Like a true gentleman, he opens the truck door for me, letting me get in before he closes it and rounds the hood with a little pep in his step. I watch every move as if I can’t take my eyes off of him. He hops in the truck so easily, twisting the key in the ignition. With one hand on the wheel, and the other resting onthe back of my seat, he maneuvers out of the driveway and onto the road.
There’s something about the way a man does that.
Specifically, him.
“I just want to warn you before we get there,” he starts, pausing to take a deep breath. “My parents can be overbearing. They want what’s best for me, but sometimes I don’t think they really know me that well and what I actually want in life.”
I turn to look at him while he stares out the front window, keeping his eyes on the road.
“I understand that. I used to feel that way about mine too. Except, mine had a sprinkle of manipulation in there.” I laugh lightly to ease the tension. “No matter what I was feeling, they would make it about themselves and howtheyfelt. They never failed to make me feel like my feelings were invalid. I cut them off years ago because of this. Now I just talk to them on my own terms,” I say, but realize I haven’t stopped talking. “And now I’m trauma dumping on you and I’m surprised you haven’t dropped me on the curb.”
“Are you done?” he asks.
“Yes.”
“Good, because I have no plans of dropping you off on the curb,” he says, bringing the car to a stop at the stop sign and turning his gaze on me. “I want you there tonight.”
I nod in understanding before he accelerates the truck, turning on a new road.
I want you there tonight.
His words ring in my ear like a song I can’t stop singing.
He wants me there.
He wants me to meet his parents.
Fear pricks the back of my head that this is too good to be true. There was a time when I first met Theodore’s parents, and he wanted me there. It all changed so fast and quickly, though. We settled into a “normal” that I don’t think was very normalnow that I look back. We got comfortable and forgot about wanting each other.Needingeach other.
The only long-term relationship I know is my broken marriage.
So, is that what it’s supposed to be like?
Okay, not that I’m marrying Griffin or anything, but will he get bored with me and find someone new?
I hate that my brain is doing this to me right now.
“We’re here,” Griffin says, breaking the silence as he throws the truck in park.
“That was fast.”
“Small town.” He winks before exiting and hustling to my side to open the door for me.
I can’t hold back the smile on my face even if I tried.
Touché.
I face the house, and my jaw falls to the ground. The house resembles a log cabin-style home nestled between trees as if we’re in the middle of the woods. The surrounding view is nothing like the ones on our street, but it’s beautiful. Cozy and secluded.
“Will your sisters be here?” I ask him.
He shakes his head. “Just us tonight.”
I nod, following Griffin up the wooden porch. The door opens before we even reach it and Nan greets us.
“What are you doing here?” Griffin asks her, confused.
“Your mom said she made that chicken recipe I love so much.” She giggles. “You know how much I love that shit, so I invited myself.”
