Chapter 9
EVIE
I hope this isn’t all a dream.
I catch myself smiling as Rhett drives to another apartment. I’ve been laughing so much today that my cheeks ache. It’s wonderful. We’ve already seen three places, which were way too big and expensive.
At the last one, we argued for the first time. Accepting Rhett’s help doesn’t mean that I’ll let him get an apartment that’s bigger than any house I’ve ever lived in. That’s just crazy.
When he stops outside another luxurious building, I scowl.
“I can already tell you that I’m not going to agree,” I say as he opens his door.
“You haven’t even seen it yet,” he says, grinning at me.
“Can’t we look in a normal neighborhood where the rent will be reasonable?” I ask, but he gets out of the car before I’ve even finished my sentence.
When I open my door, he says, “Let’s just have a look.”
I relent and follow him to the second floor. When we walk inside, I’m actually relieved to see that the kitchen is much smaller than the other ones we’ve seen.
The living room is also a decent size, and I love all the light streaming in through the large windows.
I turn in a full circle and frown when I count three bedrooms. That’s a bummer.
“I only need one bedroom,” I say.
“You can use one of the other bedrooms for a study,” Rhett starts to argue.
“I don’t need an extra room for a study. One bedroom will be fine. I can also study in the living room.”
“Woman, will you stop being stubborn for one second. This apartment is situated in a nice area.” He actually rolls his eyes at me. “You know most women would just say thank you and take it.”
I frown at him, not missing that it’s the first time since we’ve met that he’s called me a woman and not a kid. Twice.
I get a feeling that Rhett is used to giving money out as if it were smiles. If that’s the case, he’s got another thing coming.
“All this space is a waste of money, Rhett.”
“You can always rent out the other two rooms.” He walks closer to me, trying to stare me into submission, which almost works. One look from those dark eyes is enough to make me lose my ability to think, never mind form a coherent sentence.
“I don’t know anyone,” I mumble, feeling lame that I’m admitting something like that to him.
Rhett takes a deep breath then pins me with a penetrating look. I’m not sure I like that look. It makes me feel self-conscious around him. It’s as if he’s trying to figure out what I’m thinking.
I don’t even try and deny that Rhett is way too much male for me to handle. Knowing that he isn’t much older than me, and adding that he’s been nothing but kind to me, only makes him so much more attractive. There are moments where I feel at ease with him, but then there are instances like this one where I feel way out of my comfort zone.
When we were viewing the second apartment, Rhett took hold of my hand to hold me back when I wanted to leave, and it made my stomach flutter. I’ve been cautious ever since.
I have to be careful that I don’t mistake feeling grateful for attraction. Besides, Rhett’s made it clear that I’m not his type so it would be a waste of time on my part.
“You’ll meet girls once you start classes. I’m sure you’ll make friends.”
I take a step back and breaking eye contact with him, I glance around the apartment again.
“I’m sure everyone attending school will already have a place to stay.”
“I’m going to put in an application.”