by Parker, Ali
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I don’t know. Lobster is kind of a messy meal. You may be safer doing a video call.”
“I don’t mind.”
“So, do you have any ideas in mind for the house you want?” I asked.
He shrugged. “Not really. I know my house in Tahoe is really grand, but I bought that place because I loved the location. I loved that I could take Leia down to the beach anytime, and I liked the privacy. I don’t know if I necessarily need something that big again.”
“You have a beautiful house. You have the means to buy big. It makes sense. Think of it as an investment.”
“I always do.”
“Do you want a pool?”
He looked thoughtful. “I don’t know, probably. It is good to swim after a long day. It’s a lot easier on my leg to swim, versus running or walking.”
“Then get a pool. You deserve to have that.”
He grinned. “I will, only if you promise to use it often. Naked.”
“You’re so bad.”
“I know.”
We ate our dinner, talking about the future and some of the things we would do once he was living nearby. I loved talking about a future with him. He seemed so upbeat and different than the very serious man I had met that day in the lobby.
As we rode home in the cab, I tried to remember what my life was like before I met him. It was like watching a movie in black and white, and then it was suddenly in color. My life was full of vibrant color now. He did that. He brought so much joy and happiness into my life. I couldn’t ever imagine going back to my old life.
We climbed out of the cab. He took my hand and kissed the top as we stood on the sidewalk out front. “This is the best part.”
“What is?” I asked.
“Being able to have dinner with you and then go back to your place. I don’t have to run off and jump on the helicopter. I get to spend the night with you.”
“I think the next few weeks are going to be very difficult,” I said with a sigh.
“Why is that?”
“Because being like this with you and then having to give it up while you get things together is going to suck. I think I’m going to miss you more.”
“Hey, you just have to keep your eyes on the prize. There is an end in sight. I will do everything I can to make the transition happen fast. Trust me. I want to be here with you more than you could possibly know.”
His arms went around me, pulling me in for a hug. I knew he did. I knew he wasn’t just saying the words I wanted to hear.
“Let’s get inside,” I whispered.
“I thought you would never ask,” he growled before squeezing my ass and leading me up the stairs.
Chapter 44
Trent
I got up early, leaving Sade in bed to sleep a little longer. I was restless and anxious. My mind had been running all night, thinking about the hotel and the many things I could do to make it unique as well as profitable. It was a great time to try out the boutique hotel concept. The area was off the beaten path, which meant I wasn’t going to attract the business class.
My mind had been like a hamster wheel all night. Usually, I slept like a log when I had Sade in my arms, but I was too excited for the future. My mind bounced from the hotel to the actual moving to Fresno. The first thing I did when I got up was shoot the realtor an email. If I didn’t have a response by nine at the latest, I would take my business elsewhere.
I knew there were plenty of hungry real estate agents that would jump at the chance to sell me a high-end house. First one that reached out would be the one to get my commission. I was not a man that sat around and waited. I needed an agent that was as eager as I was.
I didn’t waste my time checking the MLS for the area. If a realtor was going to be earning upward of forty grand from me, they could damn well do the legwork for me. I left my email open, anxious to know the second the agent got back to me, while I got busy coming up with numbers for the hotel renovations.
I did some research for themes that might work and put everything together in a neat package for Richie to review. I knew he would be okay with it. I wasn’t the type to spend money frivolously. It was an investment. In five years, I was planning to be one of the leaders in the industry. One hotel at a time.
I heard footsteps and, a second later, felt Sade’s arms slide over my shoulders as she drooped her body over mine. “Good morning.”
I leaned my head back and kissed her. “Good morning.”
“What time did you get up?” she asked, kissing the top of my head before moving to pour herself a cup of coffee.
“A couple of hours ago. I couldn’t sleep.”
She sat down and looked at me with concern. “Why not?”
“I was thinking about the hotel. I’m anxious to get moving on it.”
She laughed. “You’re like a little boy anxious for Christmas morning.”
“I am. I’m so anxious to start this life with you. I’m waiting to hear back from the realtor about some houses. He’s got about three minutes before I start making some cold calls to others. I’m not a patient man.”
“I’ll make you some breakfast,” she said, patting my hand. “You sound hangry.”
I laughed. “No, I sound impatient.”
“All the same. I’ll burn you some eggs and toast.”
I laughed. “That sounds appetizing. Am I going to be the cook in this relationship?”
“If you want to survive for long, yes,” she answered.
I heard a ding and quickly clicked to my email. “Ha! Finally!”
“Finally, what?”
I was already reading the email, clicking on the link the realtor included with four houses he thought I would be interested in.
“We can grab breakfast on the way. I’m emailing the realtor back and letting him know we’ll meet him in an hour.”
“Holy shit. You move fast first thing in the morning.”
I sent the email and got up from the chair, yanking her against me. “I move fast when I see something I want.”
