Page 56 of My Soul for Sale

The guys get home around seven and the house smells amazing. Their plates are on the counter waiting for them and when they enter the kitchen, they’re all smiles.

“What have you been up to, baby?” Atlas wraps his arms around me, kissing me softly.

“Well, I thought since you guys stayed at the house to keep working, the least I could do was whip up a little dinner.”

Atlas releases me, and I go to Rip, who also pulls me against him and kisses me.

“It smells amazing. And I fucking love you wearing my shirt.”

“Thank you. Grab a plate, let’s eat.” I pick up a plate and head to the table where silverware, napkins, and drinks are waiting.

“Look at this. A guy could get used to this.” Rip whistles as he approaches the table and takes a seat.

“Don’t.” I laugh. “I usually work the closing shift so there won’t be dinner from me, like ever. But I woke up in your room and thought, why not?”

“Tomorrow, we’re gonna go back over and do what we can. Will you be coming with us or do you need to sleep so you’re rested for your shift?” Rip takes a bite of his salmon. “Holy hell,” he groans. “This is amazing.”

“Thank you. It’s just some garlic, butter, lemon and paprika. I’m used to running on no sleep, so I’ll go with you, but only until like four, then I’ll get ready for my shift. I start at six.”

“Sounds good. We’re gonna let the floor upstairs dry and get the kitchen tile in, so it’s ready for the counters when they come. Do you know what color you wanna paint?”

“White. I want everything white. Not bright white though, more like an off-white. That way, if my styles change, the walls don’t need to, just the decorations and such.”

“Smart,” Atlas mumbles around a mouthful of food.

“I need an estimate on what all this is gonna cost. I know I said this is your apology and wanted a discount, but I expect to pay a good chunk of change for everything I want done, so tell me how much I owe and I’ll give you cash.” I don’t want to take advantage of them and their coming on the weekend and not going to work to help with my place is enough.

“Nothing,” Rip answers. “I’m not accepting a dime from you.”

“You can’t do all that work for free. And don’t think I didn’t notice I didn’t pay at the store for my materials, either.” I raise my brows at him.

“Don’t care. It’s the least I can do. We can handle it. But I wanna talk about what you’re gonna do when the house is done.”

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“He means, baby, that’s a lot of house for one person. Are you staying there? Renting it out? You can always live here with us.” Atlas smiles.

“You want me to move in with you? We’ve only been back in each other’s life for like five minutes.” I raise a brow at him. He can’t be serious—can he?

“We’ve known each other for nine years and I’ve known I loved you for all nine. Seems like a no-brainer to me.”

“I can’t move in with you,” I tell him, and I see the hurt flicker in his eyes. I look at Rip, ready for one of his vicious lines accusing me of being Ali, but he’s just staring at me silently.

“You don’t have anything to say?” I ask him.

“I promised I wouldn’t let my words hurt you again. I’d like to know why, though?”

I blink at him momentarily, waiting to see if he’s actually not going to say anything rude. He doesn’t, but his eyes don’t leave mine.

“That house was my one sure thing in life. No matter what Ali did or who came and went, I had Grandma and that house. I sold my fucking soul for it. No offense, since it was you who bought me, but I decided to sell my body to own it. I’m living there. It’s where I see myself, my future, my kids. So sorry, but that’s where I’m staying.”

“Okay.” He picks up his fork and spears another piece of fish.

“Okay?” I ask. “That’s it? Nothing else?”

“Nope. If that’s how you feel, then I understand. It makes sense. Ali took a lot from you. Ruined a lot of your childhood memories, so if that house feels like home, you shouldn’t give that up.”

“And you?” I raise a brow in Atlas’ direction.

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