Page 27 of This Moment

“It would make me feel better if you could call right now and give a verbal offer.”

Nic frowned but said, “I’ll do it right now. Excuse me.”

As Nic made his way out of the bathroom, I walked over to the oversized closet. Tucked in the corner was a stackable, full-size washer and dryer.

“This is perfect and almost too good to be true,” I whispered as I returned to the kitchen. I could hear Nic on the phone as I approached.

“There is already a verbal offer,” Nic said.

“I’ll pay them three thousand a month.”

Nic nearly choked. “Um, yes, that was my client. You did hear her correctly. Um, well, she works for Opal.”

“I’ll also pay the first six months’ rent in cash.”

Pulling out a card like that was risky, but I wanted this cabin. Everything else Nic showed me was terrible. And with his prejudice about what I could and couldn’t afford, I was honestly ready to nip this search in the bud.

“Yes, she said she would pay the first six months in cash.”

“At the original price of $2200,” I quickly added.

“At the original price.” Nic turned away from me. He mumbled something I couldn’t hear, then turned back to face me as he ended the call. “You’ve got it. We’ll need to return to my office and sign the lease.”

Smiling, I took one more look around. “Wonderful. I’ll meet you there.”

I stood in the middle of my living room and smiled. This was where I would make a new beginning. It was where I hoped and prayed I could put the past behind me and work on a future.

The sound of a car pulling up caused my heart to slam against my chest. Who in the world could it be?

I peeked out the window and gasped when I saw who had exited the car.

“Kian?”

Opening the door, I stepped out onto the front porch.

“What are you doing here?”

My voice came out rough and angry, and I instantly attempted to soothe it by smiling. “I mean, how did you even know I was here?”

Kian looked confused. “What are you doing here?”

I let out a confused laugh. “I rented this cabin.”

His confused look quickly became one of shock. “You rented this cabin?” he asked, pointing to said building.

“Yes, yesterday.”

Kian laughed as he rubbed at the back of his neck. “May I ask from whom?”

Feeling increasingly uncomfortable, I replied, “Nic. He is a real estate agent and was showing me some rentals, and this one came up when we were out looking yesterday. He called someone, and they agreed to the terms.”

Kian cursed and turned away from me.

“Kian, is everything okay?” I asked as I made my way down the steps and walked toward him.

He faced me and plastered on a fake smile.

“I guess that depends on what you think is okay in this situation.”

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