I was still reeling from our discussion about being in a relationship. I’d taken a step forward, but a part of me knew none of that mattered until I told him I couldn’t have children. That would be the deciding factor as far as how long this lasted. I sensed I needed to do it soon, but he’d told me I didn’t need to share everything upfront, and I was taking that statement at face value.
“So, to be clear,” Clay said. “We’re dating again, right?”
I smiled. “Yes, although we weren’t technically dating before. We talked on the phone and you flew out to see me but—”
“I don’t care what labels we use. I just want to know that we’re romantically involved.”
“We are.”
He grinned and ran a hand over his beard. “Good.”
We talked about a lot of things after that, and I found myself relaxing in his company. He had a way of putting me at ease while at the same time, keeping me on my toes.
I took a bite of my baked potato and waited until I’d finished chewing. “You’re not the type of man I normally date.”
His expression was unreadable for a few moments as he pushed his food around his plate. “I’m not surprised. Let me guess, you’ve always dated doctors or lawyers.”
I laughed. “I dated one doctor, but he worked so much we barely saw each other, and I’ve never been out with a lawyer.”
“But most of the men you spent time with were refined or cultured. Is that it?”
I frowned. “I suppose you could put it that way. Honestly, I think I’m starting to realize that I always went out with men who didn’t challenge me. They were very much about the status quo and not rocking the boat. All of them were nice guys but…”
“But what?”
“None of them had the effect on me that you do.”
He leaned back in his seat, clearly surprised by that statement. And then he smiled and winked, humor flickering in his eyes. “I’d like to think I have some sway with you since I got you to do the chicken dance at Adam and Gina’s wedding.” He was referring to the wedding we’d gone to last summer when Hunter set us up.
“Boy am I glad Sabrina wasn’t around to take pictures of that embarrassing moment,” I said, giggling.
He nodded, a smirk on his face. “By the way, are you excited about the upcoming wedding? Think there might be another chicken dance in our future?”
I snickered. “You got one, and that’s all you’re getting.”
“Aww, shucks, I was looking forward to it.”
“Seriously, though, I am excited, but my relationship with Sabrina will change once she gets married, and I’m a little sad about that. We’re more like sisters than cousins, and I’m used to calling her up and doing stuff spur of the moment. I’m happy for her, but I know I’ll have to adjust to a new normal.”
He reached forward and placed his hand over mine. “Ever thought about moving to Alaska? You’d see her more often.”
Actually, I had, and the idea was growing on me by the second. “Yeah, absolutely.”
“If our relationship grew more serious, do you think you’d like living out here?”
“I know I would. It’s beautiful and the people are friendly. The only thing is…” I leaned forward, my elbows resting on the table. “I don’t think I’d enjoy living off-the-grid. When Sabrina and I stayed with Hunter, I enjoyed it for the experience, but it’s not how I’d prefer to live on a daily basis.”
He nodded his head slowly. “That’s not a problem, considering I have a house with electricity, water, and all the amenities.”
“Let’s just say hypothetically that we end up getting married. Would you resent not staying in your cabin? I know you said you favor living there, and you make your living off the land.”
“The bigger house wouldn’t feel lonely with you in it, so, no, I wouldn’t feel resentful. Not at all.” He stroked one side of his jaw. “My inheritance is enough that I can live a very comfortable lifestyle without needing a job. Staying at the cabin keeps me busy, but it’s not necessary. I wouldn’t mind keeping it as a vacation spot.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. At least that part wouldn’t be an issue. Experiencing the off-the-grid stuff at Hunter’s had been fun, but I couldn’t see myself doing that for the rest of my life.
As we were talking about the future, I sensed it was a good time to bring up the issue of children but something held me back. What we had right now…I just wanted it to last a little longer. We had two weeks together. I would tell him right before I returned home, and then if it didn’t work out, I wouldn’t have to deal with the awkwardness of seeing him on a regular basis. Truthfully, the pain of having to see his face and knowing he didn’t want me because I was infertile would be too hard.
In a way, I owed it to Sabrina not to cause any unnecessary problems. I was here for her wedding and that needed to be the main focus. If Clay and I had an uncomfortable break-up, it would make it difficult for us to be together at the wedding, and I didn’t want to do that to Sabrina.
Once we finished dinner, we got in the car and headed to Hunter’s house so I could pick up the truck.
I shifted in the passenger seat and glanced at Clay. “You don’t talk about your family much.”
He stiffened and stared straight ahead. “Not a lot to
