Vacant By Choice Novels & Stories

Kaelen asked softly. "If you do, you walk out of this penthouse a free man," Vance replied, his hazel eyes locked onto Kaelen’s face with terrifying focus. "My thirty-day contract becomes void. You get your independence, untouched by Arthur, untouched by Julian... and completely free of me." Vance stepped back, leaning against the edge of the desk, crossing his arms over his chest. He made no move to stop Kaelen. He offered no threats. He simply gave Kaelen a complete, unadulterated choice.

"You read my journal." "The one you hid poorly. Yes." He stood, moved toward her, maintaining the distance that was also intimacy. "You lied to me, Avery. You told me it was Phase Two, the dare, the framework. But it wasn't. It was—" He stopped, the word sticking, the admission that cost him. "It was choice. Real choice. The expansion I said I wanted for you." "And?"

“Most people don’t offer to stay with strangers.” “We’re not strangers. We’re colleagues.” He stood, picking up his tablet. “Think about it. Let me know by Thursday. If you say no, no hard feelings.” He turned and left before she could answer. Vanessa spent Wednesday viewing three flats. They were all too expensive, too dirty, or required six-month leases. One had a broken lock. Another had mold. The third was a 20 minute bus ride from campus.

Chad says and he looks out the window. “Probably the realtor,” I replied to him. “We kind of need keys to get into these beautiful homes.” Guys really don’t think with their heads do they? “Totally makes sense,” he replied. “Which one is ours?” I glance across from our home and look at the two vacancies. “You can pick between those two.” “Really?” Joe is in awe. “This is definitely an upgrade from our condo!” “Just pull into the lot over there next to our house.” I point into the direction of the vacant lot that was purchased as well. I’ve been thinking a lot about what to do with this land. My dreams, my secrets, it’ll come to life one day.