Over the Fence (42 page)

“I love you, Nathan,” she responded.

“It’s not easy being involved with someone with a criminal record. Things are more challenging at times.”

“I don’t care. I would follow you to the ends of the Earth, Nathan. You’ve existed on your own for the last few years without anyone to love, so you understand how painful that is.” Her eyes filled with more tears. “I’ve never been loved before . . . by anyone. I’m not giving you up because things might be difficult. Life is difficult. But if we’re together, that’s all that matters.” Her lip trembled. “I’m not letting you go. Ever.”

I could feel my own eyes tearing up as I listened to her declaration. “You’ll stay with me? No matter what?

“No matter what.”

I crushed her to my chest, finally able to take in a deep breath.

I had her.

She was mine.

Forever.

We spent most of the day curled together on the sofa, Kourtney asking questions as she thought about them. Her fingers picked at a stray thread on my T-shirt and I could sense she wanted to ask something, and she was unsure how to proceed.

“What?” I asked, dropping a kiss on her head. “You’re thinking far too hard.”

“Can you travel?”

“I haven’t applied for a passport yet, but I will, although getting a passport and being allowed into another country are two different things.”

“Do you want to travel?”

“If I can. I’d like to travel with you.”

“Can you, ah, get married?”

“Are you asking me?”

Color stained her cheeks. “No, I was only inquiring as to the rules.”

I snickered at her haughty tone. “Yes, I can legally get married.” I dropped another warm kiss on her head. “So yes, Chefgirl. I can marry you.”

“I didn’t ask that, Nat.”

I sat back, grinning. “But, if I asked
you
and it was a sunny day, you’d maybe say yes?”

“Meh. If I was in a good mood, or slightly tipsy, perhaps. And totally depending on the size of the rock you put on my finger,” she deadpanned.

I burst out laughing. “I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll tell you jokes, and get you drunk before I pop the question.” I smirked. “And hide your glasses so you can’t see the size of the ring.”

I could see the grin playing on her lips as she stared at her lap. “Good plan.”

I watched her quietly for a few minutes.

“Kourtney?”

She tilted up her head in question.

“Like the baby bonnets? Someday, for sure . . . someday.” I inhaled deeply. “Someday soon. Okay?”

“Okay,” she breathed, her eyes misty as she ducked her head back down.

But I saw her smile.

And it was stunning.

Right then, I knew we’d make it through.

As long as we were together, we’d both be all right.

“Nathan, tell me.”

I looked up from my plate. I had been pushing the food around and trying to figure out how to tell her what I had found out today. I wasn’t sure how she would react.

It had been two weeks since I told her about my past. Two weeks of simply us—no drama or worry. Our conversations were open and frank. We had nothing left to hide from each other. I knew her greatest fear was my rejection and she knew I feared her leaving me.

Neither fear would ever be completely gone, but they would diminish over time and soften.

We only needed that time.

I ran a weary hand over my face. I hated knowing I was about to put an end to the tentative happiness we’d been feeling.

Her worry-filled gaze was filled with questions, but her tone warm when she spoke. “You’re not eating, so don’t tell me nothing is wrong. Did something happen to Grant or Claire?”

I dropped my fork and sat back. “No. Nothing like that, Kourtney.”

“I’m listening.”

I sighed, feeling my frustration escaping. “The building I work in has been sold to a private company, which is taking over the entire place. The company I work for will be losing the contract to service it and a lot of the tenants will be leaving. The IT crew will no longer be necessary, which means I’m out of a job in a month.”

She clasped my hand. “Oh, Nathan. I’m sorry.”

“They offered me another building that they service, but it’s north of Toronto. I’d either have to move or commute.” I shook my head. “It would be a long commute.”

She looked at me, worried. “What did you tell them?”

I held her hand firmly. “I said no. I’m not moving away from you, and the commute would be hell. I’d never see you and that’s not acceptable.”

“But . . .”

I shook my head. “I’m sure I’ll find another job. I don’t know how long it will take. But I’m not leaving you, Kourtney.”

She let out a shaky sigh. “I don’t want you to, either.”

“Good. It’s settled. I have some vacation time and they offered me a severance package, which I accepted. I’ll start looking right away.”

Kourtney was quiet, then pulled her chair closer. “What if you did something different?”

“Different?”

She drew in a deep breath. “You told me how much you miss writing code and developing programs for clients. Maybe you should open your own business, offering those services, as well as IT. All the businesses that were in your building are still going to need help when they relocate, won’t they?”

I thought about it for a minute. “Some will.”

“And you know them. They know you. I bet if you spoke with them, you’d have some clients right away. I know Annie hires outside independent contractors all the time for computer stuff. I could speak with her.” She pursed her lips, looking thoughtful. “You said you worked with some talented people. They’ll be looking for jobs as well, yes?”

I nodded.

“You could hire them.”

