Chapter 67
A s we leave Wisconsin, I can’t shake the feeling that Dani hasn’t fully grasped the perks of life as my girlfriend and as my love.
Or is she resisting my life—my real life outside the cottage?
I pay to eliminate inconveniences, and Dani being in Wisconsin longer than me would be a terrible inconvenience.
Our car ride is filled with great music and conversation. My hand is always on her, whether it’s set on her knee or playing with her fingers. I have to be touching her. I’m so in love with Dani.
After seeing the completed renovations, I hope she might reconsider moving in with me.
Or perhaps a tour of the new luxury apartment building near my office might be an alternative route.
I’m growing more and more aware that my time at the cottage is drawing to a close, and the end of summer is nearing.
More than anything, I want her in Chicago with me when I return full time in a few weeks.
I can barely contain my excitement about the renovations as we pull into my garage. “Should I blindfold you?” I joke.
She giggles—a sound that never fails to warm my heart. “No need. I’m too excited to see.”
Hand in hand, we walk upstairs. I haven’t had a stupid grin on my face like the one I have right now in a long time. I’ve made these changes for her to make my house feel like our home, a place where she can see herself thriving.
“I had a small library remodeled into your office,” I say, opening the door. The workspace is for her, with a large desk, a bookshelf, and an oversized chair.
“It adjusts,” I say, pointing to the standing desk.
“I love the natural light in here.” She smiles, and I’m happy she likes the office. “I hate angry lighting.”
“Angry lighting?” I ask, amused by her description.
“You know, fluorescent yellow. It’s just so … angry.”
She’s too cute.
“Now, let’s see the closet,” I say, leading her down the hall toward the primary suite.
“I knocked down a couple of walls,” I say as we enter through the hall. “You said you wanted a celebrity-worthy closet, and the contractors assured me this is better than any they’ve seen from the Architectural Digest celebrity home tours.”
“Oh my God.” She gasps as she steps inside.
“I had Nikola add a few pieces so it wouldn’t feel too empty,” I say, watching her take in the floor-to-ceiling shelving, hanging space, and the island in the center.
“This is insane!” She walks around, touching the clothes Nikola picked out.
“It connects to the bathroom.”
She smiles, and I stand back, letting her explore, feeling a sense of pride and happiness. Seeing her so happy, so at home, reaffirms my decision to make these changes. As she turns to me, her eyes shining, I know I’ve done the right thing. “You did all this for me?”
“Every detail was with you in mind.” I smile, stepping closer to her. “I want you to feel like this is your home too.”
She wraps her arms around me, and as I hug her back, I feel the deep connection between us. These renovations aren’t just about what I can provide; they’re about creating spaces we both love and cherish, spaces that will help us build a life together.
“Thank you … but it’s too much,” she says after a long hug.
I can feel the tension in her body, her words laced with gratitude and unease. “What do you mean?” I ask gently, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes.
Dani takes a deep breath. “Adam, this is all incredible, and I appreciate it more than you know. But it’s too soon for me to move in. I’m overwhelmed by all of this.” She gestures around the room.
“Too much?” I ask, and she laughs nervously. I try to hide my disappointment. “I wanted to create space for you in this home so it’s a place that you love too.”
She places a hand on my cheek. “And I do love it. But I need to live on my own for a while. I don’t want our relationship to get complicated by cohabitating. I love you, Adam, and that’s why I don’t want to rush this.”
Her words resonate with me. I’ve been so caught up in my desire to make her happy, to show her how much she means to me, that I hadn’t fully considered her need for independence.
“You’re right,” I say, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I got carried away. All I want if for you to be happy.”
“I’m happy with you. But I need to take this step on my own. I hope you understand.”
“I do. And I support you, no matter what.” I take her hand, squeezing it gently. “If living on your own for now is what you need, then that’s what you should do.”
Her perfect smile reappears, and she leans in to kiss me. “Thank you, Adam. For understanding … for everything.”
“Open that drawer.” I point to the island.
Dani smiles, pulling the sunglasses drawer open.
“We can match.” She smiles, picking up the same pair of sunglasses she liked from the boat.
“What’s under them?” I ask. She looks back down and grabs a key.
“Come and go as you please. It’s symbolic.
I’ll have the security company set you up with a PIN code. ”
She motions with her finger for me to come closer, with a little smirk on her face. I wrap my hand around the back of her neck, pulling her in for a kiss before picking her up and placing her on the island.
“I love you.”
As we stare at each other, I push my impatience aside. I love her, and if giving her space is what she needs, I’m more than willing to do that. Trying not to be disappointed, I whisper, “This is our home, and the apartment will be your home.”