Page 79 of Five Days to Be Mine

“No, Sir.”

“That’s right, and I won't. Tell me.”

“The night I spent with you felt so good. It was the perfect play scene, and you were so caring afterwards. But when I woke up and looked around your apartment, it didn’t feel real. Like, it didn’t feel like something that fit me. I convinced myself that it was a one time thing, and you didn’t want me after that night.”

“Not true, I wanted you. I called you. I messaged you.”

“I know, but being with you made me brave enough to quit on the Wilsons and I thought…I had to just go and do that, get on with things and I didn't know. I was overwhelmed. I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry you got overwhelmed and didn’t feel like you could have told me. I’m so glad you took another chance.”

“Your timing was perfect.” Mara kisses me as if she wants me to know how serious she is and I tilt her head back for more access, deepening the kiss.

“I have to thank Arthur and your sister-in-law for the renovation.”

Mara giggles. “Did you see his face when you mentioned Sinful Bites?”

“I did. It’s not the first time I’ve had that reaction. I can’t wait to show you your new workspace. Ready?”

“Let’s do it.” Mara slides off my lap.

Taking her hand in mine, we retrace our steps, laughing and talking about the dogs we pass.

Coming out of the park, we walk by the car and then to Steff’s building.

“Here.”

“What is this place?” Mara shields her eyes from the late afternoon sun.

It’s a large white building, with glass doors. The front part of the building is in a dome shape and behind the dome is a large rectangular shape.

“You’ve got to see the inside.” I press the buzz box on the door, hoping Mara doesn’t put it together.

I want to surprise her.

The light on the box flashes green and I hold the door for her, leading her inside.

We find ourselves in a huge lobby, with a staircase in the middle of the space.

Steff is walking down the stairs, on huge platform boots, her long hair flowing down her back.

“Hi Evan!” Steff catches the lip of the stairs, then grabs for the staircase.

I come forward, taking her hands and kissing her on the cheek.

“Hi Steff. Those chairs are working out great in the space.”

“I’m so pleased.” Steff claps her hands together.

“All thanks to you. This is Mara Cotter. Mara, meet Steff Goldstein.”

Mara’s face is beet red.

“Hi…hi…I love your work. It’s been featured lots of times on the socials I follow for design and decor ideas,” Mara says to me and blushes.

“That’s always nice to hear! Let me show you the space. We have a group of sound engineers who have taken over the top floor studio and this space is a bit too small for me, but I think it’ll be perfect for what Evan has told me you’ll need.”

We follow Steff down the hallway and to an L-shape room.

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