Page 36 of Just My Luck

“It’s really hard to know what to bring.” She tucked her arm in mine as we stepped out onto the sidewalk, which was covered with fresh snow. It was just a dusting, but the air had a bite to it, and Nova tucked her body next to mine. “If Kit invites us to another party, I’ll need a few more cocktail dresses than last time. Plus, I need business attire, something that is in no way provocative.”

I smiled. “But the cocktail dresses can be?”

“Should be,” she corrected. “Now do you see my dilemma?” I chuckled. “Oh, it’s really easy for you men. I mean, pack a couple suits, some dress pants, ties, and nice shirts, then your toiletry items, and you’re done.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

“You suppose? Have you ever tried putting five different pairs of heels, three pairs of flats, and at least one pair of walking shoes into two small bags? Besides the shoes, you need several cocktail dresses, which can’t arrive wrinkled, along with dress pants, skirts, shirts, and all your undergarments. Oh, and don’t get me started on all the hair and makeup products I have to squish into my bags as well.” She rolled her eyes.

I thought for a moment. “What if I put all my things into one bag and carried another bag with your shoes in it?”

She stopped walking and looked at me for a moment. “You’d… do that?”

“Sure, why not?”

She lifted on her toes and kissed me. “You are my hero.”

I wrapped my arms around her and enjoyed her lips running over mine.

When we got home, I realized that, without making it official in any way, Nova had moved in with me. Her shoes were by the door in the shoe rack. Her coats hung by mine in the mud room.

Over the years, the three-bedroom place had undergone a few changes. Now things were more organized than ever before. Nova had a knack for making spaces for everything. It wasn’t as if she’d moved out of her small apartment, not yet, but there were signs she was staying here at least five nights a week.

I kept thinking about our living situations as we watched a game and ate dinner. By the time we had moved into the bedroom to pack, I was determined to ask Nova to make the move permanent.

When we had our four bags completely packed, her things in the three largest of them and my things in my normal carry-on bag, I finally got up enough courage to ask her.

“What do you say to moving in here when we get back from this trip?”

She blinked at me a few times. “My things are already here.”

“I mean, fully, permanently.”

Her smile was slow at first. “You mean, get rid of my apartment?”

I nodded as she moved closer to me. “Move in with me, officially.” I brushed my lips across hers.

“Okay.” She laughed and held onto me. “When we get back, you can help me move the rest of my things here.”

“We should tell your folks,” I suggested.

She let out a soft groan. “Dad is going to want you to get security cameras and new locks on your doors.”

“Okay,” I said easily. I knew Brian Clark’s love for his daughter ran to security. After all, the man ran a very successful business selling security hardware. Hell, I had one of his security cameras at my front door. I could do with a few more around the place.

“He’s going to demand we purchase the elite package,” she warned, and I laughed. “I only got a pass because I was living in an approved building.”

“I know your dad’s quirks,” I said, rubbing her arm. “I have known the man for as long as I’ve known you.” I kissed her.

“Mom’s going to want to help me repaint every room in this place. Besides her normal job, she fancies herself an interior-decorating genius.”

I groaned. “Just talk her out of pinks or pastel colors.”

“Deal.” She smiled and kissed me again.

Chapter 13

Nova