Page 47 of The Dare

“I’m actually looking for a place,” I offer, wanting to gauge her reaction, but she only seems remotely interested.

Maybe the West Coast isn’t what she really wants.

I only picked the location because it was the furthest way to go from where I was, in Seattle.

I remember my doc’s offer to use his beach house, figuring I have a good reason now, but I don’t tell Natasha who it actually belongs to.

“I’m staying at a beach house,” I tell her, noting her impressed look before I wince inside.

“I didn’t mean it to sound like that,” I chuckle. “It’s just a place to stay while the owner decides what to do with it,” I explain.

“I prefer the snow, I think,” Natasha says, looking out the window before pushing her plate an inch forward, done eating.

The morning outside is already looking warm. Hot almost, which is unusual for this time of year.

“I’ve always preferred the North,” I admit, glad I can finally share that with someone and not have them call me crazy for liking wide open spaces and having to wear a jacket most of the year.

“Better for snuggling,” Natasha says quietly, blushing once she realizes I heard her.

“Not too cold for kids though?” I counter, more interested in her reaction to the question than anything else.

We could have a place anywhere she wants, but I don’t want to start acting like I have our whole life planned out already.

Even though I kinda already do, I need her input more than anything. To make sure it’s all gonna be just how she wants it.

Us.

The word is so new to me, it’s on a permanent loop in my mind next to her name.

She watches me finish my meal, and I can only shrug when she comments on how much I can eat and still look so good.

Eyeing her plate, which is still a third full, I almost feel like asking her to eat some more, but think better of it.

She clearly has other things on her mind.

Another thing, I should say.

And it starts with an ‘S’.

Suzanna.

“We’ve got a few hours before we arrive,” I say, checking my watch and pre-empting her from going to talk with her best friend.

“I don’t mind,” I finally tell her, as I bend my head down to catch her gaze as I read her thoughts.

I call for the waiter, and only ask Natasha to wait long enough so she can take some breakfast for Suzanna with her.

I might not be Suzanna’s favorite right now, but everyone should at least eat a proper breakfast.

“You’re sweet,” Natasha says. “Are you sure you don’t mind?” she asks.

Meaning: Do I secretly mind if she goes to spend some time with her best friend?

“Of course not,” I tell her truthfully. But I’m already counting the seconds until we’re off this train.

I’ll have her all to myself soon enough.

“I’ll be here or in the suite.” I let Natasha know, kissing her before she goes, already deciding to do a little house hunting online to pass the time while she’s gone.