Page 68 of The Fangirl and the Playboy

A love that’s healed its wounds and is ready to grow into more than either of us ever dreamed of or expected.

A love that will last forever and always.

Epilogue

Willow

One Month Later…

“And Pressley still hasn’t found a place to live. She refuses to move here until she finds a place, even though Keegan and Trace have offered her a rental for as long as she needs it. So stubborn.”

I shake my head as I say that last bit. Pressley could rent one of Trace’s houses for the same amount she’d pay to rent a house or an apartment from anyone else, but somehow, in her mind, she sees Trace and Keegan’s offer as a favor, like it’s charity or something.

“I’ve been renting this place for weeks, so I don’t see the problem,” Gavin says before taking a bite of the pasta dinner he cooked for us. When he swallows, he adds, “At least it’s guaranteed income for Trace, not relying on tourists to rent it out a few days at a time.”

“Exactly,” I say, shrugging. “Keegan says it has to do with Pressley’s newfound independence. She’s relied on other people for far too long, and doesn’t want to fall back into old patterns.”

“And there’s nothing available in the area, at all?”

“Nothing,” I say on a sigh.

The conversation moves on to other things as we finish eating, then Gavin pours us each a glass of wine before leading me to the couch in the living room. This has become a bit of a routine for us over the last few weeks. I come over after work, we cook and eat, then we hang out and just enjoy being together until we’re ready for bed…or other things.

I’ve barely slept at my apartment since Gavin and I admitted our love for each other. It’s basically just storage for my things, which means…

“Why not let Pressley sublet your apartment?” Gavin asks as if he read my thoughts.

Even though I was thinking it, myself, his suggestion sends a chill of fear through me. Moving in together is a huge deal.

Wait, is that what he’s suggesting? Or am I misinterpreting his words?

“What are you saying, Gavin?” I say finally, cocking my head to study him.

“I’m saying I love you, and you belong here, with me. Always.”

I hold his gaze for several long beats, my eyes stinging with emotion, then pause to look around the place. This is my brother’s house.

I meet his eyes once more. “I want to live with you. I do.”

“But?” he asks, cocking his head slightly.

“But this is a temporary rental. It doesn’t feel…permanent, and that scares me.”

“Because you think I have an easy exit strategy?” he asks, his face twitching.

“No, of course not. I don’t know what I mean, but it’s notthat. I know you love me, and I know you’renotleaving. Neither of us is leaving.”

My words seem to appease him, and the corners of his mouth twitch upward. “I’m glad to hear you say that, because…”

His words trail off as he digs his hand under the couch cushion behind him. Panic sears through me, and I can’t breathe.

What is he doing?

Is he pulling out a ring?

How do I feel about that?

I don’t know. It’s too sudden. We’re too new.

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