Page 32 of Oops I Fell For The Electrician Next Door

“Yes, you did.” I set down the remaining cover. “You think every time I touch something here, I’m claiming it.”

“That isn’t what I think.”

“Then what are we arguing about?”

She glances toward the gathering. No one seems to be listening, but she lowers her voice. “I need you to ask before changing things.”

“You’re right.” The agreement costs me nothing because it is true. “I should have found you first. I saw a kid running toward a cord and handled it, but this is your property.”

Kelsey blinks, some of the fight leaving her. “You aren’t going to tell me I’m overreacting?”

“You are overreacting. You’re also right that I should have told you.”

A reluctant breath of laughter escapes her. “That is reasonable, but still irritating.”

“I have my moments.”

I step closer but leave the decision to her. Kelsey looks down at the newly covered cord, then takes my hand.

“Thank you for keeping them safe,” she says. “And for asking next time.”

“I will.”

“You said you had something to tell me?”

I squeeze her fingers. This is not the setting I imagined, with children running past and a crockpot lid rattling on the table, but perhaps it is better. Life at Eight Pines will probably never hold still long enough for perfect timing.

“I accepted the western-region position,” I say. “Cady Springs will be my home base.”

Kelsey’s eyes widen. “You accepted it?”

“An hour ago.”

“Because of me?”

“Because it is the job I wanted before I admitted I wanted it. Because I’m tired of letting work decide where I live. And yes, because there is a woman here I want the chance to know for longer than six weeks.”

Her eyes shine, but she does not look away. “Where will you live?”

“I was hoping the owner of Cabin Seven might extend my reservation at the full monthly rate while I find something permanent.”

“She has strict policies.”

“I’ve noticed.”

“And you will not receive a discount merely because you’ve seen her naked.”

“That seems unfair. I provided exceptional service.”

Kelsey laughs and steps into my arms. “I think we can work something out.”

I hold her against me while the reunion carries on around us. She has not promised forever. Neither have I. For the first time, staying feels less frightening than leaving.

Chapter Thirteen

Kelsey

Marc has just told me he is making Cady Springs his home base, and I am standing in his arms worrying about rental policies. There may be something fundamentally wrong with me.