“Darlin’, you have to open it to find out.”
She flips the lid off the box. Then she squeals with delight and immediately clamps her hands over her mouth. “Oh, my gosh. I’m so sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
A tiny head peeks out, and Ava immediately scoops the kitten up. She’s a gray and silver tabby, and from what I can tell, she’s a cuddler, which makes her perfect for my girl.
“She’s so precious,” Ava coos, cuddling the kitten in her arms and stroking the top of its head. “And she has the sweetest little face.”
That’s because she’s the spitting image of the stuffed cat Ava won for me on our first official date, right down to the pink bow around her neck.
“I thought she could keep you company while I’m on the road.” I stuff my hands into my pockets. “So you wouldn’t be alone.”
“Thank you. I can already tell she’s going to be great company.” She glances up. “What’s her name?”
“That’s totally up to you, but I thought maybe we could call her Tink.”
Ava’s face softens, and I know she’s remembering the night we met and the nickname I gave her.
“Tink is purr-fect.” She tips her head, studying the cat more closely, and I see the instant she remembers.“Oh. You’re good.” She smirks. “And now we have a model for your next tattoo.”
“Hey, if it makes you happy, I’m down.”
She leans against the counter, the kitten held close to her chest. “You’d really get another embarrassing tattoo if I asked?”
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” It’s the perfect opening. The one I’ve been waiting for.More like the one you’ve been dancing around for weeks. I shift my weight, working up my nerve. It’s now or never. “I love you, Ava, more than anything, and these last eight months with you have been the best of my life. I want you to move in with me. I want to build a life with you and make this house our home. I want to live here with you and have wild adventures and hot sex, and I want to grow old together. What do you say?”
AVA
Knox wantsme to move in with him officially?
Nervous energy coils low in my belly. I’ve never lived with a partner before. Heck, I’ve never even considered it.
He spends most nights at your place anyway.
True. Maybe moving in together won’t be a big deal, but it will mean giving up our separate spaces.
The thought is terrifying, but in the best possible way.
I’ll get to wake up to his handsome face every day, share meals and responsibilities, and know he’s committed to me fully.
Not that there was ever any doubt, but moving in together adds just a little more weight to the promise of forever.
The kitten purrs and I scratch her gently behind the ears.
Moving in together is going to change things between Knox and me, probably in ways we don’t even expect, but I’m ready. Ready to fully merge my life with his.
“Ava?” He stares at me expectantly, a worry line creasing his forehead.
“I would love to move in with you, Knox.” His shoulders sag and his face relaxes. “I just have one question. Since we’re moving in together, does that mean we also get to christen each room together?”
“Darlin’, I like the way you think.” A slow smile curves his full lips. “Where should we start?”
I match his smile. “They say the kitchen is the heart of the home.”
He takes the kitten—Tink—and deposits her on the floor. Then his big hands are around my hips and he’s boosting me onto the island, wedging himself between my thighs.
His fingers skate up my outer thighs, pushing my sundress up. “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life in this house with you.”
A frisson of happiness warms my chest, spreading into my limbs and leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. I cup his cheeks and pull him closer, brushing a gentle kiss to his lips.