I dropped a kiss on her lips and headed for the bedroom to get showered and changed for the day. I didn’t want to waste any time. My weekends with her were unbelievably short. Every minute counted. I wanted to find a house, get the paperwork started, and get my ass moved. Now. Not in a couple of months. Right now.
Sade came into the room, carrying her coffee and in no real hurry. I was already dressed and putting on my shoes.
“You’re fast.”
I got to my feet and put my hands on her hips, kissing the tip of her nose. “Baby, this is cute and all, and I love hanging out with you in the bedroom, but if you don’t get that pretty little ass of yours dressed in the next five minutes, I’m dragging you out of the house as is.”
Her eyebrows arched. “Wow. You get a little tyrannical when you’re in a hurry.”
“I’m anxious. I am in a hurry. Not get a move on.”
She groaned. “You sound like a drill sergeant.”
I walked toward the door. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”
She laughed as I headed for the living room to grab my wallet and phone. I paced for several minutes, waiting for her to get her ass in gear. When we finally made it out the door, I felt little relief. I hated house hunting. I hated driving all over and getting in and out of the car only to find the house was not what I wanted.
The realtor would be driving us in his car today. Together, Sade and I walked into the office where we were meeting him. After a round of handshakes, we were off. I wasn’t in the mood for small talk. We could talk on the drive as far as I was concerned.
“This?” Sade whispered from the back seat when we pulled into a gated driveway of a massive home.
I could tell by the way she said it, she didn’t like it. “We’ll just take a quick look,” I promised.
The realtor was spouting off the details of the home as he unlocked the front door. Sade’s sharp intake of breath said it all.
“Oh my god,” she breathed.
I nodded. “This is a no. We don’t need to waste time touring the house.”
“Are you sure?” the realtor asked, clearly disappointed. “A fresh coat or two of paint will cover the red walls.”
I shook my head. “No. This place is not for me.”
Sade had a horrified look on her face. There wasn’t enough paint in the world to make what very much resembled a vampire lair habitable. I walked out, making my point very clear.
“This one looks promising,” Sade commented from the back seat when we pulled up to another large house with huge columns in front.
I wasn’t as convinced. “Let’s check it out.”
We walked the property. It was nice, but I didn’t feel that connection. It was obvious Sade didn’t either. “This is nice,” she commented without any real enthusiasm.
I turned toward the realtor. “Next. I hope you’re saving the best for last.”
He smiled. It was a strained smile that said he wasn’t sure he had. “The next one is a little smaller. I don’t know if it’s what you’re looking for.”
I waved my hand at the mini mansion we were standing in. “Smaller is better. This is not what I’m looking for.”
“Oh, I see. I thought you would want something more suited to your means.”
I shook my head. “No.”
The next property was a little ways out of town up a small hill. I was already intrigued. I looked at Sade in the backseat and saw she was intrigued as well. When the car pulled onto the red cobblestone driveway, I was almost sold just by the outside alone.
“It’s beautiful,” Sade exclaimed, jumping out of the backseat.
I took her hand and anxiously waited for the realtor to open the front door. The moment we stepped inside, I knew it was right. It was large and spacious with a great view overlooking the river. There was a huge open kitchen to the right with an oversized center island.
Sade dropped my hand and began her own tour. I listened to the realtor go on about the details. Sade joined us back in the living room, and together, we stepped outside.
“The backyard is about five acres and completely fenced,” the realtor announced.
“Five acres?” Sade echoed.
I walked toward the pool area, happy with the size and the large patio with an outdoor kitchen.
“Now, this property had three bedrooms and an office and is a little smaller than the others on my list,” the realtor said.
I looked at Sade and could see the excitement in her eyes. She loved it. “Look at this yard!” she exclaimed. “Leia would have a field day! There isn’t a beach but acres and acres to run!”
I nodded in complete agreement. “Do you like it?” I asked her.
“Oh my god, absolutely. This house is perfect.”
I turned to the realtor and smiled. “You heard the lady. I’ll take it.”
He looked a little surprised. “You want to put in an offer?”
“How long has it been on the market?”
The realtor looked at the sheet of paper in his hands. “About three months.”
“Put in a full price, cash offer, with a one week close.”
His eyes bulged. “What?”
“I want the house. I want it yesterday. It’s all cash sale. I want it to close quickly. Can you do that?”
“I, um, I’m sure I can, but I think you can probably get them to come down a little on the price,” he said.
I laughed. “You’re talking yourself out of a commission. The asking price is fair. Can we get the paperwork drawn up today?”
The man looked like he was going to have a small heart attack. “I can do that.”
“Perfect!”
“Really?” Sade asked, just as shocked as the realtor.
I grabbed Sade and gave her a quick kiss. “Yes, really. This is it. It’s perfect. I don’t want a huge house. It’s too easy to get lost. Let’s go. I need to start making some arrangements to get this place furnished.”
We spent another hour taking care of the paperwork. I was confident I had made the realtor’s day. He had a huge smile on his face as he waved goodbye with the promise to be in touch Monday. We got in the cab. I grabbed Sade’s hand and held it tightly.
