Creed looked around then down at me. “This isn’t for me. It’s for you.”
“But it could be for you too, if you want.” I batted my lashes and tucked my bottom lip into my mouth.
A crooked grin appeared on his face. “Nakyra.” He wrapped his arms around my waist. “Are you asking me to move in with you?”
“Maybe.” My smile grew. “If you decide to stay, there’s no reason for you to get your own place when you could just live here. We’ve already figured out we can co-exist together without any issues and I’ll miss our nightly dinners and movie nights.” When Creed didn’t reply, I continued, “You may have noticed I don’t do well alone. I know I’m a little clingy at times, so maybe that plays a small role in this too, but you being here with me would make me happy. This is my fresh start and I want that with you.”
After experiencing the past few weeks, I couldn’t picture not waking up in Creed’s arms every day anymore. Feeling his lips against my forehead first thing in the morning was something I had grown to love. The days he was gone I’d felt empty and couldn’t wait for him to return. Without trying, we had created a beautiful rhythm I didn’t want to lose.
“What are we thinking?” the realtor asked, coming back into the kitchen.
Even if Creed didn’t agree to stay and move in, I was sold on the house. It was more than enough room for Bella. I could takeher down to the beach anytime I wanted, for our walks or for her to play. The natural lighting the large windows brought in was something I could wake up to every day and feel peace.
Creed’s eyes searched my face. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. My stomach was doing cartwheels anticipating his response. He unwrapped his arms from around me, which made my stomach sink, until one of his arms went back around my waist and he pulled me into his side.
“She wants to make an offer.” My eyes shot up to him and my smile widened.
“Ms. Moon?” the realtor asked.
I faced him and nodded. “Yeah, I’ll take it.”
That made him smile. “Great, we can get the paperwork started.”
“Can you give us a minute?” Creed asked.
“Take as long as you need.” He turned and left the kitchen.
Creed surprised me when he bent down and lifted me.
“Creed!”
He moved a couple feet and set me on the island in the center of the kitchen.
“This is gonna beyourhouse.”
“Our house.”
He shook his head. “Nah baby, this is all you. I know Rome basically had the final say in most things in your relationship, but this isyourfresh start and chance to live howyouwant.” He stepped closer. His eyes burned with intensity. “I’m just happy to be the man at your side who gets to see your wings spread.”
His words were simple but they brought tears to my eyes. For years I followed Rome’s lead and hardly ever complained when he wanted things his way. It was easier that way and he always made it seem like since he was the breadwinner he had the final say in most things. As long as I could draw, I was happy. Inever asked for much, so Rome always took that as I didn’t care because I was a simple girl who just wanted to be loved correctly. It was easier to go along with what he wanted rather than argue with him. Creed understood that. He understood that my voice had been silenced for so long and now it could finally be heard.
I threw my arms around his neck and locked my legs around his waist. My heart felt like someone had shocked it, sending it into overdrive. A quiver surged through my veins. A wave of overwhelming emotions trampled my insides. My lips slammed into his. I tried to put everything I was feeling into this kiss. The reality of everything was, I wasn’t just falling for Creed anymore. He had come in and dismantled everything I thought I knew about love and reshaped it. I had fallen for him and that scared the shit out of me.
____
After leaving from viewing the house and putting an offer on it, I convinced Creed to stop by the hospital. Rome had been awake for five days now and I had yet to go back to the hospital to see him. Now that I was moving forward and officially starting over, I knew I couldn’t continue to put the inevitable off.
“Just give me a minute to talk to him first, okay?” I told Creed as we approached the room. “I want to—" My words were cut off by yelling coming from Rome’s room. My brows bunched and my nose scrunched. I faced Creed and he looked just as confused as me. I realized it was Rome yelling when we were outside the door.
Placing my hand on Creed’s chest, I gave him a pleading look. “Wait here.”
Uncertainty crossed his face. He shifted his eyes to the room where Rome was still ranting. “Please.” His jaw clenched but hegave me a clipped nod. “Thank you.” I leaned up and kissed his cheek. I knew he wanted to be by my side, but I felt it was best for me to do this alone.
Pushing out a heavy breath, I ignored how my heart was pounding in my chest and stepped into the hospital room.
“Rome, please calm down, honey.” Marisol placed a hand on his arm.
“No.” He yanked his arm out of her grasp. “Someone get the doctor in here now.”
