While it was true I’d always been a very solitary creature, I’d come to enjoy living with Royce. I couldn’t imagine wanting to live with anyone else. Girdy had mentioned something about signals. Was Royce giving me signals right now? Uneasiness shifted through me because I was uncertain of how to respond. I didn’t want to say the wrong thing but felt I had to say something.
“I didn’t buy that building to escape you, Royce.”
He flicked his guarded gaze to mine. “No?”
I shook my head. “You’ve implied that several times lately, but it’s not true.”
He didn’t speak; he just watched me.
I cleared my throat. “When you first offered me a place in your home, you never said it was permanent.I… I thought it was always understood I’d find my own place again.”
He grimaced. “I guess it was.”
“Then why do you think I’m trying to get away?” I blinked at him. “I’m not. I simply needed a place for my clinic, and Dr. Johnson’s place also provided me a home.”
“Yes.” He winced. “I know all of that logically.”
“Plus, it has a pool.”
He smiled. “Yeah. I know you love the pool thing.”
“I do. Yes.” I moved closer to him. “But I love you more.”
He raised his brows. “Really? More than the pool?”
“Of course.”
“Even if that’s a lie, I’ll take it. My ego needs some stroking.” His cheek curved in a smile.
Feeling nervous, I said, “You once said we should discuss what we expect from this relationship. Should we do that now?”
“Do you want to talk about it now?”
“Er… not sure.” I touched his arm. “I love you. That’s the easy part.”
“I love you too. I also love being together. Physically.”
“As in living in the same house?”
He nodded. “I like waking up with you. Going to bed with you.”
“We can still do those things, even when I’m in my new home.”
“Right.” He frowned. “Of course.”
I pursed my lips, trying to read him. “But it’s not as convenient. Is that what bothers you?”
“I guess.” A line deepened between his brows. “I don’t want to be the only one who cares about that stuff though. I don’t want our needs to be… unbalanced.”
“I see. I… I think we want the same things.”
He sighed. “But if we don’t…”
I clenched my jaw, forcing myself not to back away from the seriousness of the conversation. I felt a little overwhelmed, but Royce needed me to communicate. No matter how uncomfortable it was for me. “You want things from me that I’ve never given anyone,” I murmured.
“I’m aware of that.” Worry moved through his golden-brown eyes. “I’m almost afraid to get into this.”
“Are you?” I asked softly.
