Chapter 194
**Sara**
We stood there for a moment, our conversation hanging in the air like the last notes of a song. Tom ran a hand through his hair, looking down at me with that intense gaze that always made my heart beat.
"How about we go out this evening?" he asked, tilting his head slightly. "After you're done with Claire."
I adjusted the strap of my purse, pretending to consider his offer. "Where exactly would we be going?"
"Haven't planned that far ahead." Tom shrugged, his hands sliding into his pockets. "But I'm sure I can come up with something suitably impressive in the next few hours."
"Alright, plan something. Text me the details, and I'll meet you after I'm done with Claire."
"No faith in my spontaneous planning abilities?" Tom's mock-hurt expression made me snort.
"The last time you were 'spontaneous,' we ended up at that pretentious fusion restaurant where they served microscopic portions on giant plates."
"The food was excellent."
"Tom, they served three peas as an appetizer. Three. Individual. Peas."
"They were expertly seasoned peas."
"They were still just peas." I rolled my eyes, remembering how my stomach had growled the entire way home that night. "And I had to order pizza when I got home."
"Fine. No experimental restaurants. I'll come up with something better."
"Something with actual food portions would be nice."
"What happened to the adventurous Sara who was ready to try new things?"
"She got hungry." I shot back, patting my stomach for emphasis. "Really hungry. And being adventurous doesn't mean I want to spend a fortune on fancy air and artistic plate smears. I'm all for trying new things, but they should at least be substantial enough to qualify as an actual meal."
"Point taken. No more experimental dining experiences."
"Good. Now come on, I need to get home and change before Claire thinks I stood her up."
Tom followed me to the door, "You could always keep some clothes here. Save yourself these morning rushes."
I froze with my hand on the doorknob. "Are you asking me to move in?"
"I believe I already did. Three months ago, if my memory serves me right."
"Oh. Right. When I said, I needed to finish my MBA first."
"And now your MBA is finished." His eyes sparkled with amusement. "Unless there's another degree you're planning to squeeze in before giving me an answer?"
"Maybe a PhD?" I joked, trying to lighten the sudden tension in my chest.
"Don't even think about it. I've waited patiently through your MBA. A PhD might actually kill me."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Trust me, I don't have the time or the energy for a PhD."
"Thank God." Tom exhaled dramatically, pressing a hand to his chest as if he'd narrowly escaped a life-threatening ordeal.
"But I'll think about it," I added, my voice softening. Moving in together was a big step I wasn't entirely sure I was ready for.
"Sure," Tom replied, though his eyes betrayed a glimmer of hope. "No rush."
I opened the door and stepped into the hallway, Tom following close behind. The sunlight streaming through the windows cast long shadows on the floor, creating an intricate dance of light and dark.
"If you really wanted me to move in, you could try bribing me with more than just spontaneous restaurant plans," I said as we made our way to the elevator.
"What would it take to convince you?" He shot me a sideways glance, his curiosity piqued.
"Hmm..." I pretended to ponder for a moment. "Maybe a puppy? Or unlimited access to your credit card?"
"Nice try," Tom laughed. "But I'm not falling for that one."
"Can't blame a girl for trying." I shrugged, grinning.
"Well, you can't have my credit card." Tom pressed the elevator button. "But you can have me instead."
I burst out laughing. "That has to be the cheesiest line you've ever used."
"I'm serious." He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. "Full package deal. One slightly used professor comes with terrible jokes and questionable restaurant choices."
"Slightly used?" I raised an eyebrow. "Should I be concerned about previous owners?"
"Nah, just some minor wear and tear. Still runs pretty well." He winked. "Plus, I come with a lifetime warranty."
The elevator dinged, and we stepped inside. "A warranty? What exactly does that cover?"
"The usual. Emotional support, back rubs, morning coffee..." He pressed the lobby button. "Though I should warn you about the fine print."
"There's always fine print."
"Includes mandatory cuddling sessions and random acts of affection. Non-negotiable terms."
I pretended to consider this carefully. "And what about the maintenance costs?"
"Just your time and attention. Maybe the occasional ego boost."
"Sounds expensive."
"Worth every second." The elevator stopped, doors sliding open. "So, what do you say? Ready to sign on the dotted line?"
I stepped out into the lobby, shaking my head at his ridiculousness. "I'll think about it. Need to read through all that fine print first. Make sure there aren't any hidden clauses."
"Take your time." Tom followed me out. "But remember, it's a limited-time offer."
"Oh really?" I turned to face him. "When does this amazing deal expire?"
He checked an imaginary watch. "Let's see... never. But early birds get extra benefits."
"I'll keep that in mind." I couldn't help but smile at his antics. "For now, I need to focus on this job hunt. One life-changing decision at a time."
"Fair enough." He pulled out his car keys. "Ready to head home?"
"Yeah, thanks for making the 'slightly used professor' offer. I'll think about it soon."
"Soon?" His eyes lit up.
"Soon." I nodded, trying to keep a straight face. "Just need to check your Kelley Blue Book value first."
Tom's laughter echoed through the lobby as we headed toward his car, and I couldn't help but join in. Sometimes, the best answers came wrapped in jokes, even when the question was deadly serious.
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