Hayden kept me entertained with a running commentary the entire drive, asking for my opinion yet never actually giving me time to answer. Eventually I settled on just smiling at the showcase of her personality - perfectly charmed.

With a serious look she advised me of my plans for the week, "I have a soccer game on Thursday afternoon", a finger wag emerging as she explained "I expect you in the front row. Maybe with a sign to wave around as you cheer me on!", and "It's not like you have a job you'll have to be at anyway."

We were on our way to look at the third townhouse, the first two having not passed Hayden's inspection.

We had been out of the car for all of five minutes at the first apartment before she had dragged me back to the car, "I don't like it, Gray." she had informed me in all seriousness.

I noted how I didn't get a say in the matter, yet had wisely kept my mouth shut - having already earned a withering glare for a comment about her driving.

The second apartment we hadn't even got out, Hayden simply glancing out the windshield before turning around, muttering, "Nothing like the pictures."

Her maturity and determination impressed me, a stack of folded pages hastily stuffed into her purse had revealed a long list of both houses for lease and apartments.

I was content to allow her to lead the way, knowing money wasn't an issue. For nearly a decade my money had accumulated in a saving's account, steadily growing over time as it remained untouched for the most part.

As we slowly drove down Scenic Road, hugging the edge of the escarpment, Hayden turned to offer me a smile. "I have a good feeling about this one!"

Her enthusiasm was contagious, my smile mirroring her own.

"Just be careful backing up if you don't like it," I advised, head nodding towards the steep incline to our left. "Would be a shame to have survived the war only to have your driving take me out."

"Keep up the sass and I might just do it on purpose!" She retorted, grinning unabashadley.

"Don't threaten me with a good time,"

"Such a negative Nancy."

Any response I may have had was halted as Hayden pulled to a stop in a small parking lot, a row of townhouses occupying the far side as they sat overlooking the escarpment.

"Definitely have a good feeling about this one," Hayden said once more as she pushed open her door.

I followed her, mesmerized by the grace in which she moved. She was like that of a ballerina; back perfectly straight, her neck long and slender, a lightness on her feet that made her appear as if she were floating.

A blonde woman stood at the curb leading up to the second unit from the right - her smile warm and welcoming as she moved to meet us.

"Morning," Hayden said as we came together. "Candice, right?"

"Yes. And you must be Hayden," The woman answered, reaching out to shake Hayden's hand. Turning towards me, "And you?"

"Grayson," I answered, accepting her hand with a quick shake.

"Well you two are absolutely adorable!" The woman gushed. "How long have you two been together?"

Her eyes darted between Hayden and I expectantly - waiting.

"Uh, we-"

"It will be four years in October," Hayden interrupted, hugging herself against my arm.

I glanced down at her, pale green eyes just daring me to argue.

"I'm hoping he will get around to proposing once he's done taking his sweet time." She admonished, her face morphing into a frown - displaying mock anger.

Showcasing my impressive verbal linguistics once again, I replied, "Uh,"

Candice rescued me from having to speak further, saying, "I don't know if you saw on the site, but the rent is $1650 a month. Utilities are not included." She advised, talking slowly as if to lessen the impact. "Though hydro, on average, is roughly $30 a month."

"Is there any noise through the units?" I asked, my gaze swinging left and right as I surveyed my would be neighbors.

"They were originally built in the late fifties - so the units are divided by cement and concrete. In the seven years I've been managing these rentals I haven't had any noise complaints... Although there may be noise on the deck as all we have is wooden partitions to offer privacy."

With a nod I listened as Hayden ran through a long list of questions which Candice, in all her patience, dutifully answered. She appeared far more prepared than I was with the prospect of home-ownership - even if it was only a rental. Once more I was reminded how lucky I was to have ran into her the previous day. I'd have been lost otherwise. Undoubtedly so. I imagined I'd likely have been willing to settle for the first place I saw regardless of it being the right fit or not.

"Well I won't hover. If either of you have any more questions just let me know. I'll be here."

With a smile and my thanks, I allowed Hayden to lead me into the house with a tug of my hand.

The entire main floor of the town house was spacious; an open concept kitchen leading into the living room - ceramic tiling transitioning into hardwood flooring where the two rooms met. Wide panel windows spanning the breadth of the far wall filled the room with sunlight, the deck clearly visible outside.

I could imagine a sectional pressed against the wall, facing a large television that would dominate the smaller wall which enclosed the staircase.

Hayden must have had similar notions, a finger pointing as she listed off ideas which mirrored my own. "A coffee table here with a large rug tucked underneath to make it more cozy", and "Some artwork to break up all these plain walls. Maybe abstract or modern?"

I merely nodded in response to her question, not knowing in the slightest what either word meant in regards to art.

"Maybe a giant neon Live, Love, Laugh sign instead?"

My question earned me an almost pained look, "And I thought I was basic. Shame on you."

