by Alexa Riley
“When do you have to go back?”
“I can leave any time.” She sits up straighter and looks around. “Do you need me to go?”
“No!” I say, too loudly and too quickly. “No, sorry, that’s not what I meant. I’m working on a case with my sister and staying at her place.”
“She’s a lawyer too?”
“Yeah, we have a firm together.” She asks me a bunch of questions about work and I wonder if it’s because she doesn’t want to discuss what happened at her place. I get it, but I need to follow up with the detective I put on this and see what he was able to find out.
“Thanks for stocking up the refrigerator for me,” she says as she leans back in her chair and picks at a few half-empty boxes.
“How do you know I did that for you?” I smile as I use my chopsticks to dig into a vegetable lo mein.
“Because the first time I was here there was only coffee and an old jar of pickles in the back of the fridge. I assumed you did that for me, but maybe I was on the end of your yearly grocery store visit?”
“Are you teasing me, Erin?” When I say her name her cheeks flush, and she looks away.
“Maybe.”
“What do you do?” I want to know everything about her.
“That’s a mystery to myself right now too.” She shrugs and I sit back and wait. “I finished college with a degree in graphic design last semester and now I either need to get a master’s in it or find a job.”
“And have you decided?”
“I know that I’m not going to do my masters there. Grams is here and I have nothing left for me where I was. I want to be close to her, so for right now I’m going to move this way and hopefully figure out my next step.”
I don’t realize I’m holding my breath until I let it go. “So you’re moving here?”
“Yeah, I guess that’s the plan. I have to see about breaking my lease and what that’s going to cost me. I also have to look at places here and find one that’s comparable in price to what I had before.”
“There’s a vacant apartment in this building,” I offer as I pick at the label on my beer bottle.
“I think this place is out of my price range.”
“It’s not,” I blurt out, and then she laughs at me.
“You don’t even know what my price range is.”
“Let me show you the place first and then we can talk about the price.”
“I’m not sure I want to fall in love with something and then not be able to have it.”
Her words have a direct hit on my chest and they hang heavy between us. Does it feel that way to her now?
“How long do you have until you have to go back to your place?”
She shrugs. “I don’t think I can put it off too long. I need to get my things and talk to my landlord. It’s going to be a pain in the ass, but I can’t avoid it forever.”
“You’re welcome to stay here as long as you need.”
“This place is pretty incredible, you know that, right?”
I smile and nod. “I bought it for the bathtub.”
“You’re joking.” She sits up and looks at me with wide eyes. “Tell me you’re not serious.”
“Oh, I am. I’m a man who loves a good soak at the end of the workday.”
“For some reason I can’t picture you in a bathtub.” Her eyes travel down my body and then she quickly blushes again. Is it always so easy to tell when she’s turned on?
“Oh, picture it, baby. Candles lit, soft music, bubbles everywhere.”
“Bubbles?” She’s laughing and I love the sound of it.
“Hey, I like to treat myself.” I watch her for a second and just enjoy that she’s happy. “It’s not like I’ve got much else in my life besides work.”
“My grams said you work too much.”
“I do,” I agree and lean forward on my elbows. “I love what I do, but I’m building something I want to last. Security for those I love is important to me.”
“I like that.”
She stretches her legs out beside her and my eyes travel up the length of her bare skin. I clench my hands together to keep from reaching out and touching her, but the urge won’t go away.
“I like this,” I finally say as I force myself to sit back, desperate to put distance between us. “Dinner with you has been nice, and I’d like to do it again.”
She nods and for a second she doesn’t answer as she takes a sip of wine. “But only if you give me a hair tie back.”
“Never.” I smile and she does the same.
“I guess I’m just going to shed all over your perfect pristine home.”
“I wish you would. It will remind me you’re here.”
“You mean long after I’m gone?”
I shrug, unwilling to think of a time when she won’t be in my space. “What’s your favorite movie?”
