Page 62 of Mr. Red

“You seem relaxed in San Diego, for the most part anyway. You’re stressed in Washington.”

“Yeah, San Diego reminds me of my grandparents.Coming here was an escape we all needed. They’ve passed on now, but they provided memories and safety. Still feels warm and safe. I’ll always love Texas—I plan on having my family in Texas—but this is my favorite place.” He shakes his head and flicks his wrist. “I’ve never told anyone this, even my business partner. When I thought of bringing you somewhere, this was the only place I could think of sharing with you.”

My heart is pounding in my chest. He feels this pull between us too. “You’re already thinking about a family?” I try to tease him because this conversation got deep, quick.

He chuckles. “Yeah, someday. Texas is cool and my whole family is there. I have a spacious house with plenty of room.”

“You know, Lakebrook is also a great place for families. Lots of outdoor adventures. There’s a reason why you’re expanding your business to Washington, right? Wouldn’t you consider moving there?”

“I already have it set up in Texas. I don’t need to move where I’m expanding.”

I’m reading between the lines. If we stay together, I’m going to be expected to move to Texas. Once Matt has made up his mind, it’s the end of the discussion.

I suppose I could consider moving to Texas. It seems drastic. This trip is the first time I left the state and now I’ve met someone I’m considering moving halfway across the country for. I’ve never been there, but I don’t know if I could just up and move. It would be a big decision. It would also have to be the right timing; I just opened the gym. My small town with everything and everyone I know would be hard to leave.

Oh god. I’m thinking about walking down the aisle and having kids with the guy. Trying to figure out where wewould all live.

Get a grip, Scarlett.

“Huh. Did you have a choice on coming to Washington for your project?”

“I did. Grant is from Lakebrook. I had to convince him to expand and I figured Washington would give me leverage.”

“Do you mean Grant Green?”

“Yeah. You know him?”

“I’ve heard of him. Itisa small town.”

He nods. “The place I picked will be renovated using recycled material and whatever else I can figure out without spending a fortune. Grant’s coming around to the idea; he has faith I can get anything done I set my mind to, but he’s a numbers guy. This first property will be proof it’ll work. It’ll take some time to see income from the property.”

“I have a lot of faith in my girls, you know.”

“How so?”

“They’re pretty much my family.”

“I was wondering. You never mention anyone in your family.”

“Yeah, I have my dad, who I love, but he has moved to Seattle now. My mom left when I was six for another man. She broke his heart and didn’t think twice about him or I. Just left and did what she wanted. My dad was the one who made sure to be there for me and taught me to love the outdoors. It all worked out. Lana has a big family and they let me hang out with them a lot. Her mom is so motherly I felt like she was sort of mine too. You make the family you want.”

“Explains why you’re so independent and not afraid to hold your ground. Kind of a control freak.” He mumbles the last sentence.

“Hey! You’re one to talk!” I tell him with a slap to his arm. “Having a plan means no surprises.”

“Surprises can be fun. Tell me you aren’t having fun on this trip.”

“Yes it’s been fun. But some surprises are scary—like someone you love leaving. I like knowing what’s going to happen next. Change is scary.”

“Change and surprises don’t have to mean something bad.”

“I’m going to surprise you and see how you like it.” I smirk.

“No one can surprise me.”

I scoff. Challenge accepted. “We’ll see, Mr. Reding.”

Our waiter comes with our food and I look around again at all the empty chairs. No one else has shown up. “Wait, did you rent out the patio?”