I nodded. “But he’s also keeping his home in New Hampshire.”
“Move in with me,” Kain said. “Then he can have your apartment all to himself.”
I considered his offer, studying his handsome face. Those intense green eyes that looked like jade were trained on me, and I saw myself in them. I saw my life with him.
I’d spent more time at Kain’s place than at my apartment. But was it too soon?
“It’s not too soon.”
I swore this man could read my mind.
“We’re in love, so it makes sense for you to make sure I’m not lonely in my penthouse.” He pulled our joined hands to his heart, pretending to look distraught. “I can’t live there all by myself.”
I grinned at his charm. “I’ll think about it.”
“If you say yes, I have some gifts for you.”
“Like what?”
“One gift is you get to look at my middlefinger.” He winked and demonstrated its talent, making my core tighten. “It loves you very much.”
I rolled my eyes, laughing.
His proposal had run through my thoughts when Grandpa started dating Camila. After my grandmother passed away, he didn’t want to see anyone for the longest time. Now that he had a companion, I was thrilled for him. With Camila around, I didn’t have to worry about him all the time. My apartment was perfect for him because it was on the first floor.
“If you’re worried about his safety, don’t be. I bought your apartment building. He can live rent-free.”
“What?” I gaped at my insane boyfriend, buying random things just because he could. “Why?”
“What do you mean, why? I’m a savvy businessman. If Iwant to keep my woman safe, then I must buy her apartment complex. I’m installing new cameras all over the building.”
I didn’t want to waste energy arguing about what he should and shouldn’t buy. I just didn’t want him to lose money because of me.
“Thank you for always being a few steps ahead of me, thinking about everything.”
Kain had entered my life, showing me the potential of my heart and helping me achieve my dreams—my flower shop and love. There was no other man who loved me like him. He was the strong and protective partner I’d always wanted. But he also had an adorable side that made me laugh. Love and laughter were the accented pieces in a floral arrangement. Without them, the bouquet lacked its luster.
“It’s because I love you.” His eyes gleamed with mischief. “If we live together, you have access to me day and night. We can have afternoon nookie.”
“You just want afternoon nookie.”
“Who wouldn’t?” He smirked. “My dream is to get some afternoon nookie from you every day.”
With warmth in my chest, I cupped his face, squished it together, and kissed him. “All right, afternoon nookie it is.”
“Wise decision.” Joy brightened his face. “Now, let’s look at your gifts.”
“What have you been up to?” I looked at him.
“You asked me to design some tattoos for you.” He took out his phone and opened his photos. “See if you like them.”
“You remembered.” Joy bloomed in me.
“I pay attention to my love.”
I studied the three intricate designs. The first image showed a beautiful passionflower at the center with pretty thorns around it. The second artwork portrayed four passionflowers surrounding a black rose, with vines and thorns connectingthem. The last image depicted a passionflower with leaves and curly vines, simple yet striking.
“I love them all, but for my first tattoo, I want this.” I pointed to the art with the four passionflowers surrounding the black rose. “The art shows pain healing love, and love healing pain. Beauty in darkness. It’s us.”