“I don’t know.” She looks caught off-guard but I need to change the subject. “I have so many. Maybe I could pick based on a genre, like favorite comedy or favorite scary movie.”
“Okay, start with that.”
We talk for a long time about movies and then move to music. At some point we clean up dinner while we’re discussing the benefits of live concerts versus seeing them on screen and eventually we make it to the living room. We talk for a long time and one subject leads us to the next and we never run out of things to say. We both get more and more relaxed the longer we talk and by the time I realize it’s really late and going into early morning, I’m on the couch facing her while she’s leaned back with her feet stretched out toward me.
Her cheeks are rosy, possibly from the wine, as she tells me about all the pets she’s had. She’s telling me about a dog she recently adopted named Moose that’s next door at her grandmother's place and I graze my thumb over the top of her toes.
“Why didn’t you bring him over here?”
She stops talking and watches me touch her toes before she swallows and then smiles. “This doesn’t look like a pet friendly place to me.”
“It is,” I say simply and keep rubbing her toes.
I want to rub all of her, but I’ve just been enjoying the sound of her voice and her adorable stories.
“Maybe I’ll let you meet him.”
“Are you playing hard to get?” I look up at her and grin and that’s all it takes to send her cheeks into overdrive. “I should go.”
Suddenly her smile falls and she looks around as if realizing what time it is. “Already?”
“It’s almost one.” Saying the time really has nothing to do with how I feel, but I have to leave now or I might not be able to control myself.
With one last touch down the side of her bare foot, I place my beer on the coffee table and stand up. When she starts to move, I hold my hand out to stop her.
“No, don’t get up. You look perfect just like this.” I move in closer and place one hand on the back of the couch as I hover over her. “I’d like to see you tomorrow.”
She nods as she licks her lips. “I’d like that too.”
“Then it’s a date.”
I lean down and before I can stop myself I place a kiss on her cheek. I linger there and inhale her sweet scent, the one I can’t get enough of. I close my eyes and enjoy the feel of her warm cheek against mine and take my time. It’s not enough and I crave more, but this will do for tonight. I will sleep with her inside my lungs and that’s more than I had last night.
“Goodnight, Erin,” I whisper, and then I’m moving to the door before I can change my mind.
Leaving her might be the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.
Chapter Eleven
Erin
“No one makes breakfast better than you, Grams.” I take another bite of my omelet as I sneak Moose a sausage link under the table. Grams tops off my coffee and then hers before joining me at the table.
“It’s nice to have someone to cook for.” She takes a sip of her coffee as she watches me. I look down at my plate and keep e
ating, trying not to fidget in my seat. Why does it suddenly feel like I’m back in high school?
“So,” she says, and I look back up at her. She’s staring at me with an expectant expression.
“So?”
“I had a good time last night,” she finally says.
“Maybe next time I’ll come. Although I’m not sure I can keep up with your dance moves.”
“Have you ever gone dancing?” She gives me a skeptical look.
“No,” I laugh. “I went to a few campus parties, but they were so packed no one could dance in there. They sway while everyone is crammed up against each other.” I shiver thinking about it.
“And you went to this party.”
“By ‘went’ I mean I went and promptly changed my mind. I’m claustrophobic.” Or I am after seeing that.
“Right.” She sets her cup down. “I didn't get home until one in the morning.” She lets out a fake yawn. Crap. There it is.
“And up so early making breakfast?” I take another bite of my eggs. “A really good one too. The best.” She narrows her eyes on me, but I keep eating.
“Spill it,” she orders when I don’t break under her stare.
“Of course I can take you on a walk, Moose.” I start to get up from my chair, but she stops me with a look.
“You sit that ass back down in the chair, sugar.” I do as she says and take my seat. “I saw him leaving. He was all smiles as he headed out of his place at the exact time I was coming home.”
“It is his place,” I point out. “He had to get some files.”
“That’s funny because he wasn't carrying anything when he left.”
