Page 121 of The House Guest

My eyes widened. “For what?”

“Years ago, I tried to discourage you from trusting Dorian. I assumed that because he was Remington’s son, he couldn’t be honorable. Now that I understand things better, I believe that was an irresponsible assumption on my part. I’m sorry if I planted seeds of doubt.”

I shook my head. “Thank you for your apology. I never let your opinion deter me, though. Your warning did occur to me when I thought Dorian had ended things for no good reason. But of course, that was never the truth.”

“I know. I’m very sorry for what you both had to go through, but I’m happy you’ve found your way back to each other.”

“Thank you, Patsy. I was thinking about looking you up, but since I was only here for a short time, I was a bit overwhelmed. I’m so glad Benjamin brought you to me.”

“Me, too.” She grinned.

Having everyone over turned out to be a wonderful distraction from my anxiety about leaving. We spent a lovely afternoon together, but eventually I began to worry about not getting enough one-on-one time with Dorian now that the clock was ticking.

After everyone left, he and I cleaned up, a tense silence replacing the jovial mood from earlier. And later, we sat together out by the pool, welcomed by the old familiar lights I’d painted in Ohio the day Dorian had given me my inspiration back. I rested against his chest as we looked up at the starry sky.

Dorian spoke in a low voice. “When you saw me dancing with Liv out here the night you arrived, I’m sure that looked very intimate. Itwasan intimate moment, I suppose. But there was never a time I heard beautiful music or looked up at the sky like this when you didn’t come to mind. I carried you with me. No one else even came close to the connection I have with you, Primrose. If there’s any doubt, because I know I haven’t said it since you’ve beenhere, I love you.” He paused. “I love you with all of my heart and soul.”

I turned to face him. “I love you, too.”

“I’d been waiting for the right moment to say it. I’ve felt it so strongly this entire time. I just didn’t want to throw those words out at the wrong moment…like during sex.” He shrugged. “And we’ve had a lot of that.”

I grinned and caressed his cheek. “I’m gonna miss thatsomuch.”

“Why will you miss it?”

I blinked, unsure what wasn’t clear about that statement. “Because we won’t be together tomorrow.”

His eyes sparkled. “We will if I come with you.”

CHAPTER 35

Dorian

The look of pure shock on her face told me she hadn’t even considered that I’d be willing to leave everything behind here. But the thought of staying was much harder than that.

“Rosebud, do you really think this is going to work if we’re across the country from each other?”

She shook her head. “I hadn’t allowed myself to think about the logistics for fear it wouldn’t make sense. I would never ask you to—”

“I know. But the thing is, you don’thaveto ask me. I don’t want to live apart from you. Your hands are tied because of your daughter. There’s only one solution, and that’s for me to move.”

“What about the mansion? You just got it back.”

“You think this lump of concrete means anything to me? The only thing meaningful about it are the memorieswehave together here. My heart is where you are. And Ineed to follow my heart, just like you did when you risked everything to come here.”

“I may not be able to move out of the house I share with Casey right away.”

“It doesn’t matter, as long as we can see each other. I’ll rent a house for now, and we’ll take things slowly. You’ll live with your daughter as you always have. And when you’re ready, I’d love to meet her. But not until you feel it’s right. I know you have things to take care of. That’ll require patience on my part, but I’ve waited five years. I can wait longer. Like I’ve said before, this is going to be messy. But at least I’ll be there when things get tough. I can’t do that from here.” I looked into her eyes. “But before I make assumptions, I need you to tell me whetheryouwant me in Ohio.”

Her eyes watered. “Yes, of course I want you there.”

“Then it’s settled.”

“Who’s gonna take care of the mansion?”

“I’ve already asked Benjamin to move into the main house. And I’m rehiring Patsy. Maybe someday I’ll sell this place again. But for now, I’ll keep it. In any case, it’s served its purpose.”

“What do you mean?”