Page 68 of Risk

“Well, it’s not my place. It’s yours, so you could kick me out.”

“That would never happen.”

“It could. You might find you don’t like living with me. That we’re incompatible as…roommates.”

His brows go up at that. “I don’t see compatibility being a problem with us.”

My cheeks warm at his words. “Living with someone is a lot different from having sex with them once.”

“I’m aware. But we’re both adults, and we’d make it work for the sake of our children.”

“Okay. But I’d still feel…” I search around for the word. “Unsafe.”

He frowns at that. “You wouldn’t feel safe living with me?”

“I’d feel safe living with you. I wouldn’t feel safe living in a place where my name isn’t on the rental agreement, and I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to afford half of whatever the rent is that you pay at your place.”

“I own my apartment.”

Of course he does.

“Well, that’s worse.”

“How?”

“I don’t know. It just is.”

He chuckles, and it’s deep, and I feel it tug at my lower belly.

“Look, if it makes you feel better, I can have my lawyer draw up an agreement to make you feel safer.”

“How much rent would you want me to pay?”

“Nothing.”

“Kaden, I’m paying my way. If you want me to live with you, then that’s how it has to be.”

He lets out a sigh. “Fine. Just pay me whatever rent you pay for this place.”

“It’s not much.”

“I don’t care. I’d be happy with nothing, remember?”

“Okay. So, if I live with you, I’ll pay rent. What about utilities and food?”

He looks like he’s getting frustrated with me—I can see it in the tightening of his jaw—but if he wants me to live with him, then it’s going to be on my terms.

“What do you pay for utilities here?”

“It’s all included in the cost of my rent.”

“Then, that’s the same at my place.”

Guess I can’t argue with him on that, but I’ll find ways to give him a little extra.

“What about groceries? Should we just buy our own?”

His jaw moves. “Whatever works best for you.”

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