Page 127 of Emergence and Ascendance

Scotlyn was quiet for a minute. "If I stay with you, it's sending a very clear message about what we are. Not just to me, but to the world."

"I agree."

"And you're okay with that?"

"More than okay with it."

"What are we, Christian?"

"We're whatever we decide to be but I know what I want us to be."

"Which is?"

I moved toward Scotlyn and dropped my hands on the counter so my arms caged her in. "Everything."

"Everything?" She smiled sexily.

"Real. Permanent. Mine and yours. All in. No more contracts, timelines, or bullshit arrangements. Just us, figuring it out as we go."

Her smile expanded. "You're asking me to move in with you officially and not just implying that's what you want by having my things brought to your room."

"I'm asking you to build something with me."

"And if I choose the townhouse?"

"Then I'll respect your decision and probably spend a lot of fucking time here trying to change your mind."

"Probably?"

"Definitely. I can be very persuasive when I want something."

"I've noticed," she groaned and I lowered my mouth to hers for a kiss.

"I choose you."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. I think I kinda like the idea of us."

I cupped her face in my hands and kissed her for real this time, sealing the deal. When I pulled back, she smiled big as hell. "So we're really doing this?"

"We're really doing this."

"Official couple status?"

"Official as fuck."

She looked around and pouted. "I kinda like the townhouse."

"I own it."

"You do?"

I grinned and kissed her temple. "Investment property. You never know when you might need a backup plan. If you'd chosen this, I own it, which means I have access."

"So you're saying I didn't really have a choice?"

"You had a choice, but whatever choice you made meant I had the advantage."

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