“I can’t believe you just bought a house. You bought a house like most people buy new throw pillows. You just promised to pay cash for a home that is in the seven-figure area.”
I shrugged. “Cash makes everything a lot easier.”
“I bet it does. I still can’t believe you bought a house.”
“I was serious when I said I was moving closer to you. I can’t wait. Hopefully, this will all be tied up in a week or two. I’ll get with Richie about the hotel and hopefully get that in the works as well.”
She sighed and rested her head against my shoulder. “Thank you for doing all this for me.”
“It’s for me too. This is what I want.”
“I feel like someone should pinch me,” she said.
I gave her arm a gentle pinch. “Like that?”
She swatted my thigh. “Yes, I suppose. You’re really an amazing guy. I can’t wait to have you close.”
“Soon, baby, very soon.”
I stared out the window, noting the various businesses and thinking about all I needed to do. I was looking forward to being busy. I was going to be busy with her. She’d be with me to pick out furniture and set up home. I wanted it to be exactly like she wanted because when I asked her to move in with me, I wanted it to be an easy transition for her.
Chapter 45
Sade
I was looking forward to a lazy afternoon spent with Trent. He was flying home late this afternoon, which meant we had all morning to lounge around. I started some coffee and moved to sit on the couch. Trent came in a minute later, wearing a pair of sweats and nothing else.
He sat down, lifted my legs, and rested them on his lap. He had his tablet in his hand and was swiping through screen after screen. He was looking for ideas for the hotel project. Occasionally, he would lean over and ask my opinion. It was so nice just having company. I felt content and positive I had won the man lottery.
My phone rang on the coffee table. I reached for it and saw it was Khloe.
“Hey,” I answered. There was nothing but sobbing on the other end. “Khloe, are you okay?”
“I’m screwed,” she gurgled.
“What happened?” I asked, moving my legs off Trent’s lap and sitting forward.
“I didn’t find a job. I can’t pay rent. I didn’t pay all of this month’s rent. The landlord just came by to deliver my eviction notice.”
I sighed. “Khloe, I’m so sorry.”
“I don’t understand. Why won’t anyone hire me?”
“It’s only been a week,” I told her.
“But I need a job now!” she wailed.
Trent had moved to sit closer to me. He could hear Khloe’s loud sobs. I looked at him, feeling completely helpless in the moment.
“Khloe, I told you, you can stay here.”
“But all my stuff,” she cried.
Trent put his hand on my back and stood up. “I’ll get a truck.”
I widened my eyes at him. “No, you don’t have to do that.”
“I don’t have to do what?” Khloe asked.
“Nothing. I was talking to Trent.”
“I’m sorry. I should have known you would have company.”
“Hey, it’s okay,” I assured her. “We’re going to figure this out.”
“I can’t believe I’m being evicted. I have no job—nothing.”
I listened to Trent talking on the phone in a low voice while trying to listen to her as well. He got off the phone and looked at me.
“Khloe, hold on a second,” I said, covering the phone with my hand. “What is it?”
“I’ve got a U-Haul. We can be there by noon if we leave now.”
“Really?” I asked with surprise.
“I
’ll get dressed. Tell her to start packing.”
I was always amazed by the man. I put the phone to my ear again, listening to Khloe sob. “Khloe, I hope you haven’t unpacked all the way. Trent has rented a truck. We’ll be there by noon to load you up and bring you here.”
“What? No way!”
I laughed. I’d had the same reaction, albeit silently. “Yes. I have to go so I can get dressed. Everything is going to be fine. Get packing, and I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“Oh my god. Your man is fucking amazing.”
I grinned. “I know.”
I quickly hung up and went into the bedroom. Trent was just pulling on a T-shirt. I walked over to him and threw my arms around his waist, holding him close. I felt so much for him. I nearly blurted out the L-word but didn’t want to freak him out. Every little thing he did impressed me.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
He gave me a quick hug. “It’s no problem. Now get dressed and let’s get a move on.”
I quickly pulled on some cut-off jean shorts and a tank. It was a little over three hours to Khloe’s place. It wasn’t exactly how I planned on spending my day, but at least I still got to be with Trent. A little road trip might be fun. Then I remembered his leg.
I slipped on my tennis shoes and walked into the kitchen, finding him on the phone again, telling his pilot he would be late. I waited until he was off to talk to him about the drive.
“I can drive the truck,” I told him.
“I’ll be okay. It’s not that I can’t drive. It just isn’t something that feels great after I’ve done it a lot.”
“If you need me to drive, I will. I don’t want you hurting yourself.”
He smiled. “I’ll be fine. Now, let’s get a move on.”
It was just after noon when we pulled the truck to a stop in front of the apartment complex. There were a couple of guys standing out front. To me, they looked shady, but as soon as Trent saw them, he walked right over to them and thanked them for getting there on such short notice.
“Who are they?” I asked him in a whisper.
