*** Kinsey's POV ***
I know I can't avoid going home forever, but somehow it is worse to know who was in my apartment and why than the possibility that it was just some random creep. Hell, even Elliot would have been better at this rate rather than it being someone I trusted.
"I'm going to check out that apartment you found for me. Do you want to come with me?" Lex suggests.
"I'd love to." I respond. Lex is being the right amount of protective. This morning while I told Dylan and Angelina everything he sat with me, didn't interject, and only intervened when Dylan got pissy about me not pressing charges.
"Look, Dylan. She's just trying to be compassionate. If Opal tries anything her ass gets locked up because this is now on record. Kinsey did the right thing." He backed my decision and made me feel supported.
We go back to the apartment so I can change. It's weird, but I feel like I've already started to detach. Not good considering I don't want to break my lease, but I can't help it. The place makes me feel violated. Thankfully Lenny shows up and starts changing out the lock. I think Lex pisses him off when he tells him he wants a deadbolt installed.
"Give me written permission and I'll do it myself, free of charge." Lex ends up offering. Lenny agrees and later in the day I get an email attachment. We're about to head out to Lex's potential new apartment. I show him the email.
"You're amazing. Look. Lenny doesn't do anything same-day." I applaud his approach.
Lex smiles and kisses my forehead. "We'll stop and pick up what we need on the way home."
I smile at his reference to home.
"What's the smile for?"
"You called this place home." I say gleefully.
"Correction. I called wherever you are home. In fact, Kinsey, I want you to consider moving in with me." Lex surprises me with his offer.
"Um, why would I do that? I have my brand new, secured apartment." I tease.
Lex has me figured out. "But I can tell you aren't comfortable here anymore. Am I right?"
I bite my lip. How can he read me so well so soon? "I don't need a hero, Lex."
"Fair, but what about a roommate? I've been with you every night this week. You were even talking about getting furniture I fit on better. Maybe this new place will even have hot water for a shower and a bath per day." He sells it.
"Don't be bougie." I huff. "I can't break my lease."
"Then keep the apartment for now. This can be a trial run and if you hate it, you can move back." He suggests.
"I can't afford two rents. I'm unemployed, if you forgot." I point out.
"I planned on paying rent and utilities already. You just pay for anything over what I have budgeted." He's breaking down my defenses, giving me puppy dog eyes while he counters every excuse I have. "You don't have to answer now, but I want your feedback on the apartment, okay? Consider whether you could you live there."
"It doesn't matter if I could..." He puts a finger to my lips. I scowl against his finger. He leans in and kisses my scowling lips and his finger in-between. I can't help but to smile at his antics.
"You'll give me your feedback?" He asks.
"Yes, fine."
The apartment is only a few hundred square feet bigger than my space, but modern and bright. I especially like the patio space. We also are shown the amenities which include a pool, exercise room, and bookable studio space.
YOU ARE READING
Technically Speaking
Romance*** COMPLETED STORY *** With a rough past that sent her life down an undesired path, Kinsey has made it work. She's in a job she mostly likes and excels in. She's a bit aimless in love, but who doesn't go through a time like that in their lifetime? ...
