He laughs. “Usually the people I deal with aren’t defiant. They either know that I know what’s best, or understand it’s going to always be my way.”
“Defiant?” I snort.
“Yes, and I can tell that you and I are going to have an issue with that. You are difficult at every turn.” He inhales my hair and sighs.
“If you keep using words like defiant, then yes we are going to have issues.” I turn my face and body so I can snuggle in his arms. He chuckles lightly before placing a soft kiss on the top of my head. I could get used to being here. I really like the way I feel tucked against Nick’s body with his arms wrapped around me.
TEN
After a lazy Sunday at Nick’s house, the next couple of weeks seem to fly by. I don’t remember the last time I was ever this happy. I conceded on the house search and I let Nick have his way when he brought me to a cozy beach-front property the following Monday. Much to my irritation, the house was perfect. It’s going to cost me a fortune, but the beach is totally worth it.
The house is only about 2500 square feet, but who needs a big house when the ocean is your backyard? Not me. My house has three bedrooms and two and half bathrooms with an open floor plan. It’s everything I could want; it’s modern but still has a warm homey feeling.
Somehow, I managed to close in five days. I’m pretty sure Nick had something to do with that, but I decided not to question it. I’m too in love with my house to think about the negatives or the craziness. The fact that I landed a house in Mali-fucking-bu for a cool two-million dollars is a steal. Of course, that’s after the three mil I depleted out of my savings account to use as a down payment. I’m a good photographer, but I’m not that high in demand to make those figures. The money came from an inheritance left to me when my father died. I wasn’t able to use it until I turned twenty-five. This is certainly good use of all that money.
I spent most of the first two weeks picking out furniture and accessories. After waiting on deliveries, I spent the next week arranging everything. I did not concede on that end.
Nick really didn’t understand.
Part of the fun of a new house is picking out all new stuff. Every day something arrives, and it’s like Christmas morning opening presents. I don’t remember the last time I had this much fun. When Luke and I picked out furniture for the apartment, he whined until I gave in to what he wanted.
Jenny worked for me this past Wednesday since the store will be closed for Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, so I’ve had the whole week off to get my home in order. I really could have been an interior designer if I didn't loved photography so much. I’m so proud of me. Nope, no shame in that. I’d shout it from the rooftops if I could. I love what I do and work damn hard at it. By late afternoon on Friday, every space is filled.
I’m hanging my last set of black and white photos on a bare wall in my living room when I hear a scratching sound at the door. I pull my head in the direction of the front door where I see Nick walking through. The dogs come running in, jumping on my oversized plush chair in the living room. Niko claimed that spot his first night here. The four of us have stayed the last two nights in my new home so far. I love Nick’s house, really I do, but nothing compares to living literally on the beach. It’s awesome. I wake up to the sound and smell of the sea.
“Need any help?” I ask as I step down from the step stool. Nick has his arms full with grocery bags. Instead of a Friday night out with just my friends, I talked them into a cookout at my new place. My friends readily agreed. The house is on the small size compared to the others in my neighborhood; however, I have a huge deck. I plan to make a lot of use out of it.
“No, we have everything. You relax, babe. You’ve been quite the busy woman this week and you’ve done a great job filling it with a lot of shit,” he says as Nikki walks in the door carrying more groceries. I roll my eyes at his comment.
“Damn, can I get you to do this to my house? Shannon, everything looks great.” She is looking in every direction as she walks to the kitchen following her brother. This is the first time she has been back inside since the day I closed on it. The place was completely bare last week.
I follow behind them. “Did you two buy enough food?” I ask with a hint of sarcasm as I peek into each bag being nosy.
“Just shut up and put the meat in the refrigerator. You’re not the one that has to cook all this shit for everyone,” Nick says, taking out multiple bottles of wine and champagne out of a brown bag. He’s not being an ass. He’s smiling and jacking with me. I’ve learned in the last couple of days, he does and says things just to get a rise out of me. I think the man loves to start arguments.