I’m struck silent by his offer. We are moving way too fast. Aren’t we? “What about your parents?”

Gabe waves a hand, irritated. “Fuck them. Sorry Luce, but I’m so sick of having to answer to them. They can kiss my ass. It’s my life. They can’t control me any longer.”

His parents believe Gabe’s relationship with me is a phase. I try my best to not be offended. He’s given up trying to explain to them because as he told me recently, it’s like talking to a brick wall.

I hate that they don’t approve but at least Sydney is on our side. And Mama. Who would’ve thought she’d be so dazzled by Gabe when she first met him? Certainly not me, considering I thought she was immune to all men. I took him to meet her two weeks ago and they hit it off. She never mentioned Satan once the entire time we were there.

But she might freak out over me moving in with a guy, even if it is her newfound love Gabe. Because we are so moving way too fast, I just know it. “Are you sure you want me to move in with you?”

He nods. “More sure of this than anything I’ve ever done before.” His hands slip down my arms, rubbing them gently. “I love you, babe. I want you with me. Always.”

Oh. He says things like that and I’m powerless to resist.

“Okay.” I nod, my mind already a whirl with all the things I need to do. “It won’t be until winter break. I’ll have to give notice at my apartment. And I’ll have to pack up some stuff and put in storage I guess? Since we both have furniture…”

“Bring whatever you want, I have room,” he reassures, giving my arms a squeeze.

“And how much do you want me to pay in rent?”

He gives me a little shake, his expression stern. “You won’t pay rent. I refuse to take your money.”

“But Gabe…”

“No,” he cuts me off. “You struggle enough. I own the house free and clear. I don’t want you to pay me anything. Save whatever you can for tuition, okay? That’s more important.”

I tackle hug him so hard I nearly knock him on his ass. His arms come around me and hold me close as he chuckles close to my ear. “I guess that’s a yes then?”

“Definitely a yes.” I squeeze him tight and close my eyes. “Thank you,” I whisper into his neck. “I love you.”

“Love you, too.” The easy way he says the words makes my heart sing. “I bet Shep is going to call me a copycat.”

I pull away to stare up at him. “Why?”

“He had Jade move in with him just like this and wouldn’t let her pay rent either. She’s an average working girl with the single mama, just like you.”

Right. We do have that in common. In fact, Jade got me a part time job at Light My Fire, the candle shop she works at. It’s enough hours to supplement my income with the hours I lost at The Shack. “I guess you and Shep like working girls,” I tease him as I lean in for another kiss.

He delivers, his warm lips lingering on mine before he speaks. “We do. You’re both practical and you keep us in line.”

“You need it,” I whisper.

“You know it,” he says against my lips before he kisses me again.

I so do.