Page 81 of Playing For Keeps
I wince and shrug. “Before you go on a tangent about being happy in a place like your loft, please try to understand that I want this to be our home for a long time.”
“What does the size of it have to do with that?” Her panicked gaze darts around my face.
“Dori, please try to accept this. I wanted to give you something that makes you feel pampered and adored. I want you to feel…cherished.” My pulse spikes as I take her hand in mine. “I want to show you how much you mean to me.”
She bites down on her lip and gazes at her lap.
I peek over at Melanie, feeling like I fucked up by buying the penthouse without talking to Dori about it. Melanie tosses me a shrug as if saying,You knew this would be her reaction, so don’t look at me to fix it.
I bring my attention back to Dori with all my doubt kicking me into a pile of uncertainty.
She raises her head and softly touches my arm. “Thank you. I’m sure it’s beautiful.”
“You’re okay with this?” I search her eyes.
“Yes. If you love it enough to see us growing old there, I’m excited to see it. Why don’t you tell me about it?” She settles back while we descend.
Mel cuts in. “It’s stupid sick, Dori. It’s a dream penthouse located right on the beach.”
“It’s the penthouse?” She releases a nervous laugh. “Like on the top floor?”
“It’s two stories, fully furnished, and enough rooms for you to host a small army.” Mel points to me. “I asked to move in because I wouldn’t be in the way, but Jami has other plans.”
Dori’s mouth gapes. She places her hand on her heart. “How did you buy this place and furnish it in the two weeks you were there?”
“I had my agent looking for places before I moved. When we walked in, I envisioned us there. It was the third place we toured, and I knew it was perfect. I bought it fully furnished so we could have a smooth transition. I just wanted it to be easy for you.”
My palms sweat. I should’ve known it was going to be too much for her. I run my hand over my chin as I try to figure out how to make it better for her.
She softens with my explanation. “So you think I’ll like it?”
“I do. It’s right on the beach, and our views are breathtaking. You’ll never tire of sitting on our deck off ourbedroom and watching the sunset. It’s more beautiful each time I get to see it.” Tingles run up my spine.
She pushes out a relenting sigh. “I guess I’ll have to get used to cleaning a big place?—”
“No, you won’t. I arranged for a full-time house manager who will coordinate everything the place will need. The cleaning, grocery shopping, the maintenance, she’ll take care of it all. All you have to do is change anything you don’t like and enjoy the rest.” I reach for Dori’s hand.
She gives it to me as her green eyes beam. “You did this all for me?”
“Yes. You deserve to be treated like a priceless jewel, a queen, and most importantly, like the woman I love with every fiber of my being.” I lean over and kiss her.
She lingers a little longer than I expect then pulls away. “I keep forgetting how much money you have now, but thank you, stud. It means a lot to me that you did this for me.”
“Keep calling me stud, and I’ll figure out a way to teach you a lesson.” I shoot her a disciplining stare.
She blushes. “Promise?”
I roll my eyes and shake my head. “I’ve got my hands full with you, temptress.”
“And you wouldn’t want it any other way,” she whispers in my ear, then nips it, sending a zap straight between my legs.
Dori steps into our new home. Her gaze sweeps the foyer then travels down the hall. She takes a few strides and covers her mouth with her hand.
Tense nerves shoot through me. “What do you think? Do you like it?”
She continues to explore the classy and well-decoratedpenthouse. “Jami, this place is spectacular. I can’t believe you bought this for me.”
“This is our home, Dori.”
