Page 83 of The Renter

Despite my regular morning runs along the lakeshore, I haven’t gotten in the lake at all this summer. “Sounds good.”

Dani retreats inside and returns wearing her black bikini, the same one she had on when we first met. “Are you moving in?” I joke since this is her second bikini of the day.

“I figured I would be here for the rest of the weekend.” She shrugs.

Checking her out brings back a rush of memories—the day we met, the initial spark between us. “You’re so beautiful.” Myeyes take in every inch of her. “That black bikini … it changed my life.”

“Oh, really?”

“It made me do crazy things.”

“Like what?” she teases, and I lead us into our room to change.

Picking her up, I toss her onto the bed. “Like letting this girl into my bed the first time I met her.”

I almost say it. But it’s not the right moment for those three special words.

Dani slips on a cover-up before we leave the house. Walking down the path to the pier, hand in hand, I enjoy how peaceful it is here. The sound of the water lapping against the shore creates a soothing rhythm.

Sliding her cover-up off, “You’re too fucking sexy,” escapes my lips. I’m utterly obsessed with her.

She smiles before diving into the water with a grace that leaves no splash. Watching her, I’m struck by her confidence and her zest for life.

Treading water, Dani looks back at me, her eyes inviting. I take a deep breath and dive in after her. The coolness of the water is invigorating.

We splash and play, laughter echoing around us. At this moment, with the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I know it’s time to say it. My heart swells with an emotion so strong it can no longer be contained.

Catching her and wrapping her legs around me, I look into her eyes, the words flowing. “I love you, Dani.”

She responds instantly, her arms pulling me into a passionate kiss. When we finally part, our eyes linger on each other. “I love you too, Adam.”

Dani has brought love, joy, and adventure into my life, filling more voids than I even knew existed. Floating together, the rest of the world fades away, and I’m at peace.

66

Sunday, July 24th

Waking up next to Adam, I can’t believe we said it. The big three-word statement. He’s the first guy that deserves to have heard me say it.I love him. I really fucking love him.

“Hey.” Adam turns to face me, and his voice carries a seriousness that catches my attention. “The renovations are done. Why don’t you move in?”

“Um, no,” I respond cautiously, trying to organize my thoughts. Moving in together is a big step, and I’m not sure if I’m ready.

“You’re practically living with me already.”

I know he’s right, but something inside me resists. “It’s too soon, Adam. I haven’t even been your girlfriend for a month. I need to live on my own for a while,” I say, hoping he understands my need for independence.

Adam nods, and I see the disappointment in his eyes. “If you’re not ready to move in, maybe we can at least get you out of your parents’ place?”

“I almost have enough saved to get an apartment and feel solid.”

“Dani, you know who I am, right?”

“Adam Harris, yes.” I know what he’s getting at, but I’m being coy.

He reaches out, taking my hand. “Let me get you an apartment.”

The offer leaves me speechless. It’s incredibly generous, too generous.