Page 128 of Dream House
Eyes wide, I lift the card from my leg. It is ridiculously light for something that has me scared out of my wits.
When I place it face down on the table, I let out a breath. I might be imagining it, but I think Pen does too.
“We’ll deal with that one in a minute,” she says reassuringly. “Now, the Eight of Wands is a really interesting card. A perfect card for your present, I’d say.”
Pen looks annoyingly satisfied with herself.
“Because?” I prod.
“It means you are at a crossroads. A big one.” She eyes me meaningfully. My stomach dips.
A big one?
Her face alight, she nods. “An opportunity awaits, but it’s up to you to take it.”
“But that’s scary,” I blurt.
Pen throws her head back in laughter. “Exactly.”
I rake my fingers through my hair. “Thisismy present. Gah!”
“Your romantic present.” A thoughtful expression overtakes her. “And maybe your business life too. I mean, you’re about to launch your salon. It’s an opportunity. And it requires you to take a risk, and that’s scary too.”
I shake my head. “Not nearly as scary as… as…”
I can’t even make myself finish.
“As what?” she prompts. She’s pushing me, but the look in her amber eyes is gentle, encouraging.
I swallow. Then I shut my eyes and think of Lark.
I could tell myself that it’s just physical attraction, but I’d be lying. In the less than two months since he moved in, he’s become a sparring partner. A supporter. A protector. A friend.
He’s taken me by surprise and given me surprises. He’s invaded my thoughts and my dreams. More than once, I’ve caught myself picturing a future where he’s still here in this house.
And if I’m being honest, not upstairs in his rented room, but beside me in my bed.
It’s all too easy to imagine him placing a cinnamon roll on my plate and a kiss on my lips every morning. Decorating for future Halloweens. Shopping for Christmas presents. Blowing out candles on a birthday cake I make for him.
One that always has five fewer candles than mine.
My stomach plunges.
I have no right to be thinking of these things. This is foolishness. He’s twenty-three and untethered. I’m literally a package deal. A house. A kid. A disabled brother.
No wonder he’s not touching me. He must have come to his senses and realized this can go nowhere.
“What are you thinking?” Pen asks, her voice hard and suspicious.
I shake my head. “This—This is stupid.”
Her brows lower. “What’s stupid?”
“Even thinking this is an option,” I say, throwing my hands up.
“What? You mean having a relationship with Lark?” She sounds incredulous.
“Yes,” I whine.
