m seeing what’s going on, I can understand why. This is a far cry from her other content that I helped with every once in a while. More to it, more cinematic, more…weird.
Ignoring them, I stare down at the rules I shared with Theo. They’re all marked up and ridiculous and I’m unsure if they even make sense at this point. Maybe it’s time to straighten these out.
Picking up my phone, I decide to text Theo.
Renley: I think we need a new set of rules.
I pick up my pen and paper that I brought down and start brainstorming what I want.
He’s right, I want fun.
I want to not have to worry.
I want to not carry the stigma of my last name around this town.
I want people to take me seriously.
I want to create a place of peace, a place of joy.
I want something stable in my life…for once. I want the stability that every day, I get to walk into that candy store and make people happy. I don’t want to have to hustle for the next odd job like my dad. Being the Jackie of all trades has paid the bills, but it’s not fulfilling.
I want all of that, but I don’t want to be hurt. I don’t want to be disappointed.
I don’t want to have another man in my life let me down.
My phone dings with a text back from Theo.
Theo: I’m all for it. Can the rules state that I get to put my hand up your shirt every day?
I smile and text him back.
Renley: No.
Theo: Brutal. But if you want new rules, Gossy, just lay them out.
Renley: I’m working on them right now. Maybe I can send them over and you can make adjustments?
Theo: I can just come over and we can do them together?
Renley: No, you’re too charismatic for that and I’ll probably put something down that I don’t mean.
Theo: Charismatic, huh?
Renley: Yes. So just stay there and when I’m done, I’ll pass them through your mail slot.
Theo: I love it when you talk dirty to me.
Renley: ^^^ That’s exactly what I’m talking about.
Theo: Sorry for being so quick-witted and enigmatic. I’ll try to tone it down for you.
Renley: You and I both know that’s not possible.
Theo: I was attempting to alleviate your stress.
Renley: Not helping.
Theo: I have other ways to alleviate the stress…
Renley: THEO!
Theo: You’re right, you’re right. Sorry. Okay, work on the rules and get back to me. And don’t forget, we’re doing the bathroom today.
Renley: I know, that’s why I have to get this over and done with now.
Theo: So romantic.