Page 53 of The Renter

Kelsey is silent for a moment. “Are you guys, like, a thing now?”

“We’re dating,” I say, smiling. “But it’s complicated. I don’t know how this guy is so into me like he’s asking me to move in with him and talking about kids. It’s crazy.”

“Dani!” Kelsey’s voice scolds. “What in the actual fuck are you talking about?”

“I know.” I sigh. “I’m not moving in with him. But if we keep dating, maybe. I don’t know.”

“Dani,” she says in a familiar, motherly tone.

“I told him we’d rediscuss in three months. He may or may not be doing some renovations to make the house more for me. I’m not entirely certain if he was joking about that or not.”

“Dani! Slow the fuck down. You just met this guy!”

“I know it’s fast, but it feels right.”

Kelsey breathes heavily. “Be careful, okay? You know I’ve got your back, but this is all so wild.” She pauses. “It sounds like Sorin, you know? You guys moved way too fast.”

“That was totally different. I hear you, though; I’m being cautious. Oh, and get this—we went to One last night. It was epic.”

“Stop it! I’m so jealous right now! You have to send me pictures. And details. I need all the details!”

I laugh, promising to send her photos and fill her in on every bit of the experience. “I will. This whole thing is … It’s like a dream.”

“Enjoy it. You deserve it.”

“Thanks,” I say, feeling grateful for my ride or die. “I’ll keep you updated on everything.”

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Unable to focus on my work, my feet unconsciously lead me to the conference room Allison set aside for Dani’s meetings. It’s designed like a fishbowl, with glass walls offering a clear view from the outside. I want these meetings to go well—for the companies to see Dani’s value.

There she is, in her element, smiling and exuding a confidence that’s both impressive and alluring. She commands the room with an effortless grace; her poise is unmistakable even from a distance. Watching her, a sense of pride swells within me. I like seeing her like this—taking charge, leading discussions, and her professionalism shining through.

After one of the meetings, the cofounders from a logistics startup we invested in knock on my office door. “Thanks for introducing her to us. We’re going to work with her,” the founder says. Hearing his feedback fills me with a sense of accomplishment.

Not long after, a team from a real estate technology company share similar sentiments. Dani expressed her need for more clients, and now she’s getting them, proving her worth and capability in each interaction.

A new email from my contractor hits my inbox. It’s the renderings of Dani’s office and closet. Reviewing them, I’m happy they’re taking their rush fee seriously. I send a quick response: Approved. I know it’s an impulsive project. By the time it’s complete, we’ll have been dating for a few months or broken up. I hope it’s the former. Nothing makes me happier than thinking about Dani living with me in Chicago after summer’s over.

Between one of my meetings, I grab Greg, bringing him with me to the conference room. “Dani, you remember Greg.”

She stands, shaking his hand.

“Nice to meet you on better terms,” he says politely. “Such a small world you were part of Shirts.”

Another startup we’ve invested in arrives, entering the conference room. “We’ll leave you.” I smile.

As the day draws to a close and the last of the meetings wrap up, I can’t wait to hear Dani’s thoughts on how everything went. I want to know if she feels the same sense of excitement that the companies felt after meeting her.

Seeing her step out of the conference room, joy radiating from her face, I approach her. “How did it go?” I ask, trying to gauge her reaction.

Her perfect, bright smile lights up her face. “So well. They were all receptive, and I have so many ideas already buzzing in my head.”

“Career Dani is very sexy,” I whisper, stealing a quick handful of her ass. “I’m proud of you for seizing today.”

As we leave the office together, talking about her meetings and potential projects, I know this is the beginning of something great for her. She’s carving her path, and I’m eager to see where it will lead her—and us.

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