Passionate Love Every Day

15

The next morning, Brandon brought me breakfast. I had spent the morning looking at listings for a new apartment, and he noticed.

He frowned, clearly not happy about it. "Why not just stay here?"

Earlier, I had already received a message from Maria. She kept insisting that I settle in, saying things like, "We're going to be family soon anyway, don't be shy."

But I don't like feeling indebted to people.

Brandon seemed to guess what I was thinking. His lips curved into a slight smile. "If it makes you uncomfortable, you can pay rent. Same as what you were paying before. The apartment's just sitting empty anyway, so if you move in, I can at least make a little off it.

"The security here is top-notch."

I was starting to waver. Sensing my hesitation, he continued his pitch. "Look, it's super close to the office. You could roll out of bed at 8:30 and still make it to work by 9.

"There's also a ton of great food nearby. And if you don't feel like going out, delivery is just a few minutes away."

I finally gave in.

The place I'd been renting was pretty far from downtown, and I paid about $1,000 a month. I offered Brandon $2,000 for this place—still a great deal, considering the amenities and location. He protested at first but eventually gave in.

Brandon helped me move in quickly—almost as if he was worried I'd change my mind. By the end of the day, I was all settled.

In my mind, a boss had always seemed like a distant, imposing figure. I never imagined living next door to him would feel so... normal.

Brandon would often bring me food, and I'd return the favor from time to time. It became this fun little exchange, like opening mystery boxes every time.

16

One evening, I was trying to enjoy dinner, but "enjoy" was a stretch. As much as I love good food, I'd gotten tired of the nearby takeout options. And let's be honest—my own cooking wasn't anything to brag about.

As I was heading back to my apartment with some takeout, I ran into Brandon in the elevator. He was carrying groceries. We greeted each other casually.

During winter break, he had been helping me with my thesis, and we'd grown a bit closer. I'd even stopped calling him "boss" and started referring to him as Brandon since he insisted he wasn't the typical serious, stiff boss.

In the elevator, his eyes suddenly fixed on me a little too intensely. "Emily, I bought too many groceries. Want to come over for dinner? It'll just go to waste otherwise."

I hesitated for a moment.

Before I could even think of a response, he added, "If you don't say anything, I'll take that as a yes. Go relax for a bit. I'll call you when it's ready."

"But..." I lifted the takeout bag I was holding as if to say I already had dinner.

"Save it for a midnight snack," he replied, leaving me no choice.

Clearly, there was no getting out of this dinner.

Not wanting to just sit around, I hurried over to his place, eager to help with the cooking.

But Brandon quickly shooed me out of the kitchen. "One cook is more than enough in this kitchen.

"Go sit on the couch and relax."

17

"Well?" He raised an eyebrow, looking slightly nervous.

I remembered a joke my professor once told us. A poet, who had never seen the ocean, was completely overwhelmed when he finally laid eyes on it. Staring at its vastness, he exclaimed, "Wow, the ocean is f***ing huge!"

And just like that poet, I couldn't help but blurt out, "This is f***ing delicious!"

Brandon tilted his head, letting out a few low laughs. He rested his chin on his hand and looked at me. "So, are we considering sharing a meal then?

"It's hard to cook for one person without wasting food.

"Two people is just right."

My stomach was already doing backflips, and without thinking, I agreed. "Sure! We can split the cost of the ingredients, but I'll pitch in when it comes time to cook."

Brandon nodded.

18

After work, Brandon and I headed to the grocery store together. As we walked in, I heard some rustling from the bathroom.

I froze in panic. "Did someone break into your place?"

Before I could finish, a shirtless guy wrapped in a towel walked out of the bathroom, the towel slipping slightly as he dried his hair. "Why do I hear a girl's voice coming from your room?"

Brandon quickly pulled me closer, catching me off guard. I stumbled into his embrace, my breath hitching as his warm breath tickled my neck.

"Put on some clothes," he called out, tossing a potato at the guy while keeping his tone cool.

"Come on, Brandon! I just got out of the shower! Wait... is there really a girl here?"

The guy turned back to get dressed, and I hurriedly stepped out of Brandon's arms.