Goodbye Saintess (by Edelweiss W.S.) novel Chapter 17

“How do you know my name?” I asked as I shook her hand. Her familiarity threw me off.

“My mom rented my apartment to you. Of course I looked up who was moving in.” She gave me a quick once–over, eyes sparkling. “Didn’t expect you to be this handsome, though.”

She flashed a dazzling smile and kept hold of my hand longer than necessary. “And thanks again for getting me out of that mess earlier. Now you know who really owns this place, don’t you?”

“Alright, alright, I get it.” I gave a nervous chuckle, gently pulled my hand back, and eyed her warily. “Ms. McKay, I know you’re the legal owner now, but your mom and I already signed a lease. That gives me tenancy rights. And the deed didn’t transfer until after the contract was signed. Not to mention, I just saved you from a stalker-

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Before I could finish, she fluttered her lashes and grinned. “Wait a second, Mr. Gritwald. Are you saying you thought I came here to kick you out?”

I stared at her. She didn’t have much with her–just a single bag–and she didn’t look like she was moving in. She looked like she was settling in. What else could she be here for if not to evict me?

“Of course I’m not here to evict you. I’m moving in too.” Claire giggled.

“You can think of me as your gorgeous landlady or your gorgeous roommate.” She paused, smirking. “Whichever you prefer. But the ‘gorgeous‘ part? Non–negotiable.”

I blinked. “Hold on. You’re moving in?”

“Mm–hmm.” She nodded. “And to make up for the surprise, your rent’s now half–off. No utilities, either. Sounds like a sweet deal, right?”

She stepped a little closer, her voice low and teasing. “Think it over, handsome.”

“Uh…”

She wasn’t joking. I saw it in her eyes. This was real. But it was a two–bedroom apartment with one bathroom. Just the two of us? That was bound to get awkward.

Before I finished the thought, she closed the distance and gently lifted my chin with her fingers.

“What’s the matter? Not your type?” she asked, her voice silky with flirtation.

Something shifted in me then, just enough to make me take a step back. What was with this mother–daughter duo? Did they talk like this to everyone?

I sighed inwardly. “It’s not that I mind. If you’re fine with it, then so am I.”

‘I mean, come on. I’m a grown man. What reason would I have to say no to a co–ed living arrangement?‘

Besides, I didn’t want to spend another day packing and hauling boxes. I actually liked this place–aside from the eccentric landlady. And with Claire moving in, maybe her mom would stay out of it.

If I was being honest, Claire was definitely an upgrade. And it was the middle of the night. That guy from earlier might still be lurking around. It wasn’t safe for her to head out on her own.

As such, letting her stay wasn’t the worst idea.

Claire beamed. “Great. Sleep tight, then.”

She strolled past me with a cheerful laugh and a trail of perfume. She knew her way around. Without hesitation, she chose the bedroom without my luggage and claimed it. Just before closing the door, she turned and gave me a playful wave with one finger.

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Chapter 18