The Wrong Right Man(3)
“Yeah, crazy, right?” I look around. The lobby is beautiful with sleek lines and modern furniture. It looks like part of a set from a movie. “The CEO of IMG owns this building, where he houses most of the employees, he also owns a building down the block where the offices and the sets for filming are located.”
“I’m proud of you, you worked your ass off to get this.” He takes hold of my bicep to pull me out of the way of someone walking toward us as I look up at him.
“Thanks,” I tell him quietly, looking around a little overwhelmed.
“Don’t get that look. This isn’t the time or place for tears,” he says and I try not to smile, because he really cannot stand when I cry—something I can admit I’ve done a time or two on purpose to make him see things my way.
“I’m not going to cry.” I grab his arm when I see the sign for the leasing office and pull him with me toward it. The automatic doors open for us, and we stop at the desk with a high counter where an older woman is on the phone. She smiles and holds up a finger telling me it will be just a moment, so I smile back.
“How can I help you two?” she asks, looking between us as she puts the phone back in the cradle.
“Hi, I’m Dakota Newton. I’m here to pick up the keys for my apartment.”
“Dakota, I have your envelope in the back. Give me a moment and I’ll be right back.” She gets up and heads through a doorway. When she comes back a minute later, she’s carrying a folder and a large yellow envelope that she places in front of me on the counter, pulling out a few sheets of paper and looking them over. “Okay, so it looks like all the paperwork has been filled out online, so I just need you to sign your lease then I can take you up to your apartment.”
I take the pen she holds out to me and scribble my name across the bottom of the document she turns my way. When I’m done, she dumps the contents out of the envelope.
“This—” She hands me three brochures. “—is all the information you’ll need for the building. The app to download which will give you access to your apartment so you don’t have to use your key card. When the garbage is picked up, the hours laundry service is available, info for the gym and pool, along with how to schedule the use of the freight elevator, which you will need to do when you move in. Now, if you’re ready, I’ll show you your new home.”
“I’m ready when you are,” I say, feeling anxious, and she smiles at me.
An hour later, I get into Jamie’s SUV with a smile on my face. The furnished studio apartment I was given is beyond amazing and nicer than anything I’ve ever lived in before. It’s even nicer than the apartment I shared with Troy.
Honestly, when Melissa opened the door, I thought it was some kind of fluke, especially with the space being loaded down with high-end furniture. I had no idea the space came furnished, but I can admit I’m relieved I won’t have to buy anything except new bedding and linens. She did say that if I wanted to trade out the furniture for some of my own, they would pack it up and move it out for me. It’s not needed. Most of the stuff I have in storage is kitchen crap and clothes I will probably never wear.
“So, are you coming to my show tonight?” Jamie asks, pulling me from my thoughts, and I turn to look at him.
“If you promise to talk the guys into helping me move my stuff out of storage on Sunday, no matter how much they drink Saturday night.”
“You know they’d do anything for you.”
I do know that. I know Jamie’s friends have become mine. Actually, they’re like honorary brothers who didn’t give me much of a choice but to accept them.
“Then yes, I’m coming to the show.” I catch him grinning out the corner of my eye. “What?”
“Nothing.”
“It’s something,” I insist, watching him closely.
“You’re right. I just haven’t seen you this relaxed or excited in a while.”
I sigh. “You’re right. I haven’t been.” I shift in my seat. “It’s just that I finally feel like I’m getting my life back. I have a job and an apartment, and things are finally moving forward again. There was a while there that I didn’t know if I would be living with you for the rest of my life.”
“You don’t like living with me?”
“I like living with you. I can’t say I like waking up to use the bathroom and running into your booty calls every night.”
“I’m not that bad.”
“You’re worse.” I roll my eyes. “Honestly, I can’t wait for you to meet someone and settle down.”
“I’m twenty-five. I’ll settle down when I’m thirty,” he tells me, and I raise a brow. “Okay, forty.”
I shake my head. “All I’m saying is you’re never going to find the one if you keep looking for the next one-night stand.”
“I’m not in the market for a wife, Dakota.” His tone softens as he continues. “I know you want that. A family, to get married and have kids, but I don’t.”
“Never?” I ask, my heart hurting at the idea of him not ever opening himself up to sharing his life with someone.
“I’m not saying I never want to settle down; I’m just saying I don’t want that right now. I’m happy with the way things are and just want to focus on my career.” He glances over at me with a look in his eyes I can’t decipher. “I’m surprised you still believe in the white picket fence after the shit Troy put you through.”