Love in Jeopardy

Chapter 12

When Taryn woke up the next morning, she was feeling more optimistic about moving in with Gideon. She had weighed the pros and cons and the pros definitely outweighed the cons. She didn't think Gideon would callously kick her out if things didn't work out between them. She didn't think she would have trouble finding another apartment if she needed to.

She phoned Gideon at his office and told him her decision.

"That's great news," he exclaimed. "Are you sure you don't need more time to think about it?"

"I'm sure."

"Okay. Well, I'll call Sam and tell him I want to make an offer on that house."

"You don't want to look at some more places first?"

"I don't think so. I was pretty impressed by that house we just saw. It seemed to suit our needs."

Taryn didn't think she had a lot of needs, but if Gideon wanted the place, what could she do to stop him? He seemed pretty determined. She didn't want to get in his way.

"Well, let me know what happens," she said.

"I will," he replied. "What are your plans for the day?"

"I have to take some paintings to the gallery," she answered. "I think Kim already has buyers for them."

"That's great!" he exclaimed. "It must make you feel good that your hard work is paying off."

"Yes, it's been unexpectedly busy lately," Taryn replied.

They promised to see each other later for dinner before they hung up.

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Kim was impressed by the paintings Taryn brought to the gallery later that morning.

"These are fantastic," Kim said, after Taryn greeted her and brought the paintings inside.

"I think my clients are going to love these," Kim continued as she studied them.

"Oh, that's good," Taryn replied shyly. "I've been working really hard."

"It shows," Kim said.

"How are the wedding plans going?" asked Taryn.

"Slowly," replied Kim. "I need a planner. There are too many choices."

"It must be hard with a summer wedding. That's when most people get married."

"I know. I'm tempted to ask Charlie if we can elope."

"Elope? Are you serious?"

"Not really. Charlie has a big family. They would be disappointed if they missed the ceremony."

Kim led Taryn to the sitting area near her office. She asked her assistant to make them some fresh coffee.

"So tell me how things are going with Gideon," Kim said once they each had a cup of coffee.

Taryn told Kim about the house she looked at with Gideon and how he wanted her to move in with him.

"Seriously? That's a little sudden, isn't it?" Kim asked, taking a sip of her drink.

Taryn looked down at her mug before she replied.

"It might be," Taryn admitted. "We spent a long time talking about it. It will be easier for use to spend time together if we live in the same place."

"Granted, but is that a good enough reason to give up your independence?"

Taryn smirked wryly before she replied, "How long did it take you and Charlie to move in together after you started dating?"