Page 87 of When Sparks Fly

“Alone?” My voice betrays the kernel of hope buried deep within.

“Yes.” I half expect her to tack on that Alan has an engagement which will prevent him from coming, as if her preference would be for him to be there, but she adds nothing else.

I slide my eyes to Sutton before pushing off the bed. “Yes, that will be fine.” My voice is mechanical. “I had planned to be back in Austin, but I can extend my trip.”

Following my conversation with Stephanie, Sutton and I take turns in the shower. He lets me go first and when I’m dressed in my mauve babydoll dress with hair blow dried, I come out to find a steaming mug of coffee waiting for me.

Warmth floods my system. He always knows just the right way to care for me. “Thank you.”

He winks from his place against the woven headboard.

“I’m keeping you from work again.”

“Not at all. I checked in earlier with Dad. Everyone seems fine so far. I’ll get out there in a bit.” He rises, running his hands down my arms. “I wantedto be with you when you woke up in case you had any complications with your head from being a badass last night.” He grins.

I throw my head back and laugh. “Not exactly how I planned on showing off my skills.”

His lips press tenderly against my hairline. “I hate that you had to defend yourself, but I’m glad you could.”

For the second time this morning, my phone vibrates along the dresser. Upon inspection, it’s an Austin number I don’t have saved.

“Take that. I’m going to check in with Shane and jump in the shower.”

Making a mental note to find out who the hell Shane is, I answer the phone.

“Hi, Maci? It’s Jessica at the front office.” A pleasant, professional voice greets me on the other side.

My brain stalls, trying to process how I should know a Jessica who seems to know me.The front office?“Oh! Hi, Jessica!” My voice comes out too loud when I realize it’s the property manager at my apartment complex.

“I’m calling because we haven’t received your notice to vacate or request for a lease renewal.”

Shit.“I’m sorry. I’ve been in and out of town and I meant to stop by with the form for you.”

“I know you’ve had a family emergency…So, that’s why I’m calling. You’re required to provide a 60-day notice to vacate. That’s today. Or we can renew for twelve or eighteen months.”

“Today?” I stand from the couch. “I’m not in town today.”

“You don’t have to be here to file. I can upload your preference to the Resident Portal.”

Speech evades me. Since the first notice I received, I had planned to renew my lease. Standing here in Sutton’s bedroom, I think of all the reasons thathave trickled in, or become clearer lately, as to why I haven’t completed the form.

My life is in Austin. Right? My business is there.

My friends’ and family’s subtle comments over the last few weeks run through my head. My business is easy enough to move. In fact, there’s nothing saying I can’t still schedule shoots in and around Austin while building clientele here.

What makes a life anyway? My friends and closest relatives are here.

A man I think I’m falling in love with is here.

Does he feel the same? Or has he been comfortable knowing I planned to be here short term?

When I don’t answer right away, Jessica speaks again. “Which document would you like me to upload?” Her professional tone holds a bit of uncertainty herself.

“Um.” My eyes are flying around the room. What do I want?

I want Sutton. I want more time with my friends. More time with my loved ones.

“I can give you until the 3rd. Sunday.” Authority has taken over Jessica’s voice. “I’ll upload both documents. But I need one completed by Monday morning or we’ll assume you intend to renew and prepare the lease for your signature. If you decide not to after that point, you’ll be responsible for an additional month’s rent.”

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