Tempt Me (Tattoos and Temptation #1) - Mia Monroe Page 0,45
wanted my entire life, the most gorgeous, sweetest man in Miami called me his boyfriend? Is that okay?” I laugh. “Yes.”
Apollo smiles. “Good. I’m proud of you.”
“Same.”
He lifts my hand and kisses the back of it. “So, I have an idea of some areas I think you’d like. Not too far from work, but what are your thoughts on transportation? Are you getting a car?”
“I don’t like to drive, and I haven’t almost the entire time I was in France. That is why I was thinking something close enough to walk.”
“Okay cool. I found a place to show you.”
“Wonderful.”
I settle back in my seat, letting Apollo navigate the streets that are both familiar and foreign. Being away for so long has a strange effect on me. In some ways it feels like Miami was on pause, simply waiting for me to return. The same businesses, the same churches, the same stores. But then we turn onto a street and everything is new. I left when I was barely an adult. I’ve returned a man, and Miami has welcomed me.
Apollo pulls into a parking lot, and the apartments make me smile. It’s a high-rise building. The ocean is just a few blocks from here and likely visible from the some of the units.
“I brought you here because you said your future life might be a high-rise glamour city lifestyle or the suburbs. I live in the suburbs, and maybe if I’m lucky, someday you’ll live there too. So for now, here’s your glam.”
My heart stutters in my chest. I lunge across the console between us and grab his face, kissing him hard.
When I let him go, he chuckles. “What was that for?”
“You were listening to me.”
“Of course, I was. I always listen to you. You’re my favorite sound, Felix.”
I shake my head. “Maybe when I was flying home from France, the plane crashed. There were few survivors. They drug me from the cold ocean, and I am in a hospital in France in a coma, imagining this beautiful dream where you say things like that to me, I have the perfect job, and coworkers who are becoming friends. Am I in a coma?”
Apollo’s smile fades. “No, beautiful, you’re awake and well, and in Miami with me. You’re not dreaming or imagining all of this. You deserve it.”
“You are every bit as wonderful as I hoped you would be.”
“Good.” He kisses me again. “Want to go inside?”
“Yes.”
We enter the leasing office, where a young, blonde woman is sitting behind a desk clacking on a computer with her super-long nails. She glances up with a smile, but it is quickly muted.
“May I help you?” she asks.
“Yes, I would like to see a one-bedroom please.”
“Ah. Have you seen our brochure? There are several floor plans.”
“Oh. May I?”
“Behind you.”
I twist around to see a small table. Apollo and I walk over and browse. This place is overpriced, as I expected, and I would have to dip into my trust fund to afford it, but maybe just for six months it would be fun. They even have a furnished model.
“It’s beautiful,” I whisper.
“Babe. I pay half that for my mortgage.”
“I know, but what is the saying, YOYO?”
Apollo chuckles. “YOLO?”
“What is the thing people say when they are going to do something crazy?”
“YOLO. You only live once.”
“Right. Six months. Then I find a cheaper place, or we're in love and live together.”
“Yeah.” Apollo’s brow furrows as he glances around the lobby.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
He tries to neutralize his face, but it doesn’t work.
“Apollo, please tell me.”
He gazes down at me, rubbing his forehead. “I guess I just wonder if you live somewhere like this will you be happy with what I can provide.”
“Aw, amour. You are so wonderful. I will love anywhere we live together, do you understand that? It is so hard for me not to move in with you right now. I never want to be without you, but I think it is wise.”
“Yeah.”
“And you do not provide for me. We will be a partnership. A team. I was very frugal in France. This feels like a nice indulgence.”
“I support whatever you want. I just don’t want you to feel like your slumming later.”
“I love your house because you are in it. It is very nice and neat. I would be happy there.”
He nods, still looking unconvinced.
“Apollo.” I take his hand in mine. “You know about the money.”
He nods, focusing his eyes on me.
“Sometimes I will use it. It will be for fun things or silly things