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Hell, since catching her scent a couple of years ago, I’ve stayed in a constant state of arousal. I’d say I was close to a rut, but it doesn’t exactly feel like that. And truthfully, she hasn’t smelled like she was going into a heat either. So it’s certainly not that.

I shake my head to clear my thoughts. Lots of work needs to be done before I can fully integrate Stephanie into my life. Pulling open my closet, I frown at the lack of space. This area will need to be redone before we get matched.

Right now, she may have only a few meager belongings, but once she’s mine, I’ll spoil her rotten. She’ll need a place to put all her treasures. Opening my phone, I start taking notes as I work my way from room to room.

Even though I’m obsessed with her to the point of criminality, I find that I’m at a loss as to what her tastes are. It will be difficult to design this suite when I don’t even know what her favorite color is.

Pulling out my phone, I shoot Brody a message. I should have paid more attention. But then, my obsession seems to be a far more recent thing.

Rex

What’s Stephanie’s favorite color? Does she have a favorite food? Flower? Anything?

Brody

... Why do you care?

I look through my calendar and smile.

Her birthday is coming up, and I was thinking of throwing her a party here.

Oh... She won’t need one. She’s a simple girl. I’ll just take her out to some restaurant.

Don’t you want to throw your girlfriend a party? What about her friends?

What friends? She doesn’t have any friends. She just follows me around like a lost little puppy.

Anger tinges my vision as Brody speaks about her that way. So flippant, almost as if he’s annoyed.

Fair enough. For future reference, though, I’d like to know the answers. What if I want to do something for the family for Christmas?

... Again, there’s no need. She’s not going to want to spend time here.

Is the boy that stupid? Or does he simply not care?

You do realize she has no family, and she’s dating you... right? Like you do comprehend that she might want somewhere to go for Christmas?

Yeah. I’m not an idiot. She didn’t want to come last year, or the year before, or the year before that. What makes you think she’ll want to come this year?

He has me there. There’s not much I can say without giving my true intentions away.

On the off chance. Humor your old man.

...

...

...

Look. I think she liked blue when we were in high school, but I don’t know right now. She seems cool with anything I give her. I’ve never heard her complain a bit. So whatever you do will be fine. I’m about to be in a meeting, so don’t bother me for a bit.

…Happy with whatever she gets. Well, that will stop soon enough. Tossing the phone down onto my bed, I run my fingers through my hair. I will certainly have my work cut out for me when she’s finally under my roof.

CHAPTER 5

STEPHANIE

Landlady