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I smirk. “I can’t reveal my trade secrets.”
It’s remarkable what a quick call to the building superintendent and an offer to replace all the kitchen appliances in the building can do.
“If you had someone pack up my things, why wouldn’t they have brought my furniture too? And don’t you dare tell me they conveniently brought every single item I own except for my bed and dresser,” she threatens.
I don’t plan to.
“My team couldn’t get a moving truck on such short notice, and could only fit so much in the SUV. You’re lucky they could fit all your shoes.”
It’s half the truth. After spending the last couple of nights in the same bed as Everly, I’ve decided I don’t like the idea of us sleeping in separate bedrooms. It’s just a happy coincidence that I only have one bed.
“And what’s your excuse for moving all my things intoyourbedroom?”
“I told them you were my wife. In case you didn’t know, it’s common for couples to share a bed.”
She paces the floor in front of me. “This arrangement will not work. I’ll call a moving company first thing in the morning and schedule my bed set to be delivered at their earliest convenience.”
I frown at her suggestion, not liking that idea one bit. I’m not above calling whichever company she hires and bribing them to cancel the delivery.
“That’s not a good idea,” I state in a serious tone.
She crosses her arm. “Why not? It’s the perfect solution.”
“Eventually you’ll return to your apartment, and it’ll be a hassle to move everything back. My friend Marcus is an interior designer. He wasn’t happy when I rejected his proposal to decorate the full apartment. I’ll call him and have him furnish one of the other rooms for you.”
“You promise?”
“Absolutely.”
I will reach out to Marcus eventually, but I never said when. Everly is as stubborn as they come, and I have to use every loophole to my advantage to keep her here with me while I can.
“Let me guess. You expect to share a bed until then?”
“Sure, why not?” I play it casually. “We’ve slept in the same bed the last two nights. Mine is a California King, so you won’t even notice I’m there.” I have a feeling that won’t stop her from rolling over to my side in her sleep. She can’t get enough of me—in her sleep, anyway.
Everly eyes me with pursed lips. After a few moments, she says, “Fine, we’ll do it your way, Stafford. But remember, this is a temporary arrangement. I’m moving out of this room as soon as I have my own space.”
I can’t contain my smug smile. “Whatever you say, wifey.”
“Stop calling me that,” she huffs in frustration.
“According to the notarized marriage certificate in my bag and that diamond on your finger, you belong to me. And like I’ve said before, I’m not going to let anyone forget it—including you.”
“You won’t make my time here easy, will you, Stafford?” she asks with an eye roll.
“Not a chance, Ev, but only in the best way possible,” I reply with a grin.
11
CASH
LAST NIGHT WAS PURE TORTURE. Everly paraded around the primary bedroom wearing nothing but a lace tank top and booty shorts while she unpacked. Her long legs and generous curves were on full display, and it took all my willpower to keep my hands to myself. I swear she did it to mess with me as payback for not having another room ready for her.
This morning, I woke up to her clinging to me like a second skin, resulting in a raging hard-on. I resorted to taking a cold shower and another long run. The time change must be messing with my head. Plus, it’s difficult to sleep when the woman next to me plays the starring role in my fantasies but is off-limits.
If the past two days have been any indication of how the rest of this arrangement is going to go, I may need to reconsider my stance on sharing a bedroom.
Everly left for work before I finished my run, and after a second cold shower, I walked to the office, wanting more time to clear my head.