“Why not?” I hate lying to my boss, I just feel so seedy. It’s not as if they don’t all know that I’m sleeping with Theo. I know Simmons turns a blind eye, because he’s getting paid for my time. That also makes me feel like a hooker. Ugh, why couldn’t I have just been one of those people without a conscience? Most people would snap his hand off at the chance of a paid trip to Cape Verde.
I sigh. “Because I feel like a fraud.”
His eyebrows pull together, a small line forming between his eyes. “What do you mean?”
I glance up at him, locking eyes with him. “I’m worried that Simmons only keeps me because of you.”
He laughs. “No babe, he doesn’t.”
“How do you know?”
He shakes his head. “I just do. You are really good at your job, sugar. I’ve seen solicitors twice your age who aren’t as clued in as you are.” He reaches over and brushes his thumb over my knuckles. “Have a little faith in yourself. Stop expecting everything to be taken away from you at any minute. You can stop running, and stop fighting. This is it, sugar.” Fuck, how does he see through me so completely? He takes my hand and places a kiss on my knuckles, locking me in those beautiful blue eyes. “We can live the life we want…and that includes you coming to Cape Verde with me, to see our house.”
“Your house.” I smile, rolling my eyes. I pick up my wine glass with my free hand and take a sip.
He shakes his head. “Nope, our house. Your name is on the deed.” I cough, choking on the wine. Fuck! He hands me a napkin.
When I’ve finally got myself together I manage to gasp. “What?!”
“Don’t freak out, it’s not a big deal.” He shrugs.
“Theo, you bought that house when we weren’t together.”
He smiles. “I always knew you would come back to me, Lilly.”
“How?” I breathe. How can anyone have that much faith in another person? It’s crazy, impossible, surely? Not to mention, that person is me. Crazy, defensive, surrounded by six foot tall razor wire topped walls, me.
“You and I are meant to be. You belong with me. Your brand of crazy keeps me on my toes.” He grins. How can he have seen all this so clearly, and yet I couldn’t? I just kept fighting him, determined to stand alone in my own private war. Theo makes me feel weak, but he fortifies me with his strength. He is my vulnerability, just as he is my greatest asset.
I smile. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” He says with a shit eating grin on his face. Some things never change. “And, on that note…I have a question for you.” He eyes me seriously.
“O-kay.” I say slowly.
“Move in with me.” Well firstly, that wasn’t a question, it was a demand, and secondly, oh my god.
“Um…” I stumble over my words.
He rolls his eyes and leans back in his chair casually, a small smile fixed on his lips. “Let’s not do that thing where you think of every reason why you shouldn’t, whilst I counter them all, and eventually I win anyway.”
“There are very valid reasons why I shouldn’t…” I start.
His smile widens. “None of them valid enough. I love you, and that’s all the validation I need.” He waits while I chew nervously on my bottom lip. Okay, this is a huge step. Like massive. But…it’s Theo. If I’m not sure of him by now, then I’ll never be sure of anyone. Fuck it, in for a penny and all that…
“Okay.” I whisper.
He raises his eyebrows and leans forward, propping his elbows on the table. “I’m sorry, did you just agree in…” He checks his watch. “Less than a minute?”
Smug bastard.
The dinner is amazing. For once we were just two people on a date, oh, other than the fact he just told me he bought a house in my name, and asked me to move in with him. Yeah, that’s pretty monumental.
Once we’re in the car I turn to look at him. His face is serene and calm. I haven’t seen him look like that since…well, since I met him, I don’t think. Poor guy. I’ve come into his life like a tornado. “So, yes to Cape Verde.” I tell him, picking up our previous conversation. I thought about it over dinner, and I do kind of feel bad. He bought me a house, the least I can do is go and see it. “The only problem is that Molly and I go away together every year. It’s kind of our thing…”
I watch as the corners of his lips twitch up. He throws me a sideways glance. “So invite her.”
I squeal and kiss his cheek. “She is going to shit herself when she hears about this!”