Page 55 of The Renter

She impressively brought on a handful of clients last month and has been throwing herself into her work with a passion and dedication that I deeply admire. I’m proud of her for taking to the challenges like a natural. Her creativity is already yielding results for her clients too.

My part-time schedule allows me more flexibility to be there for Dani, to check in on her, and offer my expertise and support. I love watching her flourish and come into her own.

We have a nice routine, with Dani driving down after work in the evenings. The cottage is our haven. It’s our place to unwind and be together.

We haven’t labeled our relationship with terms like “boyfriend” and “girlfriend,” but with each passing day, those titles seem increasingly implied in our actions and unspoken understanding.

Whether we’re cooking meals, sharing stories of our day, or simply enjoying each other’s company in silence, there’s a comfort in our routine and a sense of companionship that I haven’t felt in a long time.

With renovations well underway at my house, I’m more than a little excited about the idea of Dani moving in with me at the end of the summer. In the meantime, the remainder of the time in the rental will hopefully bring us closer together.

Dani’s become an integral part of my life, a source of joy and inspiration, and I’m grateful for every moment we share.

As I lie in bed, Dani asleep beside me, I’m thinking about our future together. It’s one I’m increasingly eager to explore. As I drift off to sleep, I look forward to waking up to another day with her.

42

Saturday, July 2nd

“What are you wearing to Kent’s birthday party?” Adam asks as we cuddle on the couch, enjoying another evening together.

“Nikola sent over a lookbook,” I say, reaching for my phone. Scrolling through, I find the silver fringe flapper-inspired dress I’ve been eyeing for the twenties-themed party.

Adam leans over to peek at my phone. “That’s perfect!”

“I know, but it’s almost seven thousand dollars. That’s way too much for a dress I’m going to wear one time.”

“I love it. I’ll tell her to ship it here.”

I can’t help but protest half-heartedly, “Don’t buy it for me!” He’s spent so much on me the last month. A new laptop after mine crashed. A facial when I was complaining about my skin. Literally, any time I point at something when we’re out, he buys it. “This is excessive,” I say, staring at the dress, then back at him.

“Not to me.”

“Okay,” I relent, smiling, loving it though. I really want this dress too.

“And shoes?”

“I have some silver heels,” I start to say, but he’s already flipping through Nikola’s lookbook on my phone. He shows me a pair of stunning Miu Miu platform heels. Those were also my favorite, too, but the price tag is jaw-dropping.

“I don’t need twelve-hundred-dollar shoes, Adam. I already have shoes.”

“I like spoiling you,” he whispers against my neck before placing a soft kiss that sends shivers down my spine. I giggle, my protest losing steam against his determination. His lips move to mine, and we kiss firm and wanting. “What about accessories?”

“I’ll handle those,” I say firmly.

I know the money means nothing to him, but I’m still wrapping my head around his gifts. He wants to make me happy, and he is. He’s spoiling the fuck out of me in every way. But the gifts are just another reminder of how different our lives are. Ordering something from Amazon is not part of his life. Having his stylist curate multiple looks is.

“Speaking of spoiling you, when is your birthday?”

“September first.”

“It’s coming up! Start thinking about what you want to do.” His suggestion is so full of promise.

“You think we’ll still be doing all this come September?” I tease, trying to mask my excitement of doing something amazing with Adam on my birthday.

“I don’t see why not.”

How is this my life right now? How am I dating this hot as fuck billionaire that lives to spoil me? It’s too good to be true.