Page 105 of Protecting Hailey

“It’s beautiful,” I said.

“Do you like it?”

“I do.”

I circled in the spot and realized how much I liked it. It was stunning, but cozy. The colors and the textures were to my taste. I wouldn’t have changed a thing in his apartment, but I’m glad that I didn’t want to.

“I haven’t shown you the best part,” he said, grinning.

I arched my brow. “The best part? What’s that? The bedroom?”

He smirked. “Yes, but that’s for later.”

My stomach growled, and he smiled. “Oh, you mean the kitchen.”

“That has an awesome six-burner stove, but no, it’s not the kitchen.”

He crossed his arms and smirked. He was very excited that I hadn’t guessed the best part yet.

“I give up. What’s the best part?”

He grabbed my hand and led me down another hallway, this on the opposite side of the penthouse. I caught a glimpse of the green and brown cabinets in the kitchen and smiled. I loved how eclectic his taste was. So much like my own. “Your style is so adventurous,” I told him. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you have a leopard skin rug in your bedroom.”

He stopped and stared at me. “Did I send you pics?”

My eyes popped in surprise. “Are you serious?”

“No. But I like the idea. We should go shopping tomorrow. Buy a few things to make it truly feel like home for you.”

I nodded, liking the idea very much.

He stopped abruptly in front of a closed door. “This is it.”

I smiled and waited, but he didn’t move.

“What’s going on? What’s through that door? It’s not some strange bondage room or anything?”

He shook his head. “I didn’t think I would be nervous about this, but I am. I really hope you like it.”

“I like your taste so far. I’m sure it’ll be great.”

He nodded and opened the door while I smiled in anticipation.

My smile fell immediately.

I cupped my mouth with both hands and cried, “Oh my god.”

“I wanted to surprise you, but I asked Tessa for her advice, and I followed her instructions carefully.”

I walked over to the controls and ran my fingers across the knobs and switches. He had recreated my L.A. recording studio exactly to the neon pink paint color on the walls.

“I wanted you to have a piece of home here in New York and a place where you can take Tessa when she visits and create your music. Fuck, you’re crying. Did I mess this up? Did you want to find a studio nearby? I thought this was more convenie—”

I placed my finger over his lips and then wrapped my arms around his neck. “It’s perfect,” I said.

He watched my face. His furrowed brow told me he was unconvinced. “But you’re crying.”

I nodded. “Yes.”

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