He’s bent over the counter, shirtless, putting the finishing touches on the tiles surrounding the sink. I take in the flexed muscles in his back, my stomach doing a little flip that sends shivers straight to my lady parts.
I wait a moment before knocking gently on the door frame of the kitchen. Nic turns around and smiles when he sees me.
“Perfect timing,” he says, setting down his tools. “I just finished the last details on these counters. So, what do you think?” He turns to lean on the counter. “Does it look good?”
True to his promise, Nic used the money he saved up at the escort job to put a down payment on a small house in a nice part of town. The place was in pretty bad shape, but he rebuilt the entire kitchen and bathroom by hand.
He’s been working tirelessly for weeks to redo every square inch of a home that most people wouldn’t have looked at twice. Now it looks like something straight out of Architectural Digest. I figured Nic had talent, but I had no idea he could do all this.
“This is amazing, Nic,” I say, surveying the kitchen. I know how much this means to him, and I’m so proud that he pulled it off. “The detail is incredible. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
And it’s not just the house that looks good. As I look Nic up and down, I’m tempted to run over to him and throw myself at him right there. The muscles in his stomach and arms have become even more defined after all the carpentry he’s been doing, and he looks so sexy. I can’t believe he’s mine.
He runs his hands through his hair. “Do you like these details in the molding? I was choosing between that and something else.”
I’ve never seen Nic this nervous before, and it’s kind of cute that he cares so much about what I think of the house. He looks back at me as I walk over to him and put my arms around his neck.
“You did good, kid,” I say with a wink, and give him a quick kiss. “I’m sure the new owners will love this molding.”
“I’m going to get you all sweaty.” He laughs as I lean against him, running my hands along his hard biceps.
“Promise?” I ask with a smirk.
I survey the kitchen one more time. He’s installed marble countertops, redid the cabinetry, and handpicked the brushed nickel knobs on the cabinet doors. Not to mention the pale blue tile backsplash, which he imported from Italy. “You really did all this yourself?”
He nods. “I still can’t believe I actually started this business. I never would have gone for it if it weren’t for you.” He puts an arm around my shoulder and kisses the top of my head. “Seriously, thanks for encouraging me.”
I smile up at him. “That’s what I’m here for. Besides, you encouraged me to take the bar exam first.”
My review class is going well, and I’m on track to sign up take the bar soon. It’s crazy to think about where Nic and I were six months ago, and how far we’ve come.
Being with him has been even more amazing than I imagined it could be, and between all the romantic dinners and weekend getaways, the past few months have flown by. It’s safe to say I’ve fallen head over heels for him, and it feels like I’m living a fairy tale. That is, if a fairy tale ever started off with the hero secretly being a male escort.
“So, how does it feel to have your house sell the first day on the market?”
“Pretty damn good,” he says, wiping his hands on a rag. “I feel like I’m finally doing things right.”
I give his hand a squeeze as I look out the window. He’s even put effort into the landscaping, filling the yard with trees and different kinds of plants.
“So, you’re an amazing boyfriend, you like to cook, and you can garden?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. “How are you real?”
He laughs, pulling me against him and kissing me. I close my eyes as his hands move to my hips. When I pull back, I bite his lip gently and grin.
“That’s right. You’re also a damn good kisser.”
He laughs. “I should have brought you here sooner. I had no idea I’d get so many compliments.”
Smiling, I lay my head on his chest before looking out the window again. He’s built a gazebo in the middle of the yard with ivy growing up the sides and benches inside.
“I’ve always wanted a gazebo just like that,” I say, pointing toward it.
“Then I’ll have to build you one,” Nic says, resting his chin on top of my head.
This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about a future together, but standing with Nic in the house he built, I can imagine it more clearly than ever.
“So it’s time to say good-bye?” I ask.
He hasn’t let me come by the house before today, wanting to wait until it was finished. Neither of us expected it to sell so fast, so it’s time to do the final walk-through before the new owners close on the property.
“Is it weird that I feel kind of sad saying good-bye?” he asks as we wander through the dining room.
“No way. This is your baby,” I say, taking his hand in mine.
He nods, gesturing down the hallway. “Come on, I want to show you upstairs.”
He leads me up a wooden staircase and through the four bedrooms, each with its own unique detailing. It’s obvious how much work Nic put into the house, and I’m so proud that he did all of this, if not with his own two hands, then alongside the crew he hired.
“What are you going to do with the profit? Buy another house?” I ask as we wander into the master bedroom.
The windows are open, and there’s a gentle breeze blowing. The sun is about to set, casting a golden glow throughout the room. I let go of his hand to feel the smooth metal of the antique doorknobs that Nic and I found at an estate sale.
“I thought about it,” he says. “But there’s something more important I need to do first.”
“More important?” I turn to him, confused, and see that he’s down on one knee holding a small black velvet box.
“Nic!” I gasp, not believing my eyes. This can’t be what I think it is.
“Elle,” he says, opening the box to reveal a beautifully simple diamond ring. “You’ve changed my life more than I ever expected. You’re the most beautiful, talented, smartest, funniest woman I’ve ever met. I’ve been happier since I met you than I have in my entire life, and I never want that to change. I want your face to be the last thing I see before I fall asleep, and the first thing I see every morning. Will you marry me?”
Instantly, tears spring to my eyes. I’m in total shock, but I feel myself breaking into a grin. “Nic . . .” I gasp again, grabbing his hands in mine. “Are you serious?”
I’m in full crying mode, and I don’t even try to wipe the tears from my eyes.
“I can’t believe it.” I sob, pulling Nic up and into a hug.
“Elle,” he says, pulling back. “You never said yes.”
We both laugh as I nod my head.
“Of course I want to marry you.”
Nic grins and slides the ring onto my finger. He pulls me against him and kisses me. I close my eyes and wrap my arms around him, feeling his hard chest press against me. I pull back to wipe my tears away, sure my makeup is completely ruined.
“I can’t stop crying,” I say, laughing.