Chapter 26

Twenty-Six

Neo

One Month Later

Early May

I wasan emotional wreck in the best way. When I told Merc about Heaven Can Wait, I wasn't expecting him to bring me here. But he had… and it was just as beautiful as it was on social media. Merc rented all four king suites. There were lounge areas in every room along with fireplaces. There was a home theater, jacuzzi, and infinity pool that overlooked the ocean. We even had a private beach. I was truly in awe of such a beautiful creation.

We'd just finished our catered breakfast which was phenomenal. Even though I was supposed to be getting dressed so we could start our day, all I could do was stare out into the beautiful view. At the feel of Merc's arms wrapping around me from behind, I melted against him.

"Is it as beautiful as you thought it would be?" he asked.

"Even more. And the fact that I get to share it with you makes it all the more perfect. Thank you for bringing me here, baby."

"You're welcome. I figured a beautiful moment of telling you that I love you for the first time and asking you to commit to me deserved a beautiful scenery."

Turning in his arms, my mouth hung open until I smiled. With a giggle, I wrapped my arms around him.

"I love you too, and I would love to commit to you, Mercury."

"Good. Not that you had much of a choice." Between his teasing tone and playful smile, I couldn't help but laugh.

"You really brought me all the way across the world to tell me you love me and ask me to be your woman? I can't wait to see what you do when you ask a woman to be your wife."

Merc licked his lips before placing a kiss on mine. "Give me about six months to a year, and you'll find out."

Two Weeks Later

I didn't wantto get my hopes up, so I kept my excitement down. Merc was confident that I'd like the building Cooper recommended for my store. It had been torture not being open, but I was serious about taking my time and finding the right building. I wanted something that would not only be great for my inventory but for events as well.

"Aight, so this building is in a safer location than your last store…"

"Which means it's going to be more expensive," I interrupted him to say.

He chuckled and bobbed his head. "Yeah, but I think it's worth it."

"Mhm," I said, making him laugh again.

I'd planned to get a loan to help continue to build my credit. I was in the mid-700s which I was very proud of. When I did decide to move, my options would be limitless. Getting a loan would also allow me to keep the money I'd saved to put toward traveling and my move.

Still, I trusted Merc. I told him what I was looking for and what I wanted to spend comfortably, so I didn't think he'd have me getting excited about something I wouldn't be able to afford.

When we arrived in front of the building, I couldn't deny how impressed I was. It was a large red brick building. It was in Cordova. Some parts of Cordova were starting to go down, but not this area. It was still safe and filled with lots of stores and restaurants that could lead to traffic for my store.

We got out of his car and spoke to Cooper who congratulated me in advance because he was sure I'd like what I saw.

I did.

The building had three levels.

Merc suggested I used the second level for the store, the first level for events, and the third level as my apartment.

It was so perfect I wanted to cry.

"Baby, I love this, but there's no way I can afford it. I don't want to spend more than forty-five hundred a month."

"What if I told you that you only had to pay me with your love." His arms wrapped around me, and he gave me a soft, tender kiss.

With a moan, I wrapped my arms around his neck. "Although I love the sound of that, I'm not sure that's how real estate works."

Merc gave me a sexy chuckle and licked his lips. "That's how it works when ya man buys you this building." A clipped whimper escaped me as my head shook. "And before you tell me no, the building will be in your name. It's all yours. Regardless of what happens between us, no one will ever be able to take your store away from you again."

Running my tongue over my teeth didn't stop my tears from falling.

"Neo," he said softly, and that only made me cry harder. "Baby." Merc chuckled as he picked me up and held me close. "Why you cryin'?"

"Why are you doing this for me?"

"Because I love you." He kissed my tears away. "You're my woman, soon my wife. That makes you my responsibility, and I'm going to always make sure you have everything you want and need."

Resting my forehead against his as I sniffled, I rubbed my hand down the back of his head.

"I can really have this?"

"You can really have this."

"Thank you, baby, it's perfect." Cupping his cheeks, I pecked his lips until he smiled. "You're perfect."

"No, I'm not, far from it, but I am perfect for you."

Our lips connected again, and I kissed him until my excitement and happiness surged and released as a laugh. Merc put me down, and I looked at each level all over again. Now that I knew it was mine, the space was brighter and filled with even more potential. Already, ideas were pouring over how I could utilize the event space. I didn't think Merc could do anything to top taking me to South Africa to ask me to be his, but gifting me this perfect building for my store came close. And the crazy thing was, I felt nothing that I did when Steven did the same thing.

This felt pure.

This felt right.

This felt like unconditional love.