Hopeless Vows (11 page)

“EAST FIFTY-THIRD AND
Second Avenue, please,” I say in a rush as I slide into the back of a taxi, shutting the door quickly. The shouts of the production crew yelling my name start to fade in the distance as we drive on. I was told they’d want to attach a small camera to the window to film me on the way there, but I don’t have time to wait for them to get permission and set up everything. I’m sure I’ll hear about this later, but I don’t give a shit. I told Austin I’d meet him at the first place the realtor wanted to show us at 5:30. Looking at my watch, it’s already 6.
Dammit, I hate being late.
I send a quick text to Austin.

Me: I’m so so sorry. I’m on my way right now. See you in 15.

His response is immediate, no doubt looking at his phone every few seconds now that I’m thirty minutes late.

Austin: No worries. Be careful.

It was surprising how fast he was able to book us an appointment for some showings. Maybe the production team has something to do with it to move us along.

I slide my phone back in my bag and lay my head on the headrest. I had every intention of being out of work by five o’clock. I busted my ass catching up on all I’ve missed and getting my latest article to Mrs. Van der Boor. Of course, it wasn’t good enough the first time, and I was told I couldn’t leave until I had the edited version on her desk. With it being fifteen minutes until five, I knew my chances of getting out of there on time were slim to none.

Not a minute too soon, we pull in front of an impressive, high-rise building. I swallow hard, knowing something like this is definitely way out of my price range. I know we said fifty-fifty split, but I doubt I can cover my half of a place like this in Manhattan.

After giving the cab driver some money, I climb out of the taxi and make my way up the front stairs where I’m met by a doorman. “Good evening, ma’am,” he says with a tip of his hat as he opens the door.

“Good evening.” Rushing through, I immediately spot Austin. He looks delicious in his gray slacks and blue buttoned up dress shirt. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbow, showing off his sexy tattoos. Seeing him standing there waiting for me, makes me realize I’ve actually missed him a little today. We spent every moment together for two weeks, so you’d think I’d be sick of him, but it’s the opposite.

“Hey, gorgeous, you made it,” he greets me with a smile. He pulls me in for a hug and gives me a kiss. I’m not sure if he meant for it to be a quick “hello” kiss, but it quickly turns into more. My lips are hungry for his, devouring them like they’re my last meal. My mouth parts slightly and his tongue slips inside. But before I can deepen the kiss, we’re interrupted by a throat clearing. That’s when I realize we’re hardcore making out like a couple of teenagers in the lobby of this swanky apartment building.

My cheeks redden in embarrassment as I put some distance between us. I chance a glance at Austin, and what I see has me grinning from ear to ear. He’s breathless, staring at me with desire-filled eyes as he adjusts his pants. Good, at least I’m not the only one affected.

Turning to face our agent, which I have yet to utter a word to, my face almost crashes into one of the cameramen. Awesome. Looks like he was getting an up close and personal view of our moment together. With a sigh, I refocus my attention.

“Forgive my rudeness. I’m Jillian.” I extend my hand out to her.

It could be my imagination, but I swear she glares at me. I’m not sure if it’s for my tardiness, or my uncharacteristic display. Either way, I’m not getting a good vibe from this chick and it’s putting me on edge. “Chloe Rogers. As I was explaining to Austin moments ago, there are a few nice sized floor plans for you to choose from. I’ll be showing you the model, which is the mid-sized home. If you’d like something bigger, or feel it’s too much space, let me know and we can go from there.”

“Okay, sounds good.”

It doesn’t escape my attention the way she glances at Austin before she turns on her heel and sashays her ass to the elevator. Again, it could just be me, but it seems like she’s putting an extra sway to her hips. And I know that’s not for my benefit, especially after the warm reception I received just a second ago.

Austin places his hand at the small of my back. I look over at him, and his eyes are traveling everywhere, taking in every detail of the building as we walk through. You know what he’s not looking at though? Chloe’s ass. Call me childish, but that makes me immensely happy. A smug expression possesses my face as I stand taller and walk with more confidence.

Chloe leads us into the apartment. I have to admit, it’s stunning. With an open floor plan and huge windows that let in natural light, I’m sold from the moment I cross the threshold. Austin doesn’t seem as easily convinced as he inspects every inch of the place. Chloe hangs back in the living room while we explore the rest of the property. Walking down the hall, we come to a huge master suite.

“Wow,” is all I manage. This is bigger and nicer than any place I’ve ever lived.

“You like it?” he asks hopefully.

“It’s really nice. No, better than nice. It’s beautiful.” Walking over to the bathroom, I peek around and am met with marble countertops, a shower that could fit a small army, and an amazing garden tub. I think I’m in love.

“Can you see yourself living here with me?” he asks when he comes up behind me, encasing me in his strong arms from behind. Looking at each other in the mirror, he continues, “It’s close to your work, and I think it’s plenty big for the both of us. It even has a second bedroom for you to cast me away to should I ever land in the doghouse.” He winks before leaning in and kissing me on the cheek.

My eyes study him, trying to memorize the way he looks right now. His eyes are warm, reflecting the optimism and happiness he has for the two of us. Whether that’s in response to renting out this place, or for our marriage, I’m not sure. There’s a small upward tilt to his lips, conveying his contentment. And being held in his arms like this, I have to say I feel the same, but one of us has to come back to reality and break the moment.

“I can definitely see us living here, but . . .” I trail off, taking one more look around, “how much is this place monthly?”

Turning around in his arms, I look up at him. He stuffs his hands in his front pockets and shrugs. “It’s not important.” He avoids eye contact, and that’s all the answer I need. It’s expensive. Really expensive.

