“As a matter of fact, I do know. It’s something I’ve only just realized in the last few weeks. Work has never been more of a chore than it’s been lately.”
“For me, too, except the time I spent working at your place when I could steal kisses in between installing new circuits.”
“Sexiest electrician I ever met.”
He tipped his head adorably. “How many electricians have you known?”
“Never mind. Take the compliment.”
Smiling, he filled their wineglasses with the rosé they both liked. “Cheers to you, Sierra Mancini. Thank you for the best weeks of my life.”
As she touched her glass to his, she feared he might be planning to tell her their time together was ending.
“Why did you frown like that?”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Anything you want.”
“Are you leaving?”
“Only to go to Providence with you tomorrow. If I’m still invited, that is.”
“You are invited—and I just talked to my dad. He’s excited to meet you and wants to know your favorite dish from Mancini’s so he can have it ready for you.”
“That’s easy. Lasagna.”
“Got it, but what about after Providence? What happens in the New Year?”
“What do you want to happen?”
Suddenly, Sierra couldn’t take it anymore. She couldn’t bear to sit across from him as his gorgeous face was lit by candlelight, dreaming about a future that might not happen. She stood and went into her room to curl up on her bed, feeling madly vulnerable and undone by feelings so big, she didn’t know how to manage them. She’d never had to before.
He crawled onto the bed and curled up to her. “What’s wrong?”
She took a few minutes to try to settle her emotions before she said words that could never be unsaid. “I’m scared.”
“Of what, honey?”
“This. You. All of it.”
He pushed himself up on his arm. “Turn over so I can see your gorgeous face.”
“Don’t want to.”
“Please?”
Reluctantly, she turned onto her back and gazed up at the ceiling because looking at him was akin to staring at the sun. He blotted out everything that wasn’t him.
“Sierra.”
“Yes?”
“You’re not looking at me.”
“I know.”
“Tell me what you’re afraid of.”
