Jase's arms snaked around my waist and he kissed the side of my head. I could hear the grin in his voice as he asked, "Are you ready to see it, Ari?"
I rolled my eyes but didn't stifle the smile that came. "I've seen it a million times already."
"I know." He replied as he jangled the keys to our new condo, "But this is the first time we've seen it since it was ours. And not since I finished picking everything out for you."
I grinned and turned to kiss him. Our lips met as the elevator dinged, opening to the 34th floor where our own condo apartment in downtown Chicago waited for us. River North. We never thought we'd even be able to buy a home, especially not by age 25, and especially, especially not one like this. But Jase got lucky a few months back and we ended up with a sizable chunk of change in our bank accounts.
As we stepped out of the elevator, I marveled at the sleek, modern design of the hallway. The walls were adorned with abstract art pieces that gave the space an air of sophistication. This was worlds away from the cramped apartment we had shared during college.
Jase led me down the hall, his excitement palpable. He had been obsessing over every detail of this place for months, from the custom kitchen cabinets to the perfect bathroom tile. I knew he had poured his heart into making this condo our dream home.
We finally arrived at our front door, and Jase fumbled for the key, his hands trembling with anticipation. He inserted it into the lock and turned it with a dramatic flourish. The door swung open, revealing our new sanctuary bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun.
I gasped in awe. The place was immaculate. The spacious living room featured floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the cityscape like a work of art. Our furniture had been delivered earlier, and it all looked perfect in its designated spots. The minimalist decor Jase had chosen made the space feel open and inviting.
The living room was a vision of modern elegance. The centerpiece was a plush, charcoal-gray sectional sofa that seemed to beckon us to relax and unwind. It was adorned with an array of throw pillows in varying shades of blue and gray, adding a touch of coziness. A sleek glass coffee table stood before the sofa, featuring minimalist lines that perfectly complemented the contemporary aesthetic of the room.
On the wall opposite the sofa, a large flat-screen TV was mounted, surrounded by a floating media console in a glossy white finish. This was Jase's domain, where he could indulge in his love for gaming and movie nights. The built-in sound system promised an immersive audio experience.
The dining area was adjacent to the living room, separated by an open-concept design that maintained the sense of space. A sleek, glass-topped dining table sat beneath a chic pendant light fixture, casting a warm, ambient glow. The table was surrounded by modern, white leather dining chairs with chrome accents, inviting us to share meals and conversations.
The kitchen, with its gleaming quartz countertops and high-end stainless steel appliances, was a chef's dream. The custom cabinets featured a seamless, handleless design, and the soft-close drawers revealed ample storage space. The backsplash was a mosaic of small, iridescent tiles that added a touch of glamor to the space. A massive island served as both a prep area and a breakfast bar, complete with stylish barstools.
Our bedroom exuded serenity. The king-sized bed was dressed in crisp white linens and a plush, navy blue duvet that contrasted beautifully with the neutral color scheme of the room. Large windows framed by blackout curtains allowed us to control the amount of natural light that filtered in, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep.
In the en-suite bathroom, the luxury continued. The double vanity featured marble countertops and contemporary faucets, while the walk-in shower was enclosed in frameless glass, showcasing the intricate tilework. A deep soaking tub sat beneath a window, offering a tranquil retreat after a long day. The walk-in closet was a spacious haven for our clothes and accessories. Well, mine. Custom-built shelving and hanging space ensured that everything had its place, and a full-length mirror was a convenient addition for those last-minute outfit checks.
Outside of the living room, there was a balcony that looked down onto the river with its reddish bridges and lower riverwalk. My favorite part of the city. Jase had truly picked out the perfect place for us, but I knew that details like this were for me. I'd decided to quit my job now that we'd come into enough money to sustain us for a lifetime, and Jase wanted me to be comfortable at home. More than comfortable. Delighted.
Out on the balcony for the first time, a light summer breeze kissed my cheeks. The balcony had high, thick glass fences that went up to my collarbones, which I strongly preferred to a lower railing. It felt safe and secure with no rattling or squealing or shaking. Right now, the only thing out here was my old striped lounger, which I'd brought to Chicago from Florida back when I was 18 and had kept as a weird sort of keepsake since then.
The glass doors slid open behind me and Jase came out with another fresh smile on his face. I'd loved that smile for years. Whether he was cracking a joke or just happy to be alive in the world, Jase had one of those smiles that went all the way up to his gray eyes, genuine and warm. He was from California -- we'd always bonded over our history with beaches -- and kept up his surfer boy look when he wasn't suited up for work. His shaggy blondish hair was pulled up into a loose bun and his cheeks were freckled from weekends under the sunshine.
Jase slid his hands to my hips and pulled me toward him. His hands roved down to my ass and I giggled against his lips as he kissed me. Half-dancing and half-embracing, he asked against my ear, "Everything you hoped for?"
"And more," I told him honestly. I pressed my lip to his cheek. "I'm so proud of you."
"You know all I've ever wanted is to take care of you the way you deserve."
He was right; that's what he promised in his vows, and that's a huge part of why I married him. I wanted a man who valued me and wanted to protect me. I kissed him harder then, more urgently. My hand trailed from the side of his neck down his chest.
He had his cream linen button-down undone just enough to reveal wisps of chest hair. My hand went to the bulge in his jeans and rubbed gently, happy to find him already half-hard.
In between kisses, he chuckled and asked, "Want to go break in the new bed?"