There’s a loud bang that comes from the kitchen, followed by, “Shit!”
I hurry out of bed and into the kitchen to see what’s going on. Leif is standing in front of the stove with a pot full of water in front of him and the carton of eggs on the counter.
“Everything okay?”
He looks at me over his shoulder. “Yeah, sorry if I woke you. I was trying to multi-task and almost dropped the pot of water.”
“What are you making?” I ask.
“Just boiling some eggs for breakfast.”
“I love boiled eggs.”
He grins. “Exactly.”
“Do you need help?”
“Nope. Why don’t you go for a swim?”
It’s not the first time he’s said that to me, but for some reason, this morning, it means more than it did the other times. This isn’t just about Leif telling me to go do something I love. This is about him making sure I am taken care of because he knows I need this.
I go up to him, kissing the spot under his ear.
“Thank you,” I whisper, and then I leave him alone so I can shift and swim in the ocean in my true form.
Later that evening, I get a call from the realtor telling me she’s found the most perfect house for me.
“That quick?” I ask.
“I’m good at my job, Mr. Anson. I’ve emailed you photos, and I have the sellers on standby. If you’re interested and can at least meet asking price, they will sell.”
“Okay, thank you. I’ll give it a look and call you back.”
“I await your call, Mr. Anson.”
“Good news?” Leif asks from the other end of the couch. His feet are resting on my lap, while his head is propped up on the throw pillows.
I navigate to my email and open up the one from her. “She said she found me a house.”
“Already?” he asks, brows raised.
I huff a laugh. “She said she’s good at her job.”
He slides over to me so he can see my phone screen.
“Let’s see what the house looks like first and then—whoa.”
“Yeah,” I say as the photos pop up.
“Holy shit,” Leif says, scooting even closer to get a better look. “That is beautiful.”
Something warms in my chest. “It’s perfect.”
I call her back immediately, letting her know I can pay the asking price immediately. Within the hour, I’m told I have ahouse and just need to handle the paperwork, which she will get done first thing in the morning when she’s back at the office.
I pull Leif onto my lap, nuzzling my face in his neck.
“I want you to stay with me,” I whisper.
