Page 10 of Tea Leaves and Runaway Brides

"Oh, wow," I say, looking around at the high ceilings and large windows. "This place is gorgeous."

We tour each room, and I fall more and more in love. When we step back into the living area, I don't want to leave.

"This is the one, isn't it?" Talitha says to me.

"It is." I feel a level of confidence I haven't experienced in a long time.

"Alright. Let's place an offer on it," my agent says, and I can't help but let out a squeal that echoes in the empty townhouse.

7

Darius

I'm checking supplies in the maintenance shed when I hear a familiar voice call my name. Turning around, I see Emerson walking toward me with her now familiar radiant smile.

"Hey there," I say, wiping my hands on a rag. "How did house hunting go?"

"I put an offer in on a place, but I'll need somewhere to stay during closing. Do you have any cabins available for a month or two?"

I shake my head. "Sorry, we're booked up through the summer season."

Her face falls slightly, and I hate seeing disappointment in those brown eyes.

"But I do have a guest bedroom above my garage. It's nothing fancy, but it has its own entrance."

"Really?" Her eyes light up. "I'd love to rent it."

"You don't need to pay anything."

"Darius, I insist," she says firmly. "I want to pay a fair rent."

I realize arguing will be pointless. "Alright, fine."

The next afternoon, my phone rings. It's Emerson, practically vibrating with excitement.

"Darius! They accepted my offer!" She squeals. "I'm going to be a Sea Glass resident!"

Her joy is infectious. "That's fantastic, Emerson. Congratulations."

"I'll be over later to check out the garage apartment, if that's okay?"

"Of course."

That evening, dark clouds roll in from the ocean. When Emerson arrives with a small suitcase, the first drops of rain start to fall. I show her upstairs to the guest room.

"This is perfect. Thank you again."

Around midnight, I'm jolted awake by thunder. Rain pounds against my windows, and I hear Chief whimpering. Then there's a knock at my door. Opening it, I find Emerson in pajamas, soaked and shivering.

"I'm so sorry," she says, teeth chattering. "The roof is leaking really badly."

"Shit," I mutter, grabbing a towel. "You're staying here tonight."

"I can't do that."

"Yes, you can. I'll take the couch," I say, wrapping the towel around her shoulders.

Another crack of thunder makes her decision. "Okay, thank you."