Page 10 of Just One More Affair
“Umm, sure.” She followed him to a private spot in the hall.
Once they were alone, he began to speak. “Listen, I know you want to be independent and you don’t want to take more from me than I insist for the girls. But the fact is, you being nearby benefits everyone.”
“I know but—”
He shook his head. “No buts. Having a safe place to live will make me feel better, and not just when the twins sleep over. If we’d married and divorced, you’d be entitled to alimony. Just because we co-parent doesn’t mean I can’t help out.”
She closed her eyes, hating that he was right. She’d rather live somewhere safe for the girls’ sake, not to mention her own. The places she’d seen listed were far from ideal. Small space, not comfortable for her daughters. Even the neighborhoods bordered areas where she wouldn’t want the kids playing outside.
“Okay, but I won’t take advantage. I have savings and I know one of my résumés will pan out. I have solid experience.”
He smiled. “I’m not worried about you finding a good job. You’re excellent at what you do.”
“Thank you, Noah. You’ve always been more than generous. I hate feeling like a burden. The girls are your concern, I shouldn’t have to be.”
He shook his head. “You aren’t a burden. Put that out of your head and let’s go enjoy the day.”
She nodded and followed him out of the hallway to find Jared had waited for her.
“Hungry?” he asked.
“Not really.”
He grasped her elbow. “Then let’s sit down and discuss apartments.”
They wound their way through family, stopping to talk to various people. At least twenty minutes passed until they finally settled on a sofa to have their discussion.
“So, tell me what you’re looking for. How many bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.?”
Knowing the girls were growing up and Noah would want them to have the comfort with her that they had at home, and aware she needed a room for the baby, she forced herself to scale up. “Three bedrooms, enough for the girls to move into their own rooms, though right now they want to be together. And two full bathrooms.” She couldn’t imagine sharing one during the upcoming tween years.
She didn’t deny she needed a nice place to live, but did it have to be the building where Jared lived? Knowing he was so close would wreak havoc on her senses. Memories of their night together constantly surfaced both during the day and when she tossed and turned at night, trying to sleep.
If she lived near him, she’d be wondering about running into him and be tempted to stop in and say hello. Not to mention, she still had to tell him about the baby and either he’d be angry or he’d want her closer. Given how she valued her independence, she couldn’t let him take over.
“Actually, make that four bedrooms.” She swallowed hard. “I need a place to work from home.” In reality, she needed a nursery, but she didn’t plan on giving him an explanation for that yet. Of course she needed Noah’s help. No way could she afford even a two-bedroom in a nice area of Manhattan on her own.
He nodded. “Okay then. When are you free to check out a couple of places in my buildings?”
She bit down on her lower lip. Knowing they were going to have to spend prolonged time together, she decided to get it over with. “How’s tomorrow?”
“Ten a.m.?”
She nodded.
“Give me your phone.” Handing it to him, she watched as he typed his cell into her keypad and hit send. “Now we have each other’s numbers. Text me if you need anything,” he said.
Overwhelmed, she managed a smile. “I will.”
The rest of the day passed and Charlie pushed her problems to the back of her mind, enjoying watching her children interact with their family, eat Lizzie’s cake like little animals, and helping them clean up their chocolate-covered faces. All the things she’d missed while away.
When the girls asked if they could sleep with her at the hotel, Noah agreed.
She gathered their things, because Grandpa and Lizzie always gave gifts, said their goodbyes, and headed out the door, feeling the heat of Jared’s stare as she left.
***
Jared watched Charlotteand the girls leave. The rest of the family was in the kitchen and Jared had escaped into the family room for a breather; time to think and wonder what it was about Charlotte that drew him in. She needed somewhere to live? He wanted to make sure she had one. A safe place for her and the girls. Usually, he was preoccupied with work. Instead, he was taking the morning off tomorrow to show her apartments.
