Page 84 of Red My Lips

“Did you drag me all the way here to ask me what I think about a house you’re thinking of buying?”

“It’s not for sale, baby.”

“Then, what? Don’t tell me you won it in a poker game. I swear those idiots don’t know when to quit.”

“This house isn’t mine.”

“Then who’s is it?”

“It’s yours.”

I stop dead in my tracks as my stomach does a fucking cartwheel. Gage looks back at me and grins, his hand tightening around mine.

“What did you just say?” There’s no way I heard him right. I must have hallucinated or something.

“It’s yours—sell it, gut it, keep it. Whatever you want.”

“You bought me a house? Why would you do that?” I’m in utter disbelief.

“Your dick of a landlord wanted you out of the apartment so his idiot son could move in. I knew I’d bring you back before too long, and I wanted you to have somewhere to come back to.” I listen to what Gage is saying, but it doesn’t seem to compute. I simply stare at him, bewildered, as I try to process what’s happening. Gage takes advantage of my stillness to tow me into him.

“I can see that you’re trying to decide between kissing me or killing me, so let me show you the place before you decide. Deal?” I slowly nod, my eyes narrowing slightly.

Gage takes me through the house, showing me the sunlight-flooded forest green kitchen—with its black quartz countertops, walk-in pantry, and top-of-the-line appliances. I follow in silence as he tells me about each room, pointing out details and the history of the building.

Next comes the butler’s pantry, a large dining room, a massive living room with a gorgeous fireplace, a sunroom, the library, two powder rooms, and a home office. Following him upstairs, he takes me through four large bedrooms, with two full bathrooms, and finally, the primary suite.

Walking into the spacious bedroom, I feel like I’ve stepped out of my body. The arched floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light, with high coffered ceilings and stunning crown molding that looks original to the house. A king-size bed sits perfectly made in my bedding, and a second glance shows me my nightstands on either side. The rest of the room is empty until we walk into the closet of my dreams.

Gage flips the switch, and the room fills with light, revealing rows and rows of clothes, shoes, handbags, and other accessories. I step further inside, I can’t help it. My hands brush along some of the neatly hanging clothing, and I recognize them as the clothes I left in my apartment. But then, as I round to the other side of the closet, I realize the clothes are unfamiliar and still have tags hanging from them. Designer, luxury materials, gorgeous custom pieces. They’re all for me.

My head is swimming, and I barely register the glorious primary bathroom with a giant soaking tub, steam shower, marble tiles, and double vanity sink.

Gage takes me by the hand and leads me back downstairs, through the kitchen to the sprawling backyards with an Olympic-sized pool and jacuzzi. We don’t go down into the finished basement, but Gage tells me about the theater room, wet bar, and wine cellar. And in the three-car garage, my car sits waiting for me like I left it here all along.

When we finally make it back to the kitchen, I’m in a daze. A million thoughts are swirling around in my head, but there’s only one that makes it out of my mouth.

“You bought a house?”

“It’s your house, Jill.” Pulling his key ring out of his jacket pocket, Gage places the house key and gate fob on the kitchen counter. “Everything has been paid in full under your name. This place is yours, not mine or anyone else’s. No strings.”

“No strings,” I repeat. He takes my tone as wary, and maybe it is.

“I won’t pretend that I’ll ever let you walk away, Jill. But I can take a step back until you’re ready for me again. If watching you from afar is what it takes to keep you in my life, I’ll do it.”

Gazing at him, everything comes crashing down on me all at once—our fight, the plane ride, the house. And the thought of Gage leaving that key for me and walking out the front door, leaving me in this big house alone, feels like a punch to the gut.

I don’t want him to leave.

I don’t want this house to be just for me, I want it to be ours. My chest aches at the idea of having to live in this mansion without the man I love.

Rounding the counter, I walk over to press my chest against his, my arms snaking up around his neck. Gage doesn’t hesitate to wrap me in his arms, pulling me in so close that there’s no distance between us. Raising up on my toes, I kiss him. His eager lips move with mine desperately, drinking me in with an unquenchable thirst.

“Ok, fine,” I say between kisses. “Yes.”

“Yes, what?” Gage asks against my lips, his tongue slipping in to tangle with mine. I let him devour me until my head is spinning, and my knees are threatening to buckle.

“Yes, I’ll marry you.” Gage pulls away abruptly to look down at me, a glorious grin spreading across his face. He stares down at me, looking like a man who’s just won the lottery. Then he slowly shakes his head, his brilliant smile never faltering.

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