Page 14 of Obsessed Mate

Now he was suggesting the answer to my prayers with more than just money, more than great health benefits and unique trips around the world.

“Move in with me.”

I tugged on my earlobe. There had to be something lodged in my eardrum or something. “What did you just say?”

“Sweet Sadie, don’t make me repeat myself. Just let it sink in.”

Goddess, that was an understatement. My boss had just offered to move me into his home.

There had to be a catch. “I don’t understand.”

“Your mother won’t get off your back with one measly date,” he reasoned. “She has to think that you’re in an actual relationship. What better way to fool her than to move you in with me and get all the real benefits of your job here?”

“What benefits?”

His eyes narrowed without losing his smile. I felt like I was being critically studied by a mad scientist—or a butcher.

“Well, it won’t just benefit you. It’ll benefit me too,” he continued. “You’ll be in charge of my daily chores, my dry cleaning, and my appointments. That’s easier done when we’re both living under the same roof. Don’t we already eat most of our meals together?”

I scratched my elbow. He had a decent point there. “I guess it makes sense.”

“How much are you paying for your apartment?”

“Oh, that’s just…I mean…” I blushed. “A bit more than what the aerobics class was paying me.”

He leaned against the desk and leveled his gaze with mine. “Let me guess—you’re behind on your rent.”

“How did you—?”

“I have ears everywhere, Sadie. But don’t worry about that. Don’t look shocked either. I’ve been wanting to tear down that bastard of a building and put something new there.”

I scooted the chair back. “Like what?”

“Green housing that’s far more efficient at providing shelter than your current residence.”

“Do you think Raven would go for that?”

Confidence bloomed in his grin. “If all her tenants leave because the conditions aren’t exactly great, then yes. And you would help with that.”

“In exchange for the fake relationship.” I pursed my lips and tapped my mouth thoughtfully. “You know, it’s not a terrible plan.”

“Say yes, Sadie. I know you want it as much as I do.”

Excitement sliced through my chest. “As much as you do?”

He recovered his dashing smile before it could drop from surprise. Had I caught him without his mask for once? Sheesh, he was hard to read sometimes. So much of his façade was irritated and controlled. But there were these striking moments where he was gentle, accommodating, sexy…

I sighed. “I don’t know.”

“You’ll get all your current benefits. You won’t have to pay toward rent. It would simply be included in your package.”

“How big is your space?”

He straightened up. “A two-story house.”

“Would I take one floor?”

“It’s a possibility. I can easily arrange something suitable for us.”

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