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dorm with all her clothes scattered around everywhere.
    “Hey, Mick.” She walked over to the bathroom, peeked her head in, and whistled. “Look at you, looking all businessy and sexy.”
    He winked at her in the mirror. “I’ll be gone this morning but will be back before you get off work.”
    “Okay.” She held up the basket. “I have an hour until I have to leave. I’m going to throw my clothes in the washer. You have anything you want washed?”
    “No, go ahead.” He turned, stepped over, and stole a kiss. “Why don’t we grab the rest of the things at your apartment this weekend?” He slipped past her and picked up his keys. “How much longer are you tied up in the lease?”
    “I’m not.” She leaned against the wall. “I had a year’s lease, but it’s expired now. I’m on the month-to-month rental plan from here on out.”
    “Great.” He flipped his keys in the air and caught them. “We can clear the place out and turn in your notice.”
    “Why would I do that?” She set the basket down. “Isn’t it a little early in our relationship to make such a huge permanent decision? What happens if this doesn’t work out between us? It’s not easy finding a place in this city. Plus, I can still make rent and stay here too.”
    Mick frowned. “It will work out, baby.” He shook his head. “Do this for me. It’s important.”
    “Why?”
    He crossed the room, stroked the lengths of her arms, and smiled. “Because it is… I told you, I don’t play games, and I want us to commit one hundred percent to our relationship. You know how I feel about us.”
    She nodded.
    “Okay, then. I’ve got to head on out.” He pecked her lips. “I’ll see you tonight.”
    She remained against the wall after he left. Staring at the empty doorway, she sighed. This wasn’t the first time he had demanded she give up her apartment.
    Pushing off the wall, she bent down and lifted the basket. Not understanding why this seemed so important to him, she went downstairs to throw her laundry in the washer. She’d figure out what to do later.

Chapter Six
     
    “Nathanial, put down the puzzle.” Debbie rushed over and held her hand out. “Thank you, kind sir.” She grinned at the little boy’s giggle. “Now go join the other kids around the circle. Mrs. Mead is going to read another Dr. Seuss book, and I know how you like those.”
    She slid the wooden puzzle board into the proper cubbyhole, tiptoed along the perimeter of the room, and slipped out the door. “Whew! I think half of those kids are still working their Halloween candy off.”
    Her friend Juanita pursed her lips and stared her down. Debbie threw up her hands.
    “What? Do I have finger paint all over my face?” She scrubbed her cheeks with the back of her hand.
    “No, girlfriend, but that mock collar isn’t hiding that love bite on your neck.” The other assistant teacher leaned forward. “You still seeing that old dude?”
    Debbie snorted, sank down to the floor, and leaned against the wall. “Oh, stop it. He’s not that old.”
    “He’s twice your age.” Juanita sat down beside her. “Lordy, girlfriend, you could have anyone you wanted.” She shook her head. “Why saddle yourself with someone who wants to stay at home and tend his garden?”
    “You don’t know Mick at all. He’s not like that.” Debbie sighed. “He completes me. I love the stability, attention, and maturity he brings into my life.”
    “I don’t know,” Juanita scoffed. “Maybe you just need to hop on a plane and go visit your daddy for a little while.”
    “Okay, that wasn’t fair.” She crossed her arms. “Besides, Mom and Dad are living it up, and I wouldn’t dream of slowing them down. They both deserve to travel and enjoy life after putting in all those years raising me.”
    Both of them fell silent. Deb sighed. She didn’t understand the way Juanita judged Mick for his age.
    “Why don’t you like him? Do you see something that I can’t see? He’s