Page 23 of The Boyfriend Material Novellas

9

VAUGHN

Like a game show host, my sister opens the fridge with a flourish. “See? It’s perfect,” she says via FaceTime. “There’s nothing in it, and that’s exactly how it’ll look when you live here.”

“O ye of little faith. I learned how to cook. I even have a recipe book.”

“Yeah, full of menus from your favorite take-out spots.”

“Please. Who needs menus? It’s all on the apps now.” I try to catch Danny’s attention as he’s running in circles in the kitchen of the condo I’m thinking of buying in Miami. My realtor just listed my apartment in Manhattan the other day, and I’ve already had offers.

“Danny, my man. Tell your mom she’s disparaging your favorite person.”

My nephew meets my gaze on the screen. “Vaughn barks!”

Callie cackles. “He just compared you to a dog.”

I shrug because it’s all good. “Dogs are cool. Danny, I accept your compliment.”

“Vaughn flies!” He calls me by my name, since it’s easier to say than “Uncle.”

I point at the little dude with the apple cheeks. “See? You are a genius,” I tell the rug rat before he scampers away from the phone. “He knows I’m coming to see him in a few weeks.”

“And we can’t wait,” Callie says with a smile before she turns serious. “What do you think? Do you like this place? Aubrey and I both checked it out for you.”

“It’s pretty sweet,” I say. “I could see myself in it. Plus, it’s on the beach, and I love going for morning runs. Or evening runs. Or anytime runs.”

“Being near the water is great. It’s fantastic here.”

I scratch my jaw, considering the place. “Let me think on it tonight. Wait. I won’t think about it tonight. Because I have a date.”

Her blue eyes spark. “Ooh, do tell.”

I give her the briefest description of Quinn. “She’s fantastic and warm, funny and beautiful. And I had a great time with her.”

She hums. “Be careful, Vaughn.”

“Why?”

“Because you fall easily and you’re leaving town soon. You only have the holiday season.”

A montage flicks before my eyes. Quinn and me, out and about in the city, strolling down Fifth Avenue as snow falls, skating in Rockefeller Center, setting up her tree. Then me distracting her from decorating with kisses that lead to the bedroom. Not a bad way to spend the next several weeks, come to think of it. “That means it’ll all be fine. It won’t hurt, since I know I have to leave.”

Callie stares at me like my answer doesn’t compute. “That’s illogical. How does the duration prevent the pitfall?”

“Because there is an expiration date. No surprises, no promises, and no broken heart. It’s brilliant. And so is the deal on that condo. I’ll take it.”

She blinks. “You decided already?”

“Yes. I can see myself in it. Can you tell the realtor I’ll make an offer?” There’s no point in delaying the purchase.

“Sure. And have fun tonight,” she says with a smile. “As long as you’re being careful.”

“I will,” I assure her.

But caution is not what I feel when I see Quinn.

What I feel when I meet Quinn outside of Lulu’s Chocolates in the West Village is longing, desire, and anticipation.

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