Sophia - #1 in the ice series

A couple of days later, Wade and Sophia decide to talk a walk around their neighborhood, which they haven't done yet weirdly enough since they barely leave the apartment. They take bolt with them and he meets new dog friends.

"God forbid Florida has this nice weather year-round." Wade sighs.

Sophia nods. "Yeah, I know right? I've lived here all my life and I have yet to get used to it."

Wade looks around and gets an idea. "So, speaking of living here. You have any plans later today?"

She looks at him confused. "Uhm, that has nothing to do with living here. But I don't. Why?"

"Why don't I take you to lunch before we go around Davis Islands and South Tampa to look at open houses? Find something we like? Or you know just looking for fun?" Wade suggests trying to keep his cool but he was definitely nervous until he saw Sophia's eyes light up.

She couldn't believe what she just heard but in the best way possible. She felt like Bolt when he gets snacks. "Really? You mean it?"

"Yeah, why not? The apartment is getting cramped with all your stuff finally there and bolt needs more room as he gets bigger too plus, I think we're ready for this." He tells her. "And more rooms to have sex in."

Sophia laughs. She knows that's true. "Okay, let's do it. But I need to change first."

"Of course, M'lady."

They go back to the apartment and change into fresh clothes and out of their pajamas. Wade takes her to her favorite restaurant where she gets a spicy chicken sandwich and a milkshake while he gets a salad and water. He's still on a strict diet because of hockey.

While they eat, they try to find properties they like. 3 bed, 3 baths, a pool, big backyard, open space... "Wade, we can only afford so much, you know? South Tampa isn't cheap. Seeing all these prices makes me reconsider the apartment for a while longer."

"What do you mean?"

"Aren't we paying this together?"

Wade shrugs. "I can pay the full price whatever we get and you know that. And I don't want to exclude you out of this because you might kill me if I do. It will be our home so, since I can afford it and it will help us in the long run, I will pay for the house, and we can split bills and you don't need to pay me back, okay? Consider this another part of your graduation gift"

Sophia taps her fingers against the table thinking about it. It's a good deal and she wouldn't have to worry since she's still paying off college. But he also gave her his old car. Not like he needs it, but still. "I pay 70% and you pay 30% of the bills, okay?"

"Only for 2 years then it goes 50/50."

"Wade."

"Sophia." He mocks.

"You aren't compromising."

"Sophia, please let me do this for you. It makes me feel good and as long as I get to be with you and make you happy, that's all I need. I've seen you look at houses online and you won't shut up about Marie's. I know you want this and I want it to. So please, let me do this. I promise after this, I calm down." Wade tries to convince her but Sophia still feels bad.

She taps her fingers more. "I also pay for Bolt."

"I agreed to that when we got him. A big white house. With a view of the water. Come on, baby, what do you say?" He grabs her hand so she stops tapping. "That at-home gym you've always wanted but that you'll never use."

"Are you still trying to convince me?"

He laughs but ignores the comment. "Please. You can make it up to me any way you want just no money. I have us covered."