I smiled at her enthusiasm. “All that would cost—cost a lot, Kourtney. I don’t have that sort of capital. And I’m not sure I could get a loan considering everything, or if I’d even be able to apply for that sort of thing with my record. I had trouble with the house and car.”

“I have some money. I had several of my articles published and I was well-paid. I’ve never touched the money.”

I held up my hand. “I’m not taking your money, Kourtney.”

She stood up and took our untouched plates to the counter and left the kitchen. I sighed, looking around the room in the place I now thought of as home, because it was where Kourtney lived. I still hadn’t gone back next door and she hadn’t asked me to. I hated even thinking about being without her.

When she came back, she was carrying a file folder. Without a word, she handed me the file, her teeth worrying the plump flesh of her bottom lip.

Reaching over, I tugged her lip free. “What’s this?”

“I’ve been doing some research.”

I winked. “That
is
your line of expertise, Kourtney.”

I was rewarded with one of her sweet smiles. “On the internet.”

I grabbed my chest in mock shock. “Listen to you, Chefgirl! Using the internet! Found some new recipes to try out on me?”

She rolled her eyes but I could see how nervous she seemed to be.

“What were you researching?” I asked, curious as to her seeming worry.

“The housing market here.”

“You want to move?”

She shook her head. “No.” She hesitated. “I want you to.”

“Me?” I was confused. I told her I didn’t want to leave.

“Yes, I want you to move.”

A wide grin split my face, my heart beat picking up.

“Chefgirl, are you telling me you want me to sell my place and move in
here,
with you, permanently?”

“If
you
want to, yes.”

I cupped her head, dragging her mouth to mine as I kissed her deeply. “There’s nothing I want more.”

“Really?”

I rested my forehead to hers. “I don’t want to ever be away from you, Kourtney. I’ve been waiting for you to tell me you’ve had enough of me and it was time for me to leave.” I hated the mere thought of leaving her. “I didn’t want to go back there and live alone anymore.”

“You don’t have to. I don’t want to be away from you either.”

I kissed her again. “Then it’s settled.”

She nodded. “You can sell your place, move in here and use the money to help set up your business.”

“There are lots of things to consider, Kourtney. It might not work. The only nest egg I have would be gone. I don’t know if I’m willing to gamble on that high a risk.”

She shook her head. “It won’t fail. You’re too smart for that to happen. I know you can do this. And I know you’ll be successful. I have every confidence in you, Nat.”

“I don’t want to be dependent on you.”

She pursed her lips. “What if the roles were reversed?”

She knew exactly what would happen; I would want her to reach for her dream. She wanted the same for me—her faith in me was incredible. I huffed in resignation. “I need to think about it. Write it all down.” I paused, thinking. “Talk to Grant.”

“I know. You should do that.”

“Regardless of whether I do this or simply find another job, I’m staying here, though.” I grinned. “Most of my stuff is here anyway.”

“What about your furniture?”

“There isn’t much. I have some more clothes and a few things, plus the TV and other electronics. I’ll have it cleaned and maybe painted fresh and sell it as is, or give the stuff away.”

A shadow crossed her face.

“Hey.” I shook my head. “Don’t be sad. That part of my life is over and I’m happier than I ever thought possible. I have you now.”

“We have each other.”

I pulled her back into my arms. “Each other.”

Kourtney fidgeted beside me, clenching and unclenching her hands. Reaching over, I covered them with mine. “Relax. It’s going to be fine.”

“What if he doesn’t like me?”

I tucked her into my side and nuzzled my lips into her soft hair. “Impossible.”

“But . . .” Her voice trailed off, as her fearful gaze met mine.

I cupped her pale cheek. “He’ll adore you, Kourtney. I know he will.”

As if on cue, Grant slid into the booth across from us. “Break it up you two.”

Chuckling, I turned to him. He smirked across the table at us, his eyes going wide as he took in Kourtney sitting beside me. I felt her tense as he stared at her and I held her closer.

He whistled low in his throat. “Holy shit, Nathan. You weren’t kidding.” He held out his hand across the table. “Nice to meet you, Kourtney.” He grinned widely. “Nathan said you were stunning, but he didn’t do you justice. Not even close.”

Kourtney hesitated before offering her hand in return; her cheeks pink from embarrassment with his remarks. I was about to tell him to shut up when he spoke again. “You have the most gorgeous eyes I’ve ever seen, young lady.” He winked. “Don’t tell my wife I said that. She’d have my balls on a platter.”

Both Kourtney and I snickered at his comment. I felt her relax a little. Kourtney shook his hand, smiling. “Nathan’s told me a lot about you as well, but he was pretty accurate, I’d say. He said you were a charmer.”

Grant laughed. “Oh, beautiful and funny. Great combination, Nathan; you lucky bastard, you.”

I grinned as I leaned down and nuzzled her head again.

“That I am, Grant. That I am.”