“Of course. I simply need to scan your ID to add to the files.” The man named Frank said, looking at me.
“I’m sorry?”
Frank’s smile was warm, and I felt Rylie chuckle next to me. “Sweetheart, Frank needs to scan your ID into the system so that the documents can be finalized for you to sign.”
“You’re putting me on the house?” I said, wide eyed. “Just like that. You are putting me on title to your house. What if I get mad at you and toss you out the window tonight?”
He pulled me close and used a finger to guide my lips to his. “Then I die a happy man. And it’sourhouse, sweetheart.” His kiss was soft and gentle. “Now sign the fucking paperwork so I can take you upstairs and feed you.” My stomach growled again, and I sighed.
I looked down at it and said, “Traitor.”
Even Frank chuckled at that. I dug out my wallet, and before I handed my California Driver’s License to Frank, I looked at Rylie. “You are sure about this?”
“I’ve already called my lawyer to get you on the deed, so yes.”
“You could still call that off.” I said, before Rylie took my ID from my hand and handed it to Frank. “Full access.”
“Yes, sir.”
Thirty minutes later, I had my own key, programmed in a passcode, and had signed my name so many times, I had lost count. We were in the elevator when he turned to me and said, “I am sorry.”
“Rylie. Stop. Seriously. You are going to piss me off if you keep apologizing.”
The doors opened to a foyer with a single door. He smiled softly, and took my hand. His hand was clammy and gripped mine tight. Before we got to the door though I asked, “What’s wrong?”
“I’m bringing you home for the first time. I’m allowed to be a little nervous, aren’t I?”
“There is no reason to be nervous. I am yours, Rylie. I’m not going anywhere.”
There was a relieved sigh that came from him as he opened the door and led me inside. I blinked as I took in the space. I wasn’t sure what I expected, maybe some immaculate, afraid to touch anything setup that you see in movies, but as I looked around the open area plan, I smiled.
Rylie toed his shoes off and disappeared into the hallway to the left. I took a few steps into the living area and ran my fingers over the soft worn brown leather of the couch. It was cool, and the soft texture soothed my nerves. My attention moved to a fireplace across from the couch that was flanked by two rich brown wooden bookcases. All the shelves were filled with a mix of hardcover and paperback books as well a small collection of DVD’s. My eye caught a few of my favorite titles, and my smile grew when I saw Oklahoma. It was my favorite musical, and poor Rylie had watched it countless times with me, even though I knew he found Jud annoying as hell.
Between the fireplace and couch was a brown iron and glass table with a few remotes on it, but I didn’t see the TV anywhere. I knew Rylie though, and there was no way he wasn’t going to have a TV. I narrowed my eyes, and studied the wall again, looking for the gaming system, and shook my head when I saw it cleverly hidden on the bottom shelf of the bookcase. Proof he was still my Rylie, and there would be a TV somewhere.
As I looked around the condo, I couldn’t help but notice how large it was, and while it was about four times the size of my little apartment, it was all things Rylie. Sure, you could tell there was money involved, but it didn’t scream billionaire. Not that I knew what that was anymore. I guess I imagined walking in and seeing crystal chandeliers, glass tables, all things white and gray.
Rylie had some of the same furniture that he had before he moved out here. A few pieces I knew were his grandmothers, and I smiled when I saw the painting of Capitola Village on the far wall. It had belonged to his mother and was her most prized possession other than Rylie. It had gutted him when she died.
I turned and looked to where the kitchen was and smiled. Rylie had always been such a whiz in the kitchen, so it didn’t surprise me when I saw the stainless steel, professional grade appliances.
“No way, Rye?” I whispered as I went over to the farmhouse style sink, and ran my fingers along the edge. I had always wanted one, and seeing it here, in Rylie’s kitchen, did not disappoint. I stood there and admired it for a long moment then became acquainted with what was apparently my new kitchen.
I turned and froze when I looked out the floor to ceiling windows that ran from the dining table at the edge of the kitchen to the corner in the living room. How had I missed this view when I came in?
Rylie came over, and led me to the doors, where he opened one of them. “This is why I stay here. Come here.” I followed him out to the deck. Lake Michigan sat before us in all its panoramic glory. For as far as the eye could see there was nothing but the lake.
“It’s cold as fuck during the winter months, but it’s worth seeing the lake as the ice forms over it.”
“Does it freeze over?” I asked, only half aware of the words coming out.
“No, not completely.” He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me against him, as he slid his hand down the front of my skirt and just let it sit there. It was cool out, and sprinkling, but the difference in temperature was soothing. The lake was a magnificent sight from this high up. God, I was on the 38th floor. My head swam for a minute, but I focused far off in the distance and the feel of him against me.
I leaned back against him and sighed. “I can’t believe you live here.”
He huffed a laugh and said, “I can’t either most days. The Gold Coast is pricey, but when you get views like this… well, it’s worth it.”
“Harper really gave you all of this?” I said in awe, and Rylie hummed his agreement, then bent down and kissed my neck. I tilted my head to the side and concentrated on the breeze on my face, the feel of his lips against my skin, and how he just held me close to him.
