“That’s the problem,” I admit, rubbing my temples. “I’m not completely sure… but Ifeelsomething. And maybe we can just try it. See how it goes. Worst-case scenario, we get free entertainment for a few weeks—and I get consistent sex.”
I pause. “And honestly… I really do love him and… I kind of want to see where this goes.”
Arina throws her head back, laughing. “Girl, it is too early for this conversation. But fine—if it doesn’t work, we can just kick him out. And my uncle will help. He damn near lives rent free anyway, it’s the least he can do.”
“Perfect,” I grin. “Teamwork makes the eviction work.”
She snorts, shaking her head. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And hey, it’s never too early for sex or sarcasm,” I say, pushing off her doorframe and heading back to my room—my heart annoyingly light because the thought of waking up next to him every day doesn’t scare me as much as my head is trying to scare me.
All thanks to Arina.
The last few months with Levy have been this quiet, steady bloom I didn’t even realize was happening. Being with him feels less like falling in love and more like recognizing something I forgot Il I’ve been secretly craving.
And maybe that’s why it scares me. Because good doesn’t usually last for me.
Still, I push the doubt down where it can’t reach me and focus on the good—the image of waking up next to him every morning, his laugh filling the room, and not having to watch him leave every other night.
If love’s a gamble, maybe this is the one bet I’m finally willing to lose—again.
After hours of circling the decision in my head like a dog chasing its tail, I finally give in. I wasn’t even this nervous when he first said the words, but after talking to Arina, I know I need to be sure—not positive, but at least sure enough.
Picking up my phone, I stare at the screen for a full minute, thumbs hovering before I type out the message—plain and simple.
“Yes, baby. I want you to move in.”
The moment I hit send, relief and panic crash together like they’re fighting for the same spot in my chest.
His reply comes almost instantly—too fast for him to have taken a full breath, let alone think twice.
“Perfect, I can already imagine waking up next to you every morning. Now it can actually happen.”
His confidence wraps around me like a warm blanket and a warning at the same time. I’m used to doubt, not certainty. But looking at his message and the steady calm beneath it, I know I want this.
I want him.
Even if it terrifies me.
? ? ?
The sight of his Camaro parked along the curb outside my house feels strangely perfect. It’s been here a hundred times before and I’m only now noticing how much it belongs. His passenger seat is stacked with clothes, sneakers lined up neatly in the back, and a duffel slung over his shoulder like this is the best decision he’s made in months.
Standing in the doorway, flowers in my hand—because of course he brought them today, he always does—I watchhim laugh with Arina as she teases him about how much space he’s about to steal in my closet.
“For real though,” she says, smirking, “if your shoes end up on her side, I promise you’ll see them in the yard the next morning. Just warning you now.”
He laughs, that deep, easy sound that somehow softens the air around it. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep my mess contained to my side only.”
“Of course you will,” she deadpans, narrowing her eyes. “Men.”
Their banter makes me smile, while inside, everything feels a little surreal. His things blending with mine. His smile being the first thing I see in the morning. His Camaro sitting outside—the same car that’ll take him to work and bring him back home to me.
The thought catches me off guard.
Home.
But for once, the thought doesn’t make my stomach knot.
