Chapter 22 #2
“I don’t think it’s soon at all.” He scoots closer and runs his hand down my arm until his fingers are intertwined with mine.
“I’ve already talked to my mom about you.
I kind of had to after she saw the cameras focused on us.
” His hand squeezes mine. “I wanted to tell her sooner, but figured I should talk to you first. She’s really excited to meet you. ”
My heart is hammering, and I’m not sure how to respond.
I can’t remember the last time I met someone’s parents.
It had to have been high school. I damn sure haven’t taken anyone home to my parents considering they basically cut me out of their lives.
But I wonder if he’s ever taken anyone home.
That’s a big step, and the insecure side wants to know this.
“Have you taken anyone else home to meet your family? I just don’t know what to expect. ”
I feel bad for even asking the question.
He doesn’t need to justify past relationships to me.
He’s never asked me to do it. I told him about Braxton because I wanted to.
Because I needed him to know why I had the reservations I did.
But he doesn’t scoff. He only pulls me close to him despite my earlier complaints about him being the equivalent of a space heater.
“I’ve never taken anyone home to meet them.
I almost did once, but she proved to be someone that didn’t give a damn about me.
She only wanted the popularity that comes with being with one of the players on the team. ”
“Didn’t your mom question why you never brought anyone to meet them?”
He nuzzles his chin against my shoulder and neck, and I relax in his arms. “Not really. I’ve always been a pretty private person. And they know that if I bring someone home…I’m serious.”
Serious. That’s what he means for us. He’s serious about me.
I should have guessed considering he’s gone above and beyond what any other man has done.
He didn’t give up on a date with me, sets things up virtually, and he’s there.
Always. He’s definitely shown me how serious he is about me.
“Ok.” I take a deep breath. “I’ll meet your mom. ”
“And my sister,” he adds.
“And your sister,” I sigh. This is going to be very interesting. The worst they can do is not like me. “Now go to sleep. We have to get up early to get you to the airport.”
“But I want to do other things,” he pouts while his hand travels south.
“Nope. If we do that, we won’t make it to the airport on time.” I pull his hand back up until it’s resting on my stomach. “If you don’t stop, I’ll go sleep on the couch.”
“Yeah,” he strengthens his hold on me. “That’s not happening. You’re not leaving my arms until you absolutely have to.”
I guess there will be no space and I’ll be sweaty come morning. But that’s fine. At least I have these moments with him tonight.
Kisses on my neck are my alarm. Bentley pushes the hair off my face when he notices me stirring. I know it hasn’t been that long since we’ve gone to bed, but I won’t argue with how he’s waking me up. Mornings aren’t my thing, even when I have to go to work, but this is my own slice of paradise.
“I wish we could start the day like this every morning,” he mumbles in my ear. “That’s probably the best sleep I’ve gotten in ages and it’s only better because I get to wake up next to you.”
Cue the warm fuzzies. I’ve debated telling him I want to look for another job.
Mostly because, well…we haven’t been dating that long and I don’t want him to think the change is because of him.
I’m obviously not that sort of person. The one to derail my life for a guy.
But, it’s time. I’m exhausted from all the travel, and if I could find a job that doesn’t require me to travel as much, then I’ll be happy.
With, or without, Bentley by my side. “That could be a possibility.”
“What do you mean?” His lifts his head up and tilts it to the side like a confused puppy. It’s as adorable when he does it as when they do. “Did you find a different job?”
“Calm down.” I roll over until I’m facing him. His hair is sticking out in every direction, and I’m terrified of what mine looks like, but I don’t care right now. “I’ve been thinking about looking for another job. As much as I love visiting new places, I’m tired all the time.”
His eyes light up and the ghost of a smile crosses his lips. “Really? Have you already started looking?”
Shaking my head, I sigh. “Not yet. I want to be sure before I do anything. It’s just a thought for now.”
“What would you want to do?”
I shrug and the blanket covering us is pulled down just a little bit. “I don’t know. I thought maybe a travel agent. I’ve seen so much of the world, and I think I could be great at recommending travel destinations for others. I haven’t done any research into it, though.”
“Take your time,” he brushes his lips across his forehead. “Do what is best for you. I won’t pressure you one way or another.”
“That’s good to know.” I reach for the edge of the blanket and pull it off.
His eyes go wide at my naked body, and he waggles his eyebrows.
Before he has a chance to say anything at all, I put my finger against his lips.
“We don’t have time for that. We need to get ready.
You’re supposed to be at the airport in less than an hour. ”
Instead of waiting for a response, I slide out of bed and walk toward the bathroom. I haven’t even made it to the door when he comes up behind me and sweeps me into his arms. “There’s always time. And we can scrub each other down in the shower.”
There’s no point in arguing with him. I’ll just enjoy my time with him while he’s here. There’s no use denying either one of us of what we want. I’ll save the goodbyes when he walks to security.