Ignoring her jab, I asked "The prospect of spending all my money is enticing, is it not?"

Her smile was unrepentant, "And this girl has expensive tastes."

The basement was unfinished, the four walls the same bland colored cement that covered the floor. The one wall was covered entirely with custom made shelving, while a pristine washer and dryer sat in the corner looking out of place.

It looked as if the room's only use would be that of doing laundry and storage. Something I had no qualms with.

The upstairs bathroom was narrow; a bathtub/shower combo filling nearly all of the small space, while the toilet sat beside the sink, a vanity mirror sitting on a small ledge above.

"I won't have much room to fit all my stuff," Hayden mused as she peered around me, a contemplative look upon her face.

"Oh?" I asked. "Is this not going to be my house?"

"Yeah, but after those pancakes this morning it might be worth spending the night occasionally."

Her words, the meaning, weren't lost on me. Visions immediately assaulted me - her lush hair spanning the breadth of my pillow as her parted lips moaned my name. I could only imagine how warm and tight she would be as she sheathed me over and over - her softness contrasting with my own hardness as I fucked her hard and raw or slow and tender.

As if sensing my inner thoughts, her smirk grew. The enjoyment she got out of teasing me mercilessly definitely had its downsides as I felt my cock lengthen, my jeans suddenly feeling far too constrictive.

Not giving in to her, allowing her to gain any ground, I answered flatly "You'd be so lucky."

My answer didn't deter her in the slightest, her eyes conveying an awareness that nearly made me gulp. "Sure,"

---

I let out a soft sigh as I leaned against the railing, enjoying the view that was laid out before me.

Even from where I stood I could hear the soft gurgling of a stream, the splashing of water upon rocks from a nearby waterfall. The scent of pines filled my lungs with every inhale - a smile coming naturally to my face.

"You like it, don't you?"

I turned towards Hayden, noting the pleased expression she wore.

It suited her.

"I really do," I answered honestly, patting the railing beside me - beckoning her closer.

Her smile grew as she practically skipped over to my side.

I slid my arm around her shoulder, the act feeling natural. Her sigh was heartfelt as she leaned against me, both of us content to enjoy the silence as we admired the scenery together.

It felt as if Hayden was breathing life back into my very being. With every word uttered, every smile she graced me with, the shadows shrunk around the edges of my tortured psyche.

I didn't know how long it would last. It never did - the ebb and flow of my depression as constant as the ocean tides. Yet I was content to grab on to the happiness I felt at the moment with all of my being. If my depression were to pry it from me, it would have to rip it from my grasp.

For now I would cherish it, no matter how long it lasted.

Being only four inches shorter than my five-eleven, the frizzy strands cast off by Hayden's ponytail tickled my cheek as the wind blew steadily. It carried the scent of her shampoo, mingling with her own natural fragrance.

It was intoxicating - pure female.

I longed to nuzzle my nose across the crown of her head, to draw her deep into my lungs. Instead I simply settled to pull her closer, a half hug.

"What was that for?" She asked, jade eyes turning upwards to peer at me.

With a shrug, "I just needed it."

"Kay,"

She turned back away, my gaze following her own as I enjoyed the sight laid before me.

The faint sound of the morning traffic along the Alexander Graham Bell Parkway could be heard, a truck horn rising above all else. My gaze traveled further north, noting McMaster hospital as it sat above the residential area that encompassed it.

Even further north, Burlington Bay stretched out into Lake Ontario, the dark blue of the water glimmering in the sunlight even from here.

"I wonder what my boyfriend would think if he saw me right now," Hayden mused, her voice a mere whisper as she broke the silence between us.

My mood darkened in an instant, a scowl displacing the smile that had lingered since I had awoken.

Jealousy rushed in; shoving away any of the happiness I had felt prior, overwhelming it with an all encompassing viciousness.

Like that of a caveman, the more primal aspects of my being flitted to the surface. Visions of caving in this unknown man's face with nothing more than a rock and my fists filled my mind, my frown growing grim.

I felt off kilter - my tenuous control of my emotions threatening to snap.

Hayden must have felt my body stiffen, my hands threatening to clench into fists even where my one arm still hung loosely around her shoulder.

I could feel her gaze upon me even as I struggled not to meet it - afraid of what she might see within my eyes.

I was surprised when I did finally cave, meeting her gaze only to recognize the teasing glint within their swirling depths once more. Her lips curved slightly upwards with the ghost of a smirk.

I felt like I had been had.

"You don't have a boyfriend, do you?"

She shook her head side to side slowly, eyes never once leaving mine. "Nope."

"That was really rotten," I complained, my features softening in response to her confession even as my eyes remained narrowed. The jealousy I had felt mere moments ago still unsettled me - something I knew I would have to ponder later.

A sigh bubbled up from within her once more as she leaned against me further, cheek pressing against my chest.

"Maybe," She whispered softly. "But I wanted to see how you'd react."