Free Love and History by Cheryl Dragon

arrangement?”
    “I haven’t had a relationship in a long time. I began doubting love years ago and lost my faith in ever finding it. You believe it exists. You have a normal family that’s happy.”
    She frowned. “I don’t think anyone is normal. My parents are still married and seem happy. Every relationship has problems and quirks.”
    Time to come clean.
    He reached out and took her hand. “My parents split when I was eight. Common enough… They’d gotten married young, and both dated a lot after they divorced. They never spoke a word to each other after they broke up.”
    “I’m sorry.” She sat on his lap.
    Scott inhaled her scent and relaxed. Damn it! She was his relaxation and home. “It’s nothing that doesn’t happen to thousands of kids. I’m an only child so I was alone in all of that. I had their full attention and pressure. College professor wasn’t what they had in mind.”
    “Tough on them. You belong here.” She hugged him. “Where are your parents now?”
    He held her. “My mom is on her fourth husband after my dad so technically number five. Dad just dates, and they’re so young. Hell, his last girlfriend was younger than you.”
    “I promise I’d never trade you for anyone, especially him.” She kissed his forehead.
    “Relationships don’t work. All my aunts are divorced. Maybe that’s where I got my Dom side? Being an only child dealing with mom’s boyfriends and dad’s girlfriends and a very adult world. I wanted control and someone who wouldn’t leave me. I was never a kid like other kids.”
    “That doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be a great boyfriend. We can work. I’m not going to leave you because your parents are crazy or you make a mistake. Maybe that’s why you’re a little scared?” she asked.
    “Scared?” His defensives flew up, but her soft form pressed to him and held it back.
    “If you didn’t want me here, I wouldn’t be here. You know I want a relationship. You’re a man of detail, and you’ve read my blog. I made it clear I wasn’t looking for a fuck-buddy Dom. You want to work it out. I feel like there’s something more you’re holding back.” Tension seemed to leave him as her delicate fingers rubbed his neck.
    “You’re right. This is a lot to share for me. Why don’t we break for dinner and talk about your paper? Have you heard anything yet?” He smiled.
    She kissed him, and he knew he was forgiven for holding back that information. It wasn’t all over yet. He wanted to ease her into his imperfections.
    The stress in him hurt her. Bridget ran her hands over his shoulders to help until he stood and set her on her feet. “I’ll get dinner. Pasta.”
    “Good, I’m starving. Why are you asking about my paper now?” She grabbed a diet soda from his fridge and a couple bottles of water.
    “I know it’s early. Have you heard anything?” he asked.
    She was sorry about his parents, and it explained why he’d be afraid of something serious. Still, he was tense, and she hadn’t pushed him for anything beyond girlfriend status. Just like a frustrated student who couldn’t crack old languages, she backed off a little.
    “Actually, I did hear back. They’re publishing it!” She hadn’t even told Colleen. Somehow, it seemed right for him to know first.
    “You’re kidding? That fast? They must want you.” He carried a steaming dish to the table.
    Spying the garlic bread cut up on a plate, she brought it along. “I don’t know about that, but they have published my others so it’s a good track record.”
    “It’ll look good for tenure!” He handed her the spoon.
    She set down the bread and dished out pasta. “It won’t hurt. You never wanted to talk about this before.”
    “Not true. I wanted to talk about your tenure. I had to read the book first. Now I can make any sense of your paper.” He spooned out his own helping of pasta.
    She paused as she was halfway to her chair. His confession hit her heart. “You read the book?