Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 81207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
The truth is, I’m not real big on living alone either. I spend half my time at Donovan’s anyway. He’s right. We did have a blast when we used to live together. Also, that would ease some of my concerns, and I could make sure he ate better. “Yes,” I reply, thankful. I thought for sure Donovan was going to stress out more than this and try to come up with a million different ways to fix this for me.
“Good. I also want you to marry me.”
CHAPTER SIX
Donovan
A loud, dramatic laugh tumbles out of Eric’s mouth.
He one hundred percent thinks I’m joking, but I’m not. I’ve been thinking about it since I found out about the lack of insurance. It’s the only way I can think of to get him coverage, and everything he just told me has done nothing but reinforce my idea.
When I don’t smile or take my words back, Eric sobers. “You’re serious.”
“Yes.”
When he’s thinking hard, he always gets what looks like a small scowl on his face. To people who aren’t familiar with him, he would look upset, but I know him. It’s his think face, which is adorable, if I do say so myself. He’s this strange mix of sexy and cute—not sexy in an I-want-to-jump-his-bones way, of course, but I’m not blind.
“I know it happens often,” he says, “but I’m confused.”
“Don’t talk about yourself like that. You don’t get confused often, and there’s nothing wrong with someone who does.”
“Cool, but you’re stalling. Did you just propose to me? I’m totally lost here.”
“I did, but not in a romantic way,” I explain.
“Is there another way to get married than a romantic one?”
I roll my eyes even though he has a point. “Yes. A convenience one. In our situation, an I won’t be able to stop worrying about my best friend unless he’s covered by my medical insurance.”
His mouth drops open. I can see the wheels turning, Eric connecting the dots and coming to the conclusion that I’ve lost my mind.
“Did you hit your head and I missed it?”
My pulse throbs, and I feel like I’m underwater or something. “Jesus.” I try to stand up, but Eric holds my wrist, keeping me on the couch with him.
“Don’t get up. What are you talking about, D? I can’t marry you so you can cover me with your insurance. Plus, it’s not like it’s going to fix the broken ankle.”
His touch helps me get through the fog of my thoughts. “I know that. But we’re lucky it was something minor this time. What if next time it’s not? What if you get sick? Or hurt in an accident? Like I said before, people die not being able to afford health care, and I can’t…” The thought of something happening to Eric is devastating enough. What would I do if he was hurt and couldn’t manage what he needed? If he got sick the way his dad had? It’s shitty that we live in a country where this is a concern, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s something people have to worry about. Working for the hospital, I have really good coverage. I hardly have to pay for anything. Why wouldn’t I want to make sure he has the same?
“Hey, you’re shaking. I’m good. I’m not going to get sick. I’m just an idiot who hurt himself playing basketball.” He runs his hand up and down my back. “Come here.”
“I’m as here as I can get.” The couch wouldn’t be big enough for both of us on a good day, and right now he’s also got the giant boot.
“We’ll make it work.” Eric scoots over as far as he can, then pulls me to him. I lie on my side, facing him, about to fall off the couch, but he puts his arm around me, holding me in place.
“I know I’m being dramatic, but my parents almost lost our home when I was a kid. They worried they wouldn’t be able to give me what I needed, and I just…I can’t. Not with you. Not when we have an easy fix. Nothing would change for us. It’s not like I would think… Oh God. Do you think I think it would mean something?”
“Think you can say think one more time?”
I shake my head, not in the mood. “I know you’re straight, and I don’t see you like that. You’re my person, but not in that way.” If Eric wasn’t my friend, then yeah, I would probably want him, but I never allow myself to think those things.
“Hey, what’s wrong with liking me in that way?” He pumps his brows. “I’m a catch.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Sure, but you don’t have to act like there’s something wrong with being attracted to me.”
“Um…did I slip into another universe? Why are we arguing about this? Of course I know there’s nothing wrong with being attracted to you. I’m just trying to make sure you know that your gay best friend didn’t propose to you because he secretly hopes it’s a loophole into your pants.”