Page 126 of From the Start
“You can’t… what?”
“I think it’s about time we made this thing official and moved in together.”
“I can’t leave Dad.”
“Which is why I soundproofed your room.”
I clear my throat. “Let me get this straight. You’ve decided to move in? We’re not going to discuss this?”
“Nope.” He kisses my nose.
“Nice try. We’re discussing this.”
He leans his forehead against mine. “What is there to discuss? I love you. You love me. We should live together.”
“This is a big step.”
“Do you want to hear the elevator pitch?”
I widen my eyes. Kai never ceases to surprise and amaze me. I imagine I’ll be ninety years old and wearing adult diapers and he’ll surprise me. “Do you have a pitch prepared?”
“It’s possible I knew my grumpy woman wouldn’t accept me moving in without making a fuss.”
“Okay. Let’s hear it.”
He hesitates. “I don’t have a computer for my PowerPoint presentation.”
“Kai Raider, you did not prepare a PowerPoint presentation and I know it.”
“Fine.” He huffs. “Here are the advantages to me moving in. One, you have someone to help with Henry. Two, I look hot mowing the lawn without my shirt on. Three, you’ll have orgasms on tap. And, four, I’ll help with the rent.”
“I don’t pay rent.”
“Excuse me. I misspoke. I’ll help pay the mortgage.”
I bristle. “I don’t need your help to pay the mortgage.”
“Nevertheless, if I’m living here, I need to contribute to the costs.”
“It’s unnecessary. I don’t like this.”
He squeezes my hands. “I do. It means your monthly household costs are lower.”
Which means I can increase my loan payments forBootlegger,thereby paying off the loan quicker and getting out of debt faster. I never should have told him about my financial struggles with the bar.
“I don’t need you to save me.”
“Good. Because I’m not saving you. I’m helping you. And your dad, of course.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Be honest. Are you moving in because of me or my dad?”
He grins. “You said moving in. You’re giving in.”
I don’t deny it since he’s right. “What chance do I have against your charm?”
He smirks. “None. Because you love me.”
“You’re a pain in my ass.”
