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“Thanks,” I reply, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. “That really means a lot.”
Willow gives an exaggerated sigh. “Another one bites the dust. At this rate, I’ll be living alone by next month!”
She says it like a joke, but I can tell she’s forcing a smile, and my heart aches. Willow has always been the type to put on a brave face and focus on the positives, but I know her well enough to see through it.
The three of us have been best friends since college, and after we graduated, we moved in together to save on rent. But a few months ago, everything started to change.
First, Melanie met Jake and moved in with him, leaving just the two of us at the apartment. Then Willow’s mom passed away unexpectedly. Now, I’m thinking about moving in with Drew.
“Hey, don’t worry, Willow,” I reassure her. “Drew said he would cover my portion of the rent until the lease is up. And Melanie and I will still come over for movie nights.”
Melanie nods in agreement. “And we can have brunch every Sunday like always.”
Willow’s smile widens, the forced edge gone. “Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.”
“And you never know, Willow,” Melanie adds with a mischievous glint in her eye. “You could be the next one to find love and move in with a mountain man. I swear there’s something in the water in this town.”
Willow snorts. “And that’s exactly why I only drink iced coffee and Prosecco.”
After I leave the Chocolate Moose, I head back to my apartment. I decide to take Drew up on his offer to move in slowly, so I pack a small box with a few trinkets, along with a duffel bag. Then I drive over to his place.
As expected, Drew lives in the most luxurious penthouse I’ve ever seen. There are three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, a huge living room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the city, and a spacious kitchen equipped with the latest appliances.
But as I settle in, I can’t help feeling a little overwhelmed. Moving in with someone is a big step. While part of me thrills at the idea of waking up in his arms each morning, the other wonders whether we are moving too fast, not to mention what will happen when our families find out the truth.
As I unpack a box of books, the front door opens. Drew strides in, all sharp suit and tousled hair. His gaze lands on me, and the tension in his expression melts into a smile.
“You’re here.” He crosses the room in three quick steps and pulls me into his arms. I breathe in the crisp scent of his cologne, relaxing against the solid warmth of his chest.
“I couldn’t wait.” I tilt my head up, meeting his sea-green eyes. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“Mind?” He kisses me, slow and deep. “I’ve been thinking of nothing else all day.”
Drew releases me to shrug off his jacket, but his hands remain on my waist, as if he can’t bear to lose contact completely. I frown, tracing the crease between his brows.
“What’s wrong?” He catches my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm.
I take a deep breath, my heart pounding. It’s now or never. “Drew, there’s something I have to tell you.”
He searches my face, eyes narrowing. “You can tell me anything.”
I swallow hard. “I hate lying to our families. Sneaking around like this, hiding what we have...” I trail off with a sigh. “I don’t want to go behind their backs anymore.”
Drew stiffens, jaw clenching. I rush on before he can speak.
“We’re falling for each other and it’s only going to get harder.” My voice trembles. “I don’t want to dread family events or worry they’ll find out by accident. If we’re going to live together, I want to be with you openly.”
For a long moment, he’s silent. I brace myself for anger, for rejection. Instead, Drew pulls me close again, so tight I can barely breathe.
“I don’t want to hide this either,” he murmurs against my hair. “I was going to lose you, wasn’t I?”
“What?” I cling to him, bewildered. “Of course not. I just want?—”
“To be with me openly.” He tips my chin up, meeting my gaze. “Like you deserve. Like I want, more than anything.”
Joy and relief flood through me. “Truly?”
“Yes. I’m not letting you go.” His lips curve into a smile. “We’ll tell our families the truth tomorrow at the opera. Together.”
