Jonathan stops at a red light and reaches behind his seat, grabbing a file folder for me. Inside are three house listings.

"You're shopping for a house?!" I gasp, my wide eyed gaze flickering between the pricy listings and his crooked grin.

"We're shopping for a house," he contests with a ghost of a smirk. "I already had it narrowed down to these three before I got into town, but my time table got moved up."

"Sorry," I blurt out, realizing my lease was at fault. "I should have-"

"Izzy breathe," he chuckles, cutting me off. "I was getting the house before you came along. This is the perfect motivation to get it done now instead of living at the hotel for three weeks."

I quickly scan the listings, there's one condo, one split level ranch and a two story brick house with sprawling gardens. I can't help but notice the note written on the condo saying 'last resort.'

"Not a fan of condos?" I ask as my curiosity gets the best of me.

"I've lived in them before... locations are usually handy, but I prefer privacy, which they tend to lack," he replies matter-of-factly. "And you?"

"I've always wanted a house but my bank account tells me apartments," I reply awkwardly.

"Well that settles that," he says with a wink and takes the condo listing, crumples it and tosses it in the back. "What about those two?"

Both houses are lovely. The ranch has that classic suburban feel and is on a generous double lot. The two story brick house on the other hand has that quaint country feel, with a wrap around porch, and sprawling landscape. Both are similar in square footage, bedrooms and bathroom.

"They're both nice," I say with a shrug.

"The ranch first?" He says and I just nod.

Crowded doesn't accurately sum up how many people are at the first house for it's open house. The realtor instantly latches on to Jonathan giving him the guided tour.

He asks my opinions on a few things along the way but I'm of little help. This place dwarfs my old apartment and is so much nicer with it's hardwood floors and floor to ceiling windows. The vaulted ceilings and modern style make it feel sterile and in turn makes me feel small.

After completing the tour, Jonathan politely thanks the realtor and excuses himself. Without a second look he leads us out and back to the SUV.

Pulling up to the second house is a completely different experience. There are far fewer people at this open house which shocks me.

Pictures don't do it justice, the winding driveway that leads up to the house is framed by large majestic trees and the house itself screams welcome with its warm brown bricks and slate roof.

The inside couldn't be more different then the ranch. Walking through the front door you enter a large living room with a beautiful gas fireplace and hardwood floors. To the right is an open concept kitchen with a dream island and state of the art appliances.

Like the last place the relator quickly latched onto Jonathan, eager to show him the best points and make his commission. I trail my fingers across the rich granite countertops and smile at the thought of working in such a beautiful kitchen.

"Izzy," I hear him call from upstairs.

I head up and peak my head in the first two bedrooms. Both are spacious with hardwood floors and big windows letting plenty of natural light in.

The third bedroom is where I find them. It's equally as nice and has French doors opening up to a balcony overlooking the backyard. I can't help my shock at how beautiful this place is.

"Judging by the look on your face I'd say we have a winner," he teases with a crooked grin. I drop my gaze, instantly feeling my cheeks heat. "Do you even want to see the master bedroom? Or should I just write the cheque now?"

"This isn't it?!" I blurt out, snapping my eyes to his to see if he was joking.

"This way Mrs. Fletcher," the realtor says, gesturing for me to follow. I open my mouth to correct him but the look from Jonathan shuts me down on the spot.

The master bedroom is bigger than my entire apartment. Very similar to the other rooms on a grander scale with double French doors once again opening onto a spacious balcony. Sunlight streaming through a skylight catches my attention.

"Take a look around, they're closing the open house down, but there's some paperwork I need to take care of," Jonathan says before heading out.

I make my way outside and wander around the backyard. There's a quaint patio at the bottom of the covered porch surrounded by gardens, and plenty of mature trees for privacy.

"Well, I have good news and bad news," Jonathan says, walking down the steps with his hands in his pocket. He moves with such ease, exuding  confidence but never cocky.

"I just signed the paperwork for immediate possession, but the cleaners will need a full day... meaning it will be 24-48 hours before we can move in," he says gauging my reaction.

"That's fast though, isn't it?" I ask, stunned by the speed of it.

"It is, but you'll have to spend a night or two with me at the hotel," he says cautiously.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to put you out, I can-"

"Izzy stop," he cuts me off mid meltdown. "You aren't putting me out one bit, I just don't want you thinking I'm trying to force you into anything or being uncomfortable."

Was I?

So far Jonathan has been like a guardian angel, coming into my life just when I needed him to. He's been far kinder and understanding then I would have ever expected.

"I'm not," I whisper, half to myself before bringing my eyes up to his. "Uncomfortable that is... if anything, quite the opposite, you have a very calming presence..."

He smiles at my admission and I feel my cheeks burn. He's practically a stranger but Anne knows him and he feels...safe.

"Well in that case," he says sticking his elbow out for me. "I think this calls for celebration. Dinner, anywhere you want to go!"

I hook arm tentatively with his and look up at him trying to get a read on him. Jonathan is calm and relaxed as always, wearing an easy smile.

"And what are we celebrating Sir?" I ask quietly.

"A fresh start," he replies, patting my arm and leading us back through the house.

His words make me smile as a spark of hope blooms in me.