“You’ll see.”
“Cash…”
“Baby, just relax.” I turned up the volume on the radio.
She sighed and leaned back in the seat.
The drive was quiet, save for the R&B music playing softly, filling the car. It wasn’t long before I pulled into an underground parking garage beneath a high-rise building. Jasmine sat up, looking around.
“Where are we?” she asked curiously.
I parked in the assigned parking spot and cut the engine. “I’ll show you.”
She followed me toward a private elevator—I could feel her curiosity growing with each step. I tapped the fob to call it, sliding my arm around her waist once we were inside.
Silence stretched as the elevator climbed. Not awkward, but expectant. I cleared my throat and adjusted my stance, trying to shake off the nerves. This was a big step. Bigger than anything I’d ever done before.
When the elevator dinged, I placed my hand on the small of her back and guided her forward. Jasmine glanced at me, her brows raised, before turning her attention to the sleek hallway in front of us. The walls were lined with art, leading to a single door at the end of the hall. I swallowed the lump in my throat as I stepped ahead of her and tapped the fob against the lock. The door clicked, and I pushed it open wide.
The penthouse stretched out in front of us. Recessed lights cast a soft glow over the hardwood floors and bounced off the tall windows that stretched along the living room. From the thirtieth floor, we had the perfect view of the Atlanta skyline. The faint scent of fresh paint and cleaning products still lingered in the air.
Jasmine walked in, her mouth slightly open as she took it in. “Baby, what is this?”
“It’s ours.”
She spun around to face me. “Ours?”
I nodded. “I bought it for us. I want you to move in with me.”
She pressed her palms against one of the floor-to-ceiling windows. “This view is… wow,” she said quietly.
I watched her. I knew this was a lot and hoped she wasn’t overwhelmed.
“It’s a big step. But your stubborn ass not quitting the hospital any time soon, and my house is too far. So… this is home if you want it to be.”
She turned around, her eyes shimmering with tears.
Work was the only thing that would send her back to New York—whether we were together or not. She knew I’d take care of her, but she loved being a nurse. So I made a few calls, lined a few pockets, and made sure Southside General gave her a full-time position. It was less chaotic than Peachtree, and she’d be working with Monica again.
“You really not trying to sleep in my queen-sized bed, huh?” she teased.
I smiled wickedly. “Nah. I want you bringing yo’ ass home to me, so I can wear you out on the California king, or up against the window.”
Her mouth dropped open as she smacked my arm. “I can’t stand you.” She shook her head. “I guess since I got that new position, I can hang down here with you a little longer.”
“Forever,” I corrected her. “I wanna show you something.”
I took her hand and led her down the hallway to the master bedroom. The penthouse had three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, spacious enough for us to start this new chapter. What she didn’t know was that I hadn’t just bought the penthouse—I’d also purchased a stake in the building. I wasn’t just thinking about right now. I was laying the foundation for our future.
I pointed to a door on the far side of the room. “Go look in the closet.”
She let go of my hand and walked over. “Baby, what the fuck?” she exclaimed as she stepped inside.
The walk-in closet was massive, easily the size of her living room. It had custom-built shelves and recessed lighting. Half of it was empty, but I’d gone ahead and filled the other half with brand new clothes, shoes, and bags—all things I knew she’d love.
“I wanted to make sure you’d feel at home here. I know you’ve got your own spot, but this is really for us.”
She glanced between me and the closet a few times. Before I could say anything else, she grinned, ran over to me, and jumped into my arms. The impact sent me to the floor with a grunt. Her laughter rang in my ears.
