Page 19 of Happily Ever Laughter

“You’re going to have to wipe that smile off your face before you go inside,” he laughs.

“I honestly don’t know if I can.”

I positively adore how proud he looks. “Good. I hope that means you’ll be thinking of me until I can see you tomorrow night.”

“Absolutely.”

“I don’t answer phone calls and texts when I’m working, and trust me baby I’m gonna be working my ass off, so I’m sorry if communication gets glitchy. I’ll text you my address and see you tomorrow night. Okay?”

“Yes.”

He pulls up in front of the office, and runs around to help me out of the van, lifting me gently down as an excuse to wrap his arms around my waist.

It’s so strange to taste my own flavor on his tongue. It’s so strange that he’s kissing me right in front of my workplace.

And it’s so strange that every single thing we do feels wonderful and electric and takes some of my fears away.

CHAPTER TEN

~ Felix ~

I realize that I’m pacing while waiting for Tanis at the bus stop, as if I’m nervous. I’m actually incredibly excited for her to see my living space. I’m even more excited to work with her.

I’ve pulled many all-nighters in my time, but last night I made sure to get at least five hours sleep. I need to be sharp today so that I can explain everything to her logically, with as little industry jargon as possible.

It’s amazing how a run-of-the-mill job is suddenly ten times more exciting because Tanis is involved with it. It’s easy to tell that this project is a big deal for her. I can’t help but wonder why she hasn’t put her work online, or reached out to an arts collective to look for opportunities before now.

Even though I’ve only been in her apartment for a few minutes so far, I couldn’t help but notice all of the art books on her shelf, and the giant pile of sketch pads. She’s an artsy girl through and through, who just needs to learn to trust her instincts and creative process.

But then I think back to when I was twenty-one. I was never as shy as she seems to be, but it’s definitely hard to put yourself out there. I get it.

It’s impossible not to think of what might happen once we’re alone in my room together, especially after the unexpected turn yesterday’s van picnic took. As my feet march up and down the sidewalk, I tell myself yet again to focus on her, and the job at hand. She’ll tell me what she wants. Or if she’s not brave enough to tell me, I should be able to read her body l

anguage well enough, then ask.

The sound of a large diesel engine chugs up the street, and I turn to watch as it stops, allowing Tanis to disembark.

She looks absolutely stunning in a black dress with little green and purple squiggles dancing all over it. Somehow, the subtle pattern draws even more attention to her beautiful curves. Those pretty eyes are already smiling at me as the breeze catches her hair.

I rush over, throwing my arms around her to lift her up so that her feet are flying as I swing her in a circle.

Scattering kisses all over her cheeks and nose, I murmur, “I missed you.”

She giggles as I set her down. “It’s only been a day, you nutbar.” Then she looks up at me through her lashes as my thumb caresses her cheek and her face turns serious. “I missed you, too.”

I remove her backpack, swinging it over my shoulder. Taking her hand, I lead her down the street, noticing that she looks around rather warily. All of the buildings right around the bus stop are abandoned warehouses. Farther down the street is a strip mall with a bakery and coffee shop, and after that, more warehouses in various states of repair.

“This is an...interesting...neighborhood,” she says carefully.

I laugh, squeezing her fingers in mine. “Yes. I’ll never let you walk anywhere alone, even though it’s completely safe here. It’s worth the odd neighborhood to find a true loft that’s big enough, where we can make as much noise as we want.”

Turning a corner, she observes the large, brightly lit gym. “My roommate Dan runs that place,” I explain. “His dad owns the building. So I helped him build out the gym, and then we took the third floor for our apartment.”

I smile as she looks up at the building, counting the floors. “Why did you choose the third?” she asks.

“Because the hardwood floors were in nearly perfect condition, and the crown moldings are gorgeous. Floors two, four, and five are a bit of a mess, so we use those for storage.”

We walk up the stairs and into the loft, and Tanis instantly beams, her eyes sparkling. “This is incredible. And huge! I can see why you don’t mind having roommates.”

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