Page 105 of The Main Event

It was too soon to talk about getting a place for both of us together. In another month, it wouldn’t be too soon, though. The construction would be ramping up on the fourth floor, and we would have a lull. Then we could make plans.

“You still haven’t answered my question,” I pressed. If I thought too hard on moving in with her, I would definitely miss my trip to the gym. “What are you dressing up as for the big Halloween party? Please tell me it’s Elvira. I didn’t get a chance to properly explore that costume like I wanted the first time you wore it.”

“You know those boobs weren’t real, right?”

“I don’t care. You looked freaking hot.”

“Well, I might wear the Elvira costume to a different party over the next week—we’ll see what springs up—but I’m not wearing it to the Hunter Halloween party.”

“Why?” I sounded like a petulant child.

“Because it’s not professional to have that much cleavage on display,” she replied. “I’ll be here to work that night. I can’t be all ‘look at my boobs’ with the guests.”

I considered it. “I guess.”

“What are you going to be?”

“Mr. Monopoly is out, right?”

She made a face. “I want a real costume.”

“Like what?” I was honestly curious.

“I don’t know. I’ve always been a big fan of the Universal monsters, though.”

“Are you saying you want me to dress up like Frankenstein? Isn’t that Levi’s schtick?”

“Not Frankenstein.” She cocked her head. “Although, it might be fun to roll around and see where the green body paint ends up after the fact.”

Oh, why did she have to putthatidea into my head?

“You could be a mummy or something, though.”

I tried to picture that, but there was nothing sexy about the image she was conjuring. “No. I want something that’s obvious but won’t be off-putting to the guests. I think a guy wrapped in nothing but bandages sends the wrong message.”

She giggled. “My costume is a secret until the big party. It’s going to be awesome, though. I think you’re going to like it.”

“I like you.” I cupped her chin. “That’s all that matters.”

“Aw. So sweet.”

“I will miss the boobs, though.”

She gave me a sharp elbow, which had me laughing as I rolled out of bed. I stood and stared down at her, enjoying the way she cocooned herself in the blankets again.

Yes, this was what I wanted. Once I allowed my head to clear so I could think, that had become glaringly obvious. I wanted her … and this place … and this life.

Now I just had to deal with my family so I could make it happen, because saying goodbye to her was out of the question. I might’ve started this assuming it was a fling. I knew better now, though. She was my future. At least I wanted her to be.

It was time to make all her dreams come true.

JESSE WAS ALREADY AT THE WEIGHT BENCHwhen I hurried into the gym, five minutes late.

“Sorry.” I was genuinely apologetic. “I didn’t mean to be late. I actually hate it when people are late. I got caught up, though.”

Jesse didn’t look all that bothered. “With Daisy?”

I saw no reason to lie. “With Daisy,” I confirmed. “She’s in my bed right now. It took everything I had to leave her.”