“What if I’m a huge failure and you end up drowning in debt because of me?”
“You’re only a failure if you stop chasing your dreams.”
“What if…” She glances down at her boots. “…if we don’t work out?”
A blast of cold gusts through my chest. Us not working out isn’t an option.
I gently squeeze her shoulders and she lifts her gaze. “If you want me to leave, just say so. I’ll take my toys and go home like a big boy. Promise.”
“I don’t want you to go anywhere,” she whispers.
Good, because I’m probably lying anyway. I’d never leave her stranded. More like, I’d hire someone to drive her around until the tour was over so she didn’t have to go back to living in the van with the rest of the guys.
Then I’d take my sorry ass home and figure out how to live in a world without the only woman I’ve ever loved.
Shelby
“You’re sure this isn’t too soon?” No matter how much Rooster reassures me, I can’t wrap my head around this enormous sacrifice he’s made. For me. Because of me.
He frowns and cocks his head. “Too soon for what?”
I glance around the space, still so overwhelmed. “For us to…well, it’s like we’ll be living together.”
He continues staring at me. “That’s the point.”
Shoot, I’m not trying to hurt his feelings. “I’m not always sunshine and sweet tea, you know.”
A smile teases the corners of his mouth. “Is that right?”
“Well, yeah. I get crabby when I’m tired. Moody.” I flick my gaze toward the small bathroom door. “Once a month, I go through an intense steak and Ben and Jerry’s binge. Hell help the person who gets between me and my Cherry Garcia.”
He crosses his arms over his chest and ducks his head. His big body shakes with laughter.
“I’m serious.” I’ve never lived with a boyfriend before. I have no idea what to expect or what he expects.
“Are you dipping the steak in the ice cream?” He tips his head and pins me with a half-serious stare. “Because that’s a deal-breaker for me.”
“No.” I shoot him a half-hearted glare. “They’re separate meals.”
“Phew.” He wipes a sarcastic hand over his forehead. “Close one.”
“All right, smart ass.”
His face settles into a more serious expression. “What are you really worried about?”
“I just told you. Living together. Out on the road. It’s stressful.” I glance down at my feet and pick at a thread on my jeans. “I don’t want us to end up hating each other.”
“Shelby.” He sighs and rests his hands on my shoulders. “I could never hate you.”
“Don’t be so sure.”
“I’m not always Mr. Charm, either, you know.” He squeezes my shoulder gently. “We’ll make it work.”
“I don’t think I’m a diva but I can be particular about things.”
“You think I haven’t noticed?” He steps closer. “I enjoy all the little things that make you who you are.”
I slide my arms around his waist, leaning against him. “I’m still in a bit of shock. I really do love it,” I mumble against his shirt.
“Good.” He wraps one arm around my shoulders and turns us to face the kitchenette. “I’m going to use the next day or so to make a few modifications before we get on the road. If you think of anything that would make your life easier, let me know.”
I study the compact space around us. Everything looks so perfect. Clearly it was designed to get the maximum use out of every square inch. I can’t imagine messing with it. “What kind of modifications?”
He points to the wall next to the dining table and benches. “I want to install a secret compartment there.”
“Ooo, sounds very James Bond.”
“Not really. Just a place to store our valuables. The dealer does customizations but they couldn’t get it done before we have to leave.”
“Oh.” I step away from him, investigating the space with purpose. “I really don’t know what I might need.”
“Don’t stress about it. We can always stop at a home improvement store along the way.”
Across from the dinette, a television’s mounted to the wall. “Think I can make this a yoga space in the mornings?”
“We’ll find the room for whatever you need.”
Smiling up at him, I bump my shoulder against his arm. “Think you’ll do morning yoga with me?”
His lips curl up. “Let’s not get crazy.”
He’s already done so much, I probably shouldn’t push him. “Sorry.”
“I’m teasing.” He squeezes me tight.
The warm sensation flooding through my body cools. Worry digs its claws into my heart.
This has to be the best moment of my life.
But I can’t seem to squelch the terrified voice inside me that says this could be the ruin of our relationship.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Rooster
That went better than I expected.
Should I be insulted or happy Shelby’s worried about us living together?
Honestly, until she put it that way, I hadn’t considered it as living together. I just want to be with her as much as possible while making sure she’s safe.
“So, you’re good?” I brush my knuckles over her cheek.
She swallows hard and slowly meets my eyes. “Overwhelmed. Excited too.”
Someone bangs on the door. Shelby jumps.
“Let’s see it!” Murphy shouts.
Shelby’s lips quirk with amusement. “Your brothers all knew, huh?”
“Well, I needed Jiggy to go with me and naturally he blabbed to everyone.”
She laughs softly and shakes her head.
I reach over and push open the door. “Heidi can come in. You stay outside, Ginger Yeti.”
Shelby playfully swats my side. “Be nice.”
Murphy snorts with laughter and follows Heidi up the steps.
Heidi’s gaze slowly slides over the space. “This is the coolest thing ever.” She pats my arm. “You’re a brilliant man.”
I flash a smile at Shelby. “I didn’t even ask her to say that.”
“You are brilliant.” She leans up and kisses my cheek. “And thoughtful. And—”
“Yeah, yeah. Rooster’s a peach,” Murphy grumbles. “Are we getting a tour or not?”
I walk them through the place, chuckling as Heidi oohs and ahhs over every detail. Until the shower.
“Ooof. That’s tiny. No shower sex for you two.”
“We’ll improvise.” Shelby winks at me.
I love this woman.
“There’s an extra bed back there if someone needs to crash.” I point out the smaller guest space. While it’s not spacious by any means, it’ll be better than sleeping outside in a pinch.
Heidi eyes the distance between the guest bed and our bed up front. “That won’t provide you with much, ahem, privacy.”