Page 51 of The Renter

“I know you won’t. I trust you.” Grabbing for her hand, I push down the urge to ask her to be my girlfriend. We’ve only known each other for a short time. It’s too soon.

Dani’s reaction to the next course, a dish that is literally melting before our eyes, is genuine and unguarded. She looks like a kid on Christmas morning. It’s too cute. I smile, seeing her appreciation for the culinary artistry and experience. Her enjoyment is only amplifying my own.

“I have to take your picture,” I say, seeing the smile on her face after examining the melted dish. She rolls her eyes, then smiles for the photo. Dani is so beautiful, so full of life.

I feel out of body, like I’m looking at the two of us as another guest in the restaurant, assessing the situation and Dani. She isn’t jaded by these experiences or the society and social hierarchy of it all. Rather, she’s living in the moment, enjoying every second of this dinner. It’s refreshing.

As we progress through the tasting menu, each course more innovative than the last, I’m curious about more than Dani’s culinary preferences.

“When you move back to the city,” I start, swirling this course’s paired wine in my glass, “what neighborhood do you want to live in?”

“Well, anywhere I can afford, really. But I’ve always wanted to live in River North. It has a nice vibe, and it’s close to everything.”

“River North. That’s a great area. Our office is there. We would be nice and close if you lived there.” The thought of having her nearby, being able to meet up for impromptu lunches or after-work drinks, is appealing.

“That would be convenient, wouldn’t it?” She giggles. “Maybe I could even walk to your office and surprise you sometimes,” she says, the idea seeming to amuse her.

Dani being a regular part of my daily life in the city. The thought brings a smile to my face. Our relationship, though moving quickly, is evolving into something much more than two people who are sleeping together.

“Are you nervous about your meetings tomorrow?” I ask.

“Nervous? No!” She giggles. “I’m excited. All the companies seem interesting.”

“Confidence. It’s something I find very sexy about you.”

She smiles, and I sense she’s holding back a sassy comeback.

As the chef comes to our table, introducing himself and discussing the inspirations behind his dishes, I take in Dani’s enthusiasm and big smile while she talks with him. I love it.I like making her happy.

“You know, everything’s moving so fast between us,” I say after he leaves, reaching for her hand. “But it feels right.”

“I was thinking the same,” she says, squeezing my hand.

“Would you say we’re dating now?” I ask when the check hits the table.

She giggles. “I would say we’re dating now.”

Pleased, I lean over to kiss her. Leaving One, I hold her hand a little tighter, not wanting the night to end. As we step out into the cool night air, I know this is the beginning of many more nights out in Chicago.

37

Tuesday, May 24th

Rolling over and seeing Adam’s gorgeous face and shirtless body, I can’t help but say, “Waking up to you every day wouldn’t be so bad.”

“So, move in,” Adam says, beyond casually.

I look at him, slightly taken aback. “Adam … That’s a big ask for a fuckbuddy,” I tease, deflecting the offer.

“You know you’re more than that to me,” he growls, propping himself on his elbow. “It feels right. You think you could live here?”

I pause, considering the enormity of his question. “In the future … this would be an amazing home.”

“Not right now?”

Is he serious?“In. The. Future.”

“In the future …” He cups my face with his hand, smiling. “What would you like to change to make this place feel more likeyourhome?” he asks, flirtatious yet curious.