“What do you think?”
Benny took another glance around at the shitty one bed apartment.Like the shop downstairs, it needed a new lick of paint.The dated floorboards would need a polish or maybe even replaced altogether.There was also a suspicious damp spot in the corner of the popcorn ceiling above what he was assuming was supposed to be a kitchen.In reality, it was one sad looking counter and a sink.
“I think you need to stop being ridiculous and move in with me.”
Okay, while it may have only been a month since Bethany had agreed to being in an actual label covered relationship with him, they weren’t exactly your typical couple.
“Benny,” she huffed.“You’re the one being ridiculous.We can’t just move in together.It’s only been a few months!”
Three months.It had been three.
His head jerked back to where Bethany stood, looking stunning in a navy pinstripe dress that clung to every single curve.Her usual confident demeanor she’d arrived with was nowhere to be found though, her hands were now twisting nervously at her waist as her gaze darted around the bare space.
“It’s been fifteen years, NeNe,” he countered, stalking back over to her.
“Or...”Those green eyes flashed.Her shoulders visibly softening with every step he took.He liked that.“Itwasfive years...tenyears ago.”
Coming to a stop in front of her, his lips tugged into a slow smile as his hand slipped into her hair.He used his hold on her to gently tip her face up to his until their gazes locked.
“Fifteen, baby.That’s how long I’ve loved you.”
He didn’t miss Bethany’s swift inhale.He hadn’t used the L word, not until today.He didn’t want to scare her away.But enough was enough.There was no way he was going to let her move into this place.Not when he had a house.One he very much wanted her in every night.
She was studying him.No doubt compiling a list of questions in her head.Or a damn pros and cons list.
“Move in with me,” he repeated.
“I-I,” her mouth slammed shut.It opened and closed once more before she finished her sentence.“The apartment comes with the lease.It’s part of the deal.”
He already knew the deal she’d negotiated with the town council.She didn’t want to take on the shop lease just yet, not with another year left in her residency.So, she asked them to hold it for six months.In exchange, she agreed to start renting the apartment above the shop right away.It was a good faith gesture, a kind of deposit to secure the space until she was ready to begin work on it.
“That’s fine.We’ll start renovations on the apartment right away.When it’s done, we can start storing equipment, furniture and anything you might get for the practice over the next year.”
It made sense.A head start on all the work they needed to complete would save them time and money.And having an on-site place for storage was even better.
“So, I’d pay rent but not live here?”
“Yes.”
“And move in with you?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’d be paying rent twice?That’s dumb.”
What was dumb was that she still wasn’t getting it.
“B, why the hell would you be paying me rent?”She went to answer, sassy narrow eyes scolding him.“You’remine, which makes my place yours.”
Bethany snorted.“Benny,” she chastised.
“Bethany,” he mimicked.
“You’re insane.”
“And you’re stubborn.”Benny dipped his head until their mouths lined up.“Move in with me.”
“Benny.”She sighed.“I—”
