Page 112 of Needed You

“Come here,” I tell him, pulling him over so his head is on my chest. I rub his back gently, and he breathes a soft sigh.

Eventually, Dare starts to quietly tell me about his interview today with Julian’s business partner. There’s a childlike excitement to his voice, and I can tell he smiles from time to time as he talks. His fingers move mindlessly up and down my abs, and I’m in this sort of post-sex bliss as I listen.

He seems to find a peace in knowing that this thing with Julian’s business could really work out, and I tell him several times how proud I am of him. We eventually let sleep overtake us, and although we roll over a few times throughout the night, we wake still in one another’s arms.

Chapter 55

Darian

Igot the job. Holy shit. I got the job! Not only is it the job, but they want to offer me an actual full-time job straight off instead of just a contract role. I would have benefits and steady pay.

I’m shaking as I thank Julian and Brian and tell them that I’ll look over the terms and let them know for sure what my decision is within the next day or two. I already know that I’m going to accept it, but I don’t want to seem too eager. It may be dumb, but that’s what comes out of my mouth, so I go with it.

After hanging up the call on my computer, I slam my laptop lid shut and spin in my chair, pumping my fist in the air.

“HELL YEAH!!” I shout. Unless the paperwork is telling me I have to cut my fingers off, I’m taking it. I just need to read it to be sure.

I immediately reopen my laptop to see if they’ve emailed me yet. Okay, maybe I’m a little excited. Nothing is there, so I grab my phone and send a text to the most important person in my life.

Me: Hey! You free?

I pace my room as the bubbles fold and open a few times.

Lev: Hey yourself. I can be free for you. What’s up?

My heart flutters as I type out my next message.

Me: Can I call you?

Lev: Call me.

I hit the call button and listen to the phone ring just once before he picks up.

“Hey, little lycan. What’s going on?”

I take a deep breath and try not to explode. “I got the job!! They’re sending over the agreement shortly.”

“Holy shit, Dare! That’s amazing. Congratulations, baby. I’m so proud of you. This is awesome news!”

I laugh as joy takes over. “It’s . . . Oh my god, Lev. It’s huge.”

I can hear him smiling as he says, “This is great. I’m so happy for you. Let’s celebrate tonight.”

My mind is in overdrive. “Okay. That sounds good. I am—” An email comes through on my computer, interrupting me. “Oh shit! They sent the information. Imma go and see what’s up.”

Lev chuckles. “Okay, lycan. Go. I’ll call you later. I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks! I love you!” I sit back down at the desk, clicking on the email and then opening the contract.

“I love you, too.” Lev’s voice is deep and sends a shudder down my spine.

The phone disconnects, and I pull it from my ear and set it down on the desk by my computer as I dive in and read the contract and agreement. It’s better than I even expected it to be. The hours are flexible enough that I can keep up some of my side contracts if I want, but the pay is high enough that I could just let them go and focus solely on this job and these designs. I can’t stop the smile that continues to spread on my face.

When I finish reading through the contract, I don’t even hesitate. I pick up the phone and call the real estate lawyer Ryan recommended for me.

I spend quite some time on the phone with the attorney. He knows my parents, but he is truly a good man, and I’m confident he’ll be able to keep their working relationship separate from mine. After I explain to him that I want to buy the house, he asks me a bunch of questions. We talk about why I want to do it, if I know what my parents’ plans are for selling it, and if I have the financial capability to buy it.

I share that I want to own it permanently and that they’ve said they are going to sell just after the new year. We talk more financials, and I send him over some of my bank statements, showing my sizeable savings account. He glances over everything quickly and confirms what all my research has shown—that I shouldn’t have any trouble affording it as long as my parents are willing to sell it to me.