“I don’t think so, buddy. We agreed. Fifty-fifty. So fess up. How much is it?”

Bringing his attention back to me, I can see he’s weighing his options. The moment he loses the battle with himself is evident because his shoulders deflate and he lets out a large sigh. “It’s eight thousand a month.”

Holy hell! I wasn’t expecting that! My eyes bug out of my head as my mouth falls open. “Eight thousand a month?” I shout, not caring Chloe can hear me. Hell, the neighbors probably heard me. He has to be out of his mind. “Are you insane?”

“Look, we’re not going to get what we want unless we pay for it.”

I know what he’s saying is fact. I pay a small fortune for my tiny apartment. If you want space in the city, it comes at a hefty price tag. Even so, this is ridiculous. “Austin, I can’t afford four thousand dollars a month with utilities and other living expenses. That’s way out of my price point.”

“Do you like it?” he asks, not breaking eye contact.

“That’s not the point. I—”

“It is the point,” he says, cutting me off. “I’ll ask you again. Do you like it?”

“Well, of course I do.” Who wouldn’t like an apartment like this? It’s quite stunning.

“Then it’s settled.”

I ball my hands up into fists at his stubbornness. “No. It’s not. I don’t like the idea of you paying more than me.”

“Why?”

Because I don’t want to rely on anyone. I
can’t
rely on anyone. I don’t say that though. Instead, I make up something I think will pacify him. “Aren’t relationships about compromise? Meeting in the middle? How are we doing that when I’m only contributing a fraction of the costs?”

“You’re right, that is what a relationship is about. But that’s not what this is. My job is to take care of you, so that’s what I’m doing. Don’t deny me, Jillian.” The firmness of his tone in the last sentence takes me off guard. He’s usually so easy going and lets me have my way, but not on this. His eyes dilate, taking on a harder appearance. I know this isn’t up for debate. We’ll stand here all day and he’s not budging.

“It’s just so pricey.” I try once more with a slight whine.

“We haven’t discussed the specifics of our finances, but I promise you it’s fine. I can cover down on it. If I can’t, I can always pick up a second job.”

My head snaps up. “What? No, absolutely not.”

His deep chuckle meets my ears. “I’m kidding. Seriously, we’re more than fine. If contributing is important to you, then you pay what you’re comfortable with and leave the rest up to me.”

With a big huff I cave. “Fine.” I know I sound like a petulant teenager, but I don’t care. “Just know I’m not happy about it.” I cross my arms over my chest for added effect. He just laughs again.

“You’re cute when you don’t get your way.” With a sly grin, he grabs my hand and leads me back out to the living room where Chloe is waiting on us.

“We’ll take it,” he announces.

“That’s wonderful,” she beams at him. “The views are amazing.” She places her hand on his bicep. This is a one-hundred and eighty degree turn from the ice queen I dealt with. Upon further inspection, there seems to be a familiarity in the way she touches and looks at him.

Discreetly, he moves back a step. “It is. So what do we have to do next?”

“Always back to business, huh? I’ll have the paperwork drafted up for you to sign. After the deposit is made, then you’ll be able to move in.”

“Perfect.”

“When and where would work best for you? You could always meet me at my office. It’ll give us a chance to catch up a bit.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize you two knew each other.” I try to mask the surprise in my voice by maintaining an even tone. I’m not sure I’m successful.

Austin opens his mouth to reply, but Chloe beats him to it. “We used to
date
.” The emphasis on the word “date” isn’t lost on me. When I look back at her, my suspicions are confirmed when she arches her eyebrow with a smirk firmly in place.

My blood boils and I want to wipe that disgusting look and ugly ass orangish-red lipstick right off of her face. Oh, God. Is this what jealousy feels like? The realization is like a slap in the face.

No.

I don’t get jealous. I can’t. Especially over Austin.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a cameraman move in closer. Austin rubs the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable. “Chloe and I have known each other for a while. We went on one date and decided we were better off as friends.” I’m not sure if Austin’s attempt to clarify their relationship makes me feel better or worse. He searches my eyes, almost pleading with me to believe him.

Refusing to let her think she got to me, I smile tightly, praying it looks natural. My arm wraps around his waist, staking my claim but also hoping to relax Austin a bit. “Oh, how nice. Why don’t you come over for a glass of wine or two once we get settled then?”

Her expression drops. One point for me. “Sure,” she replies stiffly.

It doesn’t take long for her to make arrangements for us to sign the appropriate forms and pick up the keys. Once the two of us are seated in a cab, Austin turns toward me. “I’m really sorry about that back there. I should’ve told you we went out, but she’s the best at what she does. I promise it was nothing serious though. It was just one date.”

“You afraid I’m going to shun you to the guest room already?” I tease.

He relaxes instantly. “Maybe . . .”

“It’s okay. Really. It does explain why she was staring daggers at me though.”

“She was not.” He rolls his eyes as if to downplay her reaction to him and I together.

My eyebrows rise up my forehead. “You didn’t see it?” He shakes his head. “What’s the saying? If looks could kill . . .”

He laughs softly. “I guess I didn’t notice since I couldn’t tear my eyes off of you.” He leans in and plants a chaste kiss to the corner of my mouth.

I keep my head forward, only glancing at him from the corner of my eye. “Real smooth, Mr. James,” I say sarcastically.

“I’m smooth like butta.” He drapes his arm around my shoulders and pulls me in close to him while I crack up with his cheesy line. And just like that, my earlier fit of jealousy is forgotten.