Ties That Bind

Chapter 36. Two Kinds of Trouble

A couple days would roll by, Stevie was starting to get used to Lindsey's schedule and he was just going out of his way for her because he wanted her to be comfortable enough to want to stay.

Unzipping her boots, he gently pulled the suede material off each of her feet. "Feel better?" he asked, moving up the bed to join her level where his hands landed on her hips, massaging the tense muscles.

"Mhmm," she nodded, falling into the pillows with a small smile of gratitude because her body was in pain.

"Alright, so... We got the day ahead of us... What shall we do?" he asked, sweeping her hair off her neck just so he could kiss her jaw.

"Oh, I don't know. It's interesting for you to have a day off---I mean as much as I want to rest, I have a lot of energy."

"It happens," he chuckled. "But let's do whatever you want. We can go shopping for the baby and shopping for you. Get some gifts for your family, my family..."

"Y'know besides the income from the building, that's like the only money I have coming in. I've not been working and that also is for school to come."

"I'm not asking you to pay---I'll pay for anything you wanna get."

"Lindsey, I really hate spending your money. It really doesn't make me happy when you buy dinner sometimes because you buy outrageously expensive wine..."

"Well, you're not drinking wine these days so why don't we take you shopping instead? I want you to be able to get stuff you want. I've been with you, Robin and Lori at once, I know you ladies like to shop. It's a girl thing and I know there are things we have to get that we can get around the country---then have it sent to your house. Which, I gotta ask---have you thought anymore on a new place?"

Sighing, "Yes, I have... I have thought about that, I've been thinking about all the baby things we're gonna need."

"If you want; make a list and we'll go get that. At least you won't feel as though you are spending my money if it's going to something that's half mine, right?"

"You're not wrong," she assured. "I just think I should be able to hold my own... I'd love to be buying a house with you instead of you buying it for me. I still hate that you bought me a car, but I did need it..."

"Look, we know you're stubborn--"

"Strong."

"Whatever, and I know you want to be self-sufficient, I do get that. Money isn't all that important to me when I know I can afford the needed things. Sure, it has its perks and it's helpful especially since I got to buy you a car, I got to pay for my dad's funeral. But if I didn't have any money at all, still had you, the ability to play guitar and have that one in there," he gestured to her tummy, rubbing the surface gently--- "I'd be happy with just that."

"As sweet as that is, Lindsey, I'm looking at another picture. Okay, I wish to have great things and I do and I appreciate it---I'm pretty comfortable, but I am careful with how I spend. I don't really need luxury, but--"

"But if it could be provided to you, why don't you enjoy it a little?"

"I am... I have been having a great time with you and everything that we have shared thus far. I think you are very giving and that is wonderful, I don't think your conceited or pretentious otherwise, I'd have dumped you months ago. But maybe, and it's up to you, maybe we should be a little more humble."

"I can do humble," he nodded. "See, here's the difference and I think this is our small barrier in that aspect..."

She arched her brow, stunned to hear him say that.