“I am serious,” I confirmed. “I crunched the numbers again this morning, just in case we missed something, but everything looks good. It’s a great location, there’s a local demand, and most importantly, we have the passion.”
Chase fidgeted in his seat. He was brimming with excitement, but still wouldn’t let it spill over. There was something still holding him back, and I was certain I knew what it was.
“You’re still worried about the rent money, aren’t you?” I asked.
He snorted. “I got fired from a part-time job at the mall. I’m not exactly swimming in it. And it’s not cool of me to ask for it from you, no matter how liquid you are.”
He was too fair and kind for his own good.
“I thought you’d say that,” I remarked, reaching down for my briefcase.
Chase cocked his head like a curious dog as I flicked my case open and pulled out a stapled stack of documents. I handed it to him silently. His brow knit together as he looked it over. He was reading in earnest, not skimming.
After a few minutes, Chase lowered the documents.
“Seriously?” he breathed.
I nodded. “My father bought the unit a few months before he passed. As his oldest, it was passed down to me.”
“But... the for-lease sign?” Chase asked incredulously.
“Just for show. Otherwise, a unit that’s been empty for years looks suspicious. The sign makes it seem like the right offer hasn’t come along yet.” I smirked. “Which was true.”
Chase pushed his hair back as he stared at the documents in disbelief. “Wow,” he breathed. “Wow.”
“I told you my father used to have an aquarium shop in Thailand, right?” I asked.
Without taking his eyes off me, Chase nodded.
I smiled. “You’ll never guess what he bought this unit for.”
Chase visibly shuddered and rubbed his arms. “Sheesh, I just got chills.” He laughed, and there were stars in his eyes. “That’s crazy.”
I found his hand and squeezed it. “If you accept, you’d be making his dream come true. Don’t give up onyourdream, Chase. If nothing else, think of it as an investment in our future.”
He swallowed. “Our...?”
I shot him a knowing look. “I said what I said.”
Chase looked like he might cry, but it was swept away as he laughed instead. “I’m, like, crazy in love with you, you know that?”
My heart swelled, full and warm. “I am, too.”
“I’ve never been so glad to get possessed by a demon lord at my own birthday party. Because I got to meet you.”
I chuckled. “And I’ve never been so glad to suck at my career. Because now I have an amazing boyfriend.”
His cheeks flushed. “Not as amazing as mine.”
“Is this our first argument as a couple?”
“Probably. Can you pass the cream?”
Chase wriggled his eyebrows and I instantly regretted my word choice. I also may have gotten a bit hard under the table.
After we left the cafe, I walked two steps before something brushed my fingers.
It was Chase’s hand. He playfully nudged the side of my palm, then hooked our fingers together.
