Page 66 of Under the Mistletoe
“Oh, yeah. Just a small firm on the outskirts of Gotham.” Jimmy’s answer is vague. Probably because he knows who Donovan is and that Donovan would know the law firm if it was one worth knowing.
“Gotham is a vibrant place.” Donovan nods, not following with another question.
“Sorry, Jimmy, we’re just in the middle of lunch. Talking through a work trip with my aunt and uncle,” I tell him.
“Oh sure, sure, of course. I’ll see you around, Jay Jay.” Jimmy turns and walks out, not a goodbye to Donovan, not a nice to meet you.
“So that’s the famous Jimmy who calls you constantly?” Donovan looks at me with slight concern.
“Never liked that kid,” Uncle Bobby chimes in from behind us, and we both turn and walk back to the kitchen.
I release a heavy breath. “Yeah, that’s Jimmy.”
“He looks at you a certain way…” Donovan murmurs, concern etched in his brow. “Where did you say he works again? What’s the name of his firm?”
I pause. I’ve never asked Jimmy about his work. In fact, I’ve never asked him where he lives or what he does outside of work. We mainly talk about the commute, our workdays, the weather. The more I think about it, the more I come to realize I don't know much about him at all.
“You don’t have to worry; he isn’t anyone to worry about.” I swallow, hoping to put Jimmy behind us.
“Coming to the penthouse tonight?” Donovan moves and stands in front of me, facing me.
“I think you should come to my apartment. I need to water my plants and grab some fresh clothes anyway.”
“Are you inviting me to your place for a sleepover? Sure your walls are thick enough for us?” His grin is wicked.
“My neighbor is a friendly man who wears hearing aids so he won't hear a thing.” I grin as his hands scoop around my middle, and he leans down to kiss me. As he does, I hear Aunt Vivian swoon, just as Uncle Bobby coughs, and we smile against each other before we pull away. I roll my lips to prevent the face-splitting grin I have as Donovan runs his hands through his hair and gives me a wink.
Yep, I’m falling more and more for this man. I grab his hand, and we walk back to the kitchen, where we finish lunch and talk about Milan. I couldn’t be more excited for my first overseas trip with Donovan.
“This is cute.” Donovan grins as he steps into my apartment. It feels like forever since I spent any time here. My weeks are now with him in the city, and my Saturdays too.
“Well, the views are a little different.” I grin as Donovan looks out the windows, seeing a clear view of the apartment building next door.
“Can you see right into their kitchen?” He pulls back, looking at me like I’m crazy, and I laugh.
“Yeah, well, it’s secure, new, and that’s how I learn to make the best pasta in the world, by secretly watching my neighbor for weeks,” I admit, and Donovan’s laugh is full and hearty.
“You spy on your neighbors?”
“Not spy, exactly… more like… observe…” I grab a bag and start toward the bedroom.
“Hmmmmm, well, they’re good cooks. You know I love your pasta.” He follows me down the small hall, looking over the space. It isn’t much; you could stand in one spot and see all of it.
“I’m not even sure what to pack for this week. Most of my things are already at your place.” I frown, looking at my wardrobe here that’s getting smaller and smaller by the week.
“Maybe you should move in with me.”
The air leaves my lungs as my gaze whips to him.
“Excuse me?” I heard what he said; I just need time to digest it. Like he knows, he grins.
“Bring it all. Move in with me. Permanently." He steps toward me slowly, watching for my reaction. My mind races. I want to. I’ve completely fallen for this man. Not that I’ve told him yet. I haven’t found the right time. Ever since Thanksgiving, things have been crazy, and I’ve held back.
“Permanently?”
“Yes… permanently. You can keep the apartment if you like. But sublet it or something?”
“That’s a big step…” I swallow, wanting to say yes.
