Page 32 of Raspberry Cake
“At first it did, but it evened out that you let me cover the rides. I can tell you just wanted to show your appreciation.”
“Can I be honest without you being hurt?” Renley visibly braced for impact, but nodded anyway, so Eveline tried to choose her words carefully. “You said you just got your own apartment and from what I understand you’re starting from scratch, so I didn’t want you to spend too much. I know youwouldn’t have asked me out if you hadn’t been prepared, I just didn’t want to use you like that.”
Renley took a moment to digest her words, flipping a pancake and adding more batter to the pan. “I appreciate that. Can I be honest too without you thinking I’m childish?”
“I promise.”
“I got jealous when I saw your house. Not because you don’t deserve it, but because you’re so put together while I’m sleeping on a mattress on the floor.”
She took his hand and brushed a kiss over his knuckles. “We’re just at different stages in life. Remember, I’m nine years older than you.”
“I don’t want you to think that I’m using you to improve my life.”
“And I don’t wantyouto think that I’m belittling you when I offer to pay.”
“I won’t.” He leaned down, taking her mouth in a kiss so tender that it left her trembling. “It feels good to be able to talk openly. I’ve never had that before, so please bear with me when I struggle with it.”
“We are growing together; I’ll have times where I’ll struggle too.”
With breakfast finished, they settled on the couch. Luna joined them, while Flake seemed to vanish. When Renley insisted on cleaning afterwards, Eveline scrolled on her phone. “Do you really just have a mattress on the floor?”
“No!” He chuckled and added, “There’s a couch and dining table.”
“What size is it?” But before he could answer she shook her head and grinned to herself. “Let me guess, king?”
“Queen, would have been too big otherwise.”
“I’ve found a really nice queen frame here.”
Drying his hands, Renley joined her, glancing at the listing for the free bed frame. “It might fit.”
“Is it a tight space?”
He shrugged, falling onto the couch. “A studio. It looks empty with what I’ve got, but it’s so small at the same time.”
Inspired, she reached for a sketch book and pen. “Talk me through the layout.” He did her one better, handing over his phone with the floorplan. “I love tiny spaces; they give you so many fun elements to work with.”
“You really did choose the love of your life as a career.”
“I did.”
Once they mapped out his current setup, Eveline began searching for furniture again, chirping when she found exactly what she wanted—then frowning a moment later.
“What is it?” he asked and leaned closer.
“This is a murphy bed, but I didn’t see how far away it was. You fold it up as a whole, so it would work with your mattress.” Moving on, she said, “You could always build a loft bed.”
“It’s just a three-hour drive. Two and a half if traffic is good,” he countered, taking her phone to scroll through the pictures. “Could always paint it.”
“That’s a five hour round trip.”
“It’s basically free.”
“You don’t have to. I was just playing with ideas.”
“And I like it.” He handed the phone back. “Please send me the listing. I’ll measure it out.”
She did as he asked. “Am I being too pushy?”
