Page 71 of More than Paper

What he’s saying makes sense. I understand why he feels this way, but Chicago is all I’ve ever known.

I lean in and kiss him. “Look, I want to be with you. Every day, I want to be with you. I hate being apart.”

“Then move to New York, and let’s be together.”

“I’ve never not supported myself.”

“Because you had to. You don’t have to anymore. I can do that.”

I sigh. “Yes, I can see that, but this is a lot for me to take in. I need to wrap my head around it.”

“You aren’t saying no?”

“I’m not saying no. I didn’t expect you to ask me to move in with you. This is a lot for me. Can you give me time and let me process this?”

He lets out a big breath. “Okay. I can give you time.”

I stroke his cheek. “And it’s an amazing offer. Thank you for being so generous.”

“Quinn, if you move, whatever is mine will be yours. You don’t have to thank me or feel like you’re taking handouts.”

Whatever is his will be mine? That sounds more like marriage to me, but that isn’t what he’s offering.

I should be elated. I should jump at the chance. I want to be with him more than anything. I want to share my life with him, but something is telling me to think things through.

My mother’s words once again haunt me. “Never move in with a man unless you have a ring on your finger and you’ve said, ‘I do.’”

15

Jamison

“Jamison, darling.”Valeria pulls me in for a hug and kisses me on both cheeks.

“V, you look great. How was your flight?”

“Long. The usual.” She steps back and surveys the penthouse. “Nice job on the remodel. It looks great.”

“Thanks. It took long enough.”

“Probably not as long as when they gutted it.”

“True. Come in. Should we have a drink first?”

“If we have to deal with my father, then yes.”

“Good call. I’ll put your bag in your room. Grab me whatever you’re having.”

“Okay, darling.”

I put Valeria’s luggage in her room and come out to the main room. She hands me a glass of clear liquid. “Vodka tonic?”

“Yep. Going for the hard stuff.”

I laugh and clink her glass. “Cheers.”

We each take a mouthful and make our way to the sofas.

“What’s new with you?” she asks.

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