Page 32 of First Comes Forever

“Fair enough,” he says with a humorless laugh.

“But it was honest. And I like that. Thank you. We’re okay, I promise.” I pump my eyebrows at him. “I’m actually going to miss randomly bumping into you. But if you’re ever in Denver, I can send you my go-to spots to make your stalking a little easier.”

“Ha.” He releases me and dangles the keys in his other hand, making a small ruckus as the tiny guitar knocks against the bedazzled keys.

“Those are adorable, by the way. Did you steal those from an eleven-year-old Swiftie?”

He smirks. “No, sassy. I already had them. I broke up the matching set. Now I only have sparkly pink drums on my keys.”

Ha.I wonder where he went out to buy this for me. Had to be Claire’s. “Adam, I’m not taking those—”

“Look, if you really want to go home, then I’ll even help you pack. But you said you wanted to stay here. Please don’t leave all because of me.”

“All because of you?” I ask. “Someone is a little full of themselves, hm?”

“I meant what I said, Amani. I want to help you. I want to be your friend.”

I inhale then blow out a deep breath. “That’s just what men say when they want to have sex but don’t want to call you the next day.”

“I didn’t say friends with benefits. I just said friends.”

I raise one brow. “Just friends?”

He jiggles the keys again. “And technically your landlord. Also, your car rental company.”

“Do I really come off that pathetic?” I ask, my tone noticeably somber. “You feel so bad for me, you’re jumping through all these hoops?”

He holds my gaze unshyly. “I’m jumping through hoops because you’re worth jumping for.” He speaks slowly so I can soak up every word. “There is nothing pathetic about letting someone help you, okay? All you have to do is decide what you really want.”

I feel it in my bones. There’s something here I still need to work out. So I uncross my arms and hold out my hand, letting Adam drop the keys into my palm.

“It’s condo number 3A, and it’s ready whenever you are. I’ll have my car dropped off here this week. Both yours for as long as you need them.”

I smile. “When’s rent due?”

He rolls his eyes as he shakes his head. “Let’s just say the first. I’ll have Jessie set up an agreement if you insist.”

“I do.” Relief washes over me, and damn, it does feel good for once to let someone save the day. “Thank you, Adam.”

“You’re welcome.” He thinks he’s slick, but I watch his eyes drop to my chest briefly, then back up. “All right, I have to run to a meeting, one I can’t miss this time, but text me when you’re ready to move your stuff. I’ll help you.”

Since I’m on a roll today, I accept his help. “Okay, thank you. Oh, wait, I don’t have your number.”

He quirks a brow. “Check your DMs. I put it in there like ten times.”

I chuckle. “Finally got me to respond to your messages, huh?”

“Yup. Only cost me a car and a condo.” He winks at me.

“All right, well, I’ll see you soon then,” I say, then take a step backward into my apartment and close the door behind me. I’ve barely taken two steps when there’s another knock.

I open the door to reveal an anguished-looking Adam, his face furrowed in concern.

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“Can I ask an off the record question?” His words are hurried.

“Sure?”

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