Page 72 of Playing With Fire
She blows out a breath and reluctantly admits, “Never. Tell me what it is before I agree though.”
I go over the details of my ridiculous plan and promise my sister I’ll watch Cam and Ally for an entire weekend so she cango on a girl’s trip with her best friend—which we both know I would’ve happily done anyway—and finally she agrees.
“I hope you know what you’re doing, Hud.”
“So do I.”
Chapter 27
Shannon
Gregor insisted that his parents keep Serafina today. I don’t love the idea, but I really can’t argue, seeing as today is an in-office day. It’s also my lunch break and I’m on my way to see an apartment.
Gregor’s presence is suffocating, and I feel his threat even when we’re both out of the house. My hands shook the entire time I created the fake email address and sent the email to Hudson’s company. I thought maybe if Hudson gets put on a different route and I’m on my best behavior, Gregor will forget about him enough to leave him out of this.
Not being able to talk to Hudson is killing me though. I’ve thought about going to my mom’s and using her phone to make the call, but the opportunity hasn’t presented itself quite yet.
I pull into the parking lot and see the smiling face of the apartment manager. She’s already standing outside with keys in one hand and a folder in the other.
“Hi! I’m Jasmine. You must be Dr. Hartley,” she says, holding out her hand.
I take it, stepping up onto the sidewalk next to her.
“I am. Thank you for meeting with me.”
“It’s my pleasure,” she replies. “I know you said you were interested in a two bedroom, but a recently remodeled three-bedroom just became available and I’d love to show you that one first.”
Price isn’t really an issue, not with my signing bonus and my base salary, so I readily agree. “Sounds great.”
We climb two flights of stairs before standing outside a nondescript door and I imagine what it would be like to come home to this place every day. To myownspace. Where there was total freedom on the other side of that door. Serafina and I could make our own rules. We could go where we want, when we want, and not have to ask permission, or fear some kind of retribution. Not having to hide my tracks, delete my messages, or lie sounds wonderful.
Being able to be with Hudson without constantly looking over my shoulder sounds even better.
Stability with him doesn’t feel so daunting because I don’t think it would equal stagnation the way my relationship with Gregor has.
Jasmine unlocks the door and pushes it open and my eyes widen.
It’s perfect.
I figured I’d have to see six or seven places before finding one that felt like a good fit, but immediately, I could see myself settling in here. While not exactlyhomejust yet, I’m sure it couldfeel like that once it has furniture and some decorations.
“The kitchen was redone after the last tenant. It has marble countertops, a custom tile backsplash, and full-sized stainless-steel appliances,” Jasmine recites.
I listen to her as I move into the living room and survey the gas logs—which are on as a nice, welcoming touch. The space isso cozy, it reminds me of Hudson’s house minus the ten-million-dollar view.
The carpet is plush and I can see Serafina taking her first steps here. Instead of stark white walls or that terrible painter’s beige, they’re a soft sage. As I’m falling in love with the color, Jasmine explains, “We repaint after every tenant, but if the color doesn’t suit you, we’ll repaint in a color of your choice.”
“This is perfect, actually,” I reply, following her down a small hallway.
We go through the bedrooms and the bathroom and I already know I’ll take it.
“I’m prepared to sign the paperwork now if you’re ready,” I tell my guide. “I have patients again in twenty-five minutes. I’m afraid I don’t have much credit, but I brought a bank statement and am prepared to make the deposit, first-month’s rent, and last month’s rent.”
Jasmine chuckles. “I like a woman who knows what she wants.”
I beam at the compliment, feeling more like myself than I have in a long time.
When I get back to the office, I pull up my patient caseload for the afternoon and see that my first patient is already here. An add-on that called yesterday, but needed an urgent appointment.
