She sits up. “What time is it? Where are we going?
“It’s just after seven. My realtor sent me an e-mail, and there is a house I want to go look at.”
“Really? What’s wrong with this place?” she asks, confused.
It hits me that I’ve yet to fill her in on any of my plans. “I think it’s time for a house.” I shrug as if it’s not a big fucking deal, but it is a big fucking deal. I just can’t let her know that yet. I have a few other surprises up my sleeve. “Things are changing. We’re going to be in town for longer periods of time. This was never a permanent solution.”
She studies me like she knows I’m not telling her the whole story. “I guess I better get dressed.”
She’s out of bed and across the room before I can stop her. I don’t protest, just watch her firm ass until it disappears behind the bathroom door. I want to join her, but then I’ll want to ravish her and we don’t have time for that. Besides, she needs a break after yesterday.
I grab some clothes and go to the guest bathroom to shower, alone. Time to put plans for the future in motion.
“This is it? This is the house?” Stacy asks with excitement in her voice.
“Yeah.” I smile at her.
“Logan and Kacen are right down the street. How awesome is that?” she squeals. “I mean, that would be convenient, right? For the band and the label and all that?”
She tries to downplay her excitement, but her little outburst tells me that my next phase is going to be easy. I thought I would have to pull out some persuasion tactics, but after her reaction, I don’t think it will be necessary. It’s as though she added herself into the equation of living next door to her best friend and then thought better of it.
“Let’s take a look,” I say, pulling the keys from the ignition.
Stacy is out of the car and bouncing on her heels waiting for me. Lacing my fingers through hers, we make our way to the front door. It pulls open just as I’m about to knock and the realtor, Tom something or other, is there to greet us.
“Mr. Hampton, good morning. It’s nice to officially meet you,” he says, all business.
I shake his hand. “You too. This is my girlfriend, Stacy.” She also reaches out and shakes his hand.
“Well, let’s get started. I like to give my clients a run-down of the property and leave you free to roam without me hovering over your shoulder. It’s six bedrooms, eight baths, four-car attached garage, state-of-the-art kitchen,” he rambles on the specs of the house. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me, take your time,” he finally says.
I motion for Stacy to go ahead of me. I want to see this place through her eyes, want to make sure she’ll be happy here. I know I will be if she’s here with me.
I follow behind her as she goes from room to room, pointing out all the features she loves. Nothing so far that she hates. The master bedroom has a huge walk-in shower with a million showerheads, which was on my list of must-haves. I could very easily remodel, but it will be nice to not have to. I’m pretty sure my girl loves this place.
“Cole, this kitchen is gorgeous,” Stacy says in awe.
She’s right. It’s state of the art, dark cabinets with granite countertops and all stainless steel appliances. Her eyes sparkle as she takes it in. I can see her making dinner, or maybe baking with our kids. Yeah, I went there, and I’m fucking stoked at the thought.
“Let’s take a look outside,” I suggest.
She leads the way out to the back deck. The view is amazing—in-ground pool, hot tube fire pit, you name it. “Wow,” she breathes.
I wrap my arms around her and pull her against my chest as we take in the backyard. “So, what do you think?”
“I think it’s amazing. You?”
Yes, you are. “You think you could see yourself living here?”
She’s quiet.
No response.
“Stacy?”
She turns in my arms and her eyes shimmer with tears she’s holding back. “You asking me to move in with you?”
“I thought it was a given. Where I go, you go,” I respond.
A lone tears falls from her eye. “Really?” She smiles.
I want to put that smile on her face every fucking day.
“I want you with me. Always,” I say, leaning down to rest my forehead against hers. “What do you say, sweets? Will you move in with me?”
I hear the door open as Tom steps out onto the deck. ‘What do you think?” he calls out to us.
“Stace?” I leave the ball in her court.
Pulling back, she looks up at me from under her lashes. “Yes.”
Relief washes through me. Step one complete. Looking over my shoulder, I address Tom, “We’ll take it.”
“Perfect.” He claps his hands together. “It’s immediate occupancy, so all we have to do is sign the paperwork and it’s all yours.”
“You just bought a house,” she beams.