Silent No More(44)

“Whatever you want, but first I need make an appointment with a realtor for tomorrow so I can find a new apartment,” I say as I shoot Vicky Smith, Mom’s realtor a text telling her who I am and what I’m looking for.

“What?” I snap my head up from my phone. He’s wearing an alarmed expression. “What the fuck is wrong with my house?" he asks, waving his hand about, indicating his home.

“Your home is great and I love it, but I don’t live here. Nick, I don’t even know what we are.” I indicate the space between the two of us. “Are we dating or is this just casual fun for you?” I place my hands on my hips. I’m pretty sure we are about to have an argument…yet another common theme with this man. I can’t recall one argument Luke and I ever had, but with Nick, it’s been something every day.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap.” He runs his hands through his hair as he’s eyeing me.

“I…I haven’t been someone’s boyfriend in a very long time. Not since high school actually, and I don’t really consider that a real relationship.” He’s not asking a question. Wow, he’s thirty and has never dated. What’s wrong with him?

I wrap my arms around his waist as he cages me in against the counter top. “You’re right, we haven’t talked about this. Us,” he says as he lifts his right hand on the counter to move his index finger in between both of us. I don’t interrupt him, but I continue to stare up at him.

“I don’t exactly know how to do the normal relationship thing, but there is something about you. From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew I wanted you. Wanted to get to know you. I want all of you and I want you here. I don’t want a causal relationship. I want you as mine…as my girlfriend.” He’s waiting for my response. Is that what I want? I just got out of a long relationship. I know in my head this is moving way too fast, but damn it I want him too.

“Okay.” I hear myself saying. I have no idea what I’m agreeing to.

“Okay, you’re staying?” His lips turn up into a smile.

“Okay, I’ll be your girlfriend. I’ve never really done a casual relationship before, and I really don’t want that. However, if that is what we are going to do, I still can’t live here.” I like the sound of being his girlfriend.

“Why the hell not?” His lips quickly turn down into a frown as he pulls his eyebrows together.

“Because normal people don’t start dating and move right in together, that’s why.” What does he not get here?

“Maybe I don’t want a normal relationship. Babe, I can guarantee you I’m certainly not the normal boyfriend type. I want what I want. It’s really that simple,” he says back to me.

No, he’s certainly not normal, and apparently, he’s used to people doing what he says. I try to push him back, but he isn’t having it. He’s not being forceful, but he’s holding his position. What is it going to take to get through to him?

“Nick, if you want this to work,” I say moving my finger back and forth just as he did a moment ago, “then we need space, and we need time to get to know each other. We need to slow us down.” He rolls his eyes, not liking what I have just told him.

“Fine, I’ll concede on the apartment if it’s what you want.” He pauses, but I can tell he isn’t done with this conversation. “You can have you own space so long as you are here with me most nights.”

“Thanks for the permission,” I say sarcastically, ducking under his arm.

“Babe, I don’t want to argue. Tell me what you want and I’ll have a furnished apartment for you by this time tomorrow.” He’s following me out of the kitchen into the living room.

It’s my turn to roll my eyes, but he can’t see me doing so. I plop down on the couch. Nick comes up and sits down on the corner. He reaches for me, pulling me into his arms with my back to his chest. He’s making it difficult to stay irritated at him. He feels too good. I lay my head back against his shoulder. I don’t want to argue either. I just want to relax in Nick’s warm arms, but I don’t need this man coming to my rescue. I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself and I need to make him see that.

“I can take care of it, but I bet you’re used to snapping your fingers and people do what you say. Am I right?” He wraps his arms around my shoulders, hugging me, and I realize I’ve never felt more safe and content in my life. What is this man doing to me? He’ll have me dependent on him if I’m not careful.