Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
PIERCE
Ihave to say, I enjoy the fuck out of surprising Tinsley. The adorable shocked expression that takes over her face does it for me, but I also enjoy all of her animated reactions. The tediousness that has been my life is gone; this tiny girl is making everything eventful.
"What are we doing here?" Tinsley asks when I pull up to the cabin that sits about three miles out of town. Brandon pulls in behind us. "Mrs. Linda sold this place to the new second-grade teacher. Shit, I still need to introduce myself to her."
"She backed out and took the place over the bakery.”
"I was going to rent that place, so I scooped it up for the time being," she mutters more to herself. "You're starting to really piss me off."
"Because I got a temporary home for my wife and me?"
"Temporary?"
"We'll need something bigger." She opens and closes her mouth. "But enlighten me on what exactly pisses you off, and maybe I could fix it."
"That you know more about what's going on than I do."
"You've only been back to town for a week. You'll catch up." I reassure her, stepping out of my SUV. Tinsley stays in the passenger seat, arms folded and glaring at the cabin. She’s even sexier when she’s pouting.
I don’t blame her for her reluctance. I am bulldozing her, but after getting a nice peek into one of her many books—not all of them were drawings—I think bulldozing her is exactly what she needs. I also tricked her into marrying me.
“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” Brandon asks. “She bites, you know.”
“You’re lucky you’re married,” I tell him.
“I didn’t mean that kind of bite, and you know it.” He grins. “But I’ll get to it.” Brandon starts grabbing some of the boxes, and I open the door for Tinsley.
“Can we pout and glare inside?” I poke at her.
“I don’t pout,” she huffs, unclipping her seat belt quickly and getting out.
“You do, and you should stop.”
“I can pout if I want to.”
“All it does is tempt me to suck on that bottom lip you have puffed out.” I watch her eyes soften before she quickly masks it, trying to keep her walls up. Doesn’t bother me. I enjoy a challenge, and I can tell my wife is going to be full of them.
“Well, maybe I’ll let you do that later.” She slips on by me, heading toward the cabin.
It wasn’t easy to get this place, but with Hollis’s help and money, I was able to make it happen.
We need our own space. It will play a big part in her settling into the reality that she’s my wife and that’s not going to change.
She can continue to lie to herself, but in the end she’ll be mine. She already is in my eyes.
Since Tinsley already had a bunch of her things in boxes, it doesn’t take long to get all of her stuff into the cabin.
She left behind her furniture except for a table she’s refinished.
I got the sense that her parents would have rather bought her new furniture than for her to clear out her bedroom.
I very much see her room staying put. I had noticed that’s how her brother’s room remained, and it was my understanding he moved out years ago.
"You know, you're supposed to be on my team," Tinsley tells Brandon as they stand on the front porch. He's about to leave. The front door is open, and I can hear them clear as day.
"Tins, I am on your team. That's why I'm here."
People have been rather helpful when it comes to moving things along. I have never seen anything like it. Without question, Brandon asked what time and not much more.
Tinsley comes strolling into the house a few seconds later, closing the door behind her. I can see the way her eyes light up as she takes in the space.
“I guess this place will do.” She tries to downplay how much she likes it.
“It’s a good starter home for a newly married couple.
Cozy enough for us to spend time getting to know one another.
” I’m on to this new tactic she’s employing.
Little does she know, there is nothing she could do that would make me grant her an annulment.
She’s stuck with me for better or worse.
Til death do us part like we said in our vows.
“How did you get this furniture so quickly? I know this wasn’t here before.”
“Money.”
“Right,” she clips.
“Did you want me to lie to you?”
“No.” She chews on her bottom lip. “That was dickish. I mean, I don’t know how you use your money or whatever, but you’re not a trust fund kid.”
"I'm not, but I will throw my money around to get what I want."
"And you want me."
"I do."
"You should be careful what you wish for."
"If I can't handle you, Tinsley, I don't deserve you."
"Always saying the right things." A small huff leaves her. "You should know, I'm not the best cook; I'm a mess and don't really sit still for long unless I'm working."
"I’m sure that takes all your attention. I don't know how you do those designs on such a small canvas."
A smile starts to form. "You think nails are a canvas."
"Before now I didn't give it much thought. Then I saw your work; yeah, they’re a canvas."
"My mom says I can't sit still, but when I'm drawing, I become utterly still, almost except for my hands."
"Because it takes more from you than it appears." Tinsley’s chin dips, and I see the vulnerability she has when it comes to her work. "Do you ever think about doing other art for work?"
"A little." She shrugs.
I lean up against the kitchen island. The front door opens right into a small entryway and into the living room. There is a gap between the kitchen and the living room, leaving a small space for a table.
"I think you'd do impeccably." I don't think there is much she wouldn't flourish in when she puts her mind to it. In another life, I truly believe she could run a Fortune 500 company.
Tinsley puts her all into everything. Not only that, but all the people around her adore her.
"Thanks for saying that. It means a lot."
"Or we could keep all your work and have it framed for our place." She presses her lips together to suppress a grin.
"This isn't our home."
"I bought it. It's ours technically, since I bought it after our marriage, and you suckered me out of doing a prenup," I tease her.
"What does that mean? You think I took advantage of you?" Her shoulders go back. "Fine, I'll sign one. I don't need your money," she says tartly.
"I'll speak to my law—" I knew she'd be coming in hot on that one.
"Forget it." She throws her hands up. "I changed my mind. I'll keep it and take you to the cleaners." I don't suppress my smile.
"Shall we unpack then?"
"I suppose." She walks up and down the hallway. I give her a minute to figure out there is only one bed. "Pierce!"
"Yes, dear?" I call back.
"There is only one bed." She comes back out.
"I know." I let out a loud sigh. "You cuddle and attack me in my sleep, but I can deal with it." I expect a denigration or a smart-ass remark, but I get something even better.
"Fine, but I want nightly orgasms." Tinsley heads back down the hallway.
"Orgasms imply more than one," I point out. "I'll be collecting."
No smart-ass response comes back at me, letting me know she more than wants them.
Happy wife. Happy life.