Behind the Camera (Love through a Lens, #2)

by Chelsea Curto

“I appreciate the offer, but I can’t afford it. Your rent is probably five times what I pay.” “Who said anything about paying?” Dallas asks, and the right corner of his mouth turns down. “I wouldn’t make you pay to live here.” “Absolutely not.” I try to spin away, but he reaches out and stops me. His large hand curls around the seat so I can’t move, and I huff. “That’s not fair at all.” “Forget the rent for a second. Would you ever consider moving in?” “Yes, but I would never want you to feel like you couldn’t relax in your own home. If I’m here, that might make it difficult for you.” “You’re going to have to give me more context than that, Maven. Are you going to play the drums at midnight or something?” “No.” I blow out a breath and wring my hands together. “I just… I can’t help but notice there aren’t a lot of women in your life.” “No,” he says slowly with a raised eyebrow. “There aren’t.” “I didn’t know if that was because—” I swallow and look anywhere but his face. “If it was by choice.” “It is by choice. I don’t date.” My gaze cuts back over to him. “You don’t?” “No.” “Why not?” “I don’t have any time, and I have a lot on my plate with June. I’m still figuring this parenting thing out, and I don’t want her to ever feel like she’s second to someone else.” “That… that’s a good reason.” I bob my head up and down, and I swear he smirks. “Do you do… other things?”