Nonstop (Open Skies #3) - Becca Jameson Page 0,62

no idea what she was going to say anyway.

“Wait. Just listen. Don’t say anything. I know this is huge for you. You’ve been through a lot. You have a lot of stuff to work through in the coming months. I get that, and I fully understand if it seems too overwhelming. So, let me just add two things, and then I’ll shut up and you can ponder.”

She nodded.

“First of all, I’d be just as invested in the bakery as you, so don’t think of it as me giving you money or some shit. I’d be a silent partner if that makes you feel better. We can draw up a contract or whatever. You’re the one with the business sense and amazing confections. I promise I wouldn’t step on your feet or get in your way. You’d be completely in control of every decision. But think of it as a joint venture if it eases your mind.”

She wasn’t sure she could ever see it that way, but she kept her mouth closed. He’d said he had two things to say. She wanted to hear the other one.

“Second of all, and I mean this in the nicest possible way, so don’t take it wrong, but half the reason I haven’t mentioned this possibility or pressured you harder to move in with me is because it scares the fuck out of me that you might turn me down. That maybe you aren’t as invested in me as I am in you.”

She started to speak, but he stopped her with a palm to her mouth and a shake of his head.

“Please, don’t say a word. Just listen. I know I’m ahead of you in this relationship. I get it. I’m antsy. I love you so much it hurts. If I had my way, you’d be picking out that damn china and assembling a crib in one of my spare rooms.”

She flinched at the mention of china and babies, the two things he always joked about his mother saying, though she never once mentioned any such thing while they’d been there. Thank God.

Bracken shook their combined hands again. “I want this to work that badly. So, it scares the hell out of me to discuss any of this with you out of fear you don’t want the same things. I worry I haven’t given you enough time. That you feel pressured. I don’t want you to feel anything like that. So, I’m trying hard to slow down and let you catch up.”

He drew in a deep breath. “I don’t want you to respond to anything I just said. I just want you to know how I feel so there are no doubts in your mind as we move forward. Nothing changes between us. We’re going to travel across the country at our leisure, enjoy the sights, make love in a bunch of hotel rooms, and sing loudly to old songs in the car.

“We’re going to pretend none of our problems exist for the next week and enjoy ourselves. When we get home, we’ll go back to normal. The only difference will be that you’ll know how I feel. I won’t mention it again. Not a word. You take your time. When you’re ready to take a step forward, let me know, however small it is. I’ll make it happen.”

He released her hand, grabbed the back of her neck, and hauled her face closer, sealing his speech with a hard kiss.

She was stunned speechless, and apparently, that was what he wanted, so she didn’t even try to say anything.

“We good?”

She nodded.

“I haven’t sent you into a panic?”

She shook her head.

“Good.” He smiled, released her, and put the car in drive.

Her heart was pounding as he continued driving down the highway. So many thoughts went through her mind. It was all so overwhelming. He was offering her the moon, and yet she felt hesitant. It seemed too good to be true. She’d only met him five weeks ago. Yes, she was as in love with him as he was with her, but how could they possibly know it would last?

She had no experience with love or this kind of commitment. She didn’t even think she’d witnessed this type of relationship with her own parents. They shared a life and a path, but she’d never once seen them share the kind of affection she received from Bracken.

She stared out the window for a long time, processing his speech. He was basically all in. Marriage. Kids. House. Bakery. The