Page 104 of He Knows When You're Awake

My heart stutters. “Cole, what—”

“Open it.” His voice is soft but insistent.

With trembling fingers, I lift the lid. Nestled inside is a key. I look up at him, unspoken questions in my eyes.

“It’s to my place,” he explains. “I want you to have it. I want...” He takes a breath. “Your collection is complete. New Year’s isalmost here. And we have never actually discussed what’s next. I want you to officially move in. Not because of a contract. But by choice. Both of our choices.”

Emotions clog my throat. This man—this strong, brave, cinnamon roll–loving man—is offering me more than just access to his apartment. He’s offering me a future. A partnership in every sense of the word.

I slide my hand into his, the key pressed between our palms. “Cole, I... I don’t know what to say.”

He smiles softly. “You don’t have to say anything right now. I know it’s a big step. I just wanted you to know where I stand. Where I hope we’re heading.”

I nod, blinking back the sudden dampness in my eyes. “Can I... can I think about it?”

“Of course.” He squeezes my hand. “Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.”

I drink some more of my Bloody Mary, the spice and the vodka bolstering my courage. I set the glass down with a decisive clink.

“Okay, I’ve thought about it.”

Cole raises an eyebrow, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “That was quick.”

“What can I say? I’m a decisive woman.” I lean forward, my eyes locked on his. “Yes, Cole Asher. Yes, I will move in with you.”

His grin could light up the entire restaurant. “You’re sure? You don’t need more time to consider the pros and cons? Make a list? Sleep on it?”

I shake my head, laughing. “Nope. I’m sure. Completely, utterly, one hundred percent sure.”

“Well then.” He lifts his coffee mug in a toast. “To new beginnings and quick decisions.”

The rest of the meal passes in a blur of warm smiles, sharedbites, and the occasional brush of fingers. By the time we step outside, the snow has stopped, leaving the city blanketed in white.

Cole tucks me into his side as we walk, his arm a solid warmth around me. “So, what’s the verdict on this new Christmas tradition of ours?”

I lean into him, smiling. “I think it’s a keeper. Though next year, I vote we skip the life-threatening situations leading up to it.”

He chuckles. “Deal.” His car pulls up and he assists me inside. “I have someplace to take you. I want to show you your Christmas present.”

As if on cue, a sleek black car pulls up to the curb. Cole opens the door, assisting me into the plush leather interior before sliding in beside me. He leans forward to murmur something to the driver before settling back, his hand finding mine.

I tilt my head, curiosity piqued. “Where are we going? I thought we were heading home.”

An enigmatic smile plays at his lips. “I have someplace I want to take you first. Call it one of your many Christmas presents.”

I raise an eyebrow. “I think I’ve had my fill of surprises for the next twenty-four hours, Cole. Between Russian mercenaries and unexpected house guests, I’m not sure my heart can take much more excitement.”

He chuckles, bringing our joined hands to his lips for a quick kiss. “I promise, this surprise involves significantly less adrenaline. Trust me.”

“Always.” The word comes without hesitation, without doubt.

As the city lights blur past the windows, I allow my mind to wander, trying to puzzle out our destination. A new restaurant? A private art showing? With Cole, the possibilities are endless.

Twenty minutes later, we’re pulling up to a building I’ve passed a hundred times—one of those gorgeous old industrial conversionswith huge windows and exposed brick. Cole leads me inside, and I’m immediately struck by the light. Even in the early morning, it floods the space, catching on pristine white walls and gleaming hardwood floors.

“What is this?”

“This”—he pulls a set of keys from his pocket—“is your new atelier.”