Page 60 of Where We Met

"What about no sex while we're back here?" I ask.

"I can keep my hands to myself if I know it's for your safety. I have a guest bedroom. There's no reason for you to pass this up."

He's got me there with a guest bedroom, and our dogs can play together while we’re gone.

The only thing holding me back is my pride. Reluctantly, I nod my head and walk ahead of him. He follows me up the stairs until we get to my door. Before I open it, I turn to him.

"I need you to just… bite your tongue when we get inside. No comments about the furniture or lack thereof. Just… please."

"I can do that,” Luke promises.

We walk into the apartment and I inwardly cringe at the futon and coffee table that cost me next to nothing and that I put together on my own. That's about all that's in the living room.

"Just take a seat. I'll pack my stuff and be right out. We'll need to swing by and pick up Bailey from the family that watches her when I'm out of town."

With that, I disappear into my room. Well,roomis generous. I have a blow-up mattress and a cheap nightstand. I couldn't afford the delivery of my real mattress, nor could I get one up here all by myself.

I take two large weekend bags and fill them up with as many clothes as I can, my shower supplies, and makeup, and then I pack all of Bailey's things that aren’t currently with her at the Martin's.

When I come out, he quickly stands from the futon and grabs my bags from me.

"Thanks," I say. "I'm just going to grab my backpack."

"Is there much more?" he asks.

I shake my head. "Just some kitchen stuff and more clothes."

I can tell he wants to say something, and I’m grateful when he holds it in.

We walk out of the apartment, and it feels nice to know I'll never spend another scary night here again, wondering if those two guys are going to come back. Worrying that they know where I live and are just biding their time to attack again.

I told Luke I needed my car and to just give me his address so I could meet him there after I picked up Bailey. He insisted he follow my path all the way to his place. I think he thought I was a flight risk and might run off, finding somewhere besides his house to go. Honestly, I thought about it.

It’s getting dark as we pull up to his house in Shaker Heights, and as I take in the Victorian monstrosity before me, I’m realizing running is exactly what I should have done.

I'm so out of my element here. We took a private jet to Italy, I should have expected his house to be incredible, but I really hadn’t given it much thought.

We drive up a long driveway surrounded by bushes, and he opens his garage door before pulling in and parking. I start to head to the top of the driveway, but Luke waves at me as he gets out of his car.

"Park your car next to mine," he tells me.

I'm ready to argue, but his face tells me this is another nonnegotiable for him today. Maybe he's being Mr. Grumpy from jetlag or something.

Either way, I give in and park my car next to his, like we're some kind of happily married couple who just so happen to drive two very different cars.

Bailey is aggressively wagging her tail in the back seat as Luke approaches. He looks in the back window and smiles, which only makes my dog freak out more.

"I'm going to open the door for her. This side door opens to my backyard, and it's all fenced in so she can’t run away."

I nod my head, acknowledging that Bailey is going to get spoiled living here. I'll have a depressed dog when I have to bring her back to our reality in five weeks, one that doesn't include a mansion or a dog friend.

I decide to leave my things in my car for the time being. Right now, I need to make sure Bailey minds her manners in this expensive home.

I'm not far behind them but when I get out there, Luke is chasing Bailey around the backyard.

Shit, don't fall in love, Savannah.

Any dog lover knows what I'm talking about. There's something about a sexy man lovin' on your dog that makes your heart beat faster.

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