“I guess he forgot them?” He said he was coming by for them and it’s possible he really had forgotten them. It was late and I hope it’s not something he might need.
“So he popped in to grab some files really quick and then didn't grab them?”
“Are you a cop or something?”
Grams chuckles. “I would have made a damn fine one.”
“I have no doubt about that.” I pick up my now empty plate and carry it over to the dishwasher.
“Fine. If you don’t want to talk about it I can wait.” She lets out the longest sigh in history, letting me know she doesn't really want to wait.
“How's the spare room coming along?” I change the subject, unsure if I want to talk about Devin to anyone. It’s so new and I don’t know what’s happening. I just know I don’t want to get ahead of myself.
“A work in progress.” Sounds a lot like my life.
“What are you doing in there? It’s a bedroom, don’t you throw some paint up and add an area rug?”
“You know me.” She shrugs as she stands to put her cup in the dishwasher.
“Yeah, I know you. You like to get things done and get them done yesterday.” I look toward the hallway.
“Greatness can’t be rushed.”
“So you’re not going to show me?”
“Nope. It’s a mess in there with dust everywhere. Nails and whatnot thrown around. These workers are a hot mess.” She wiggles her eyebrows, making me laugh.
“Fine.” I grab my cup and finish off my coffee. “I’m taking Moose for another walk. It’s nice out.”
“Have fun. Those workers should be here soon and I’m going to whip them into shape.”
“Are they always this late?” I put Moose's leash on him.
“Are you a cop now?”
I look back to the hallway and wonder what the hell is going on in that guest room. “Maybe it’s better I don’t know what’s going on in there.” I kiss Grams on the cheek before taking Moose out.
I take my jacket off when I get outside because it’s so nice out. I walk toward the park but don’t venture too far, knowing Moose is only here to do his business and get back home to his doggie bed. I moved it over to Devin’s this morning while Grams made us breakfast.
“Are you ready to see your new home?” I pet his head. “We need to brush you.” I know Devin said Moose could come over, but I’m not sure he knows what he’s getting into. Moose isn't a lap dog, even if he thinks he is. He’s not too far from outweighing me and he sheds more hair in one day than I could in my whole life. Maybe I should have told Devin those things too.
The doorman holds the door open for me as we enter the building. “I’m Erin.” I introduce myself and then point to my dog. “And this big guy is Moose.”
“Carol.” He takes my hand and shakes it. “You’re Betty’s granddaughter.” He gives Moose a pet on top of his head and smiles.
“The one and only.” His eyes wrinkle around the sides and I like how kind he looks.
“She’s a gem. She brings this building to life.”
“I have no doubt,” I laugh, stepping inside so he can let go of the door. “I was meaning to ask, I heard there’s an empty apartment here available for rental? Is there a chance I can steal a peek?” I know Devin said he’d show me, but he’s a busy man. I’m not going to ask Grams because it might get her hopes up.
Carol gives me a confused look. “No, not that I’m aware of. When a spot opens up the next person on the waitlist is contacted.”
“Waitlist? This place is that popular?” Damn. It is breathtaking and in a great location, so I get it.
“Yeah, it can be anywhere from a year to three.”
“Wow.” Disappointment wells in me and it sucks. Maybe it’s for the best because if there’s a waitlist, there’s no way I can afford this place. “Thanks for the information.” I wave my hand a little as I walk toward the elevator.
“I guess we’ll have to find somewhere else to live,” I tell Moose as I open the door to Devin’s. “At least I know you don’t need a yard since you hate the outside.” Moose pokes his head into Devin’s place tentatively at first, then he takes off running. The leash slips free of my hand and I chase after him down the hallway into the master suite.
“Moose!” I shout after him and then come to a sliding halt in the bedroom. Moose’s legs are sticking up in the air and his tongue is hanging out of his mouth as he lies in the center of the bed. “You have a dog bed,” I remind him. “A big nice one too.” He doesn't move. “You’re a brat.” He rolls back over, looking up at me, and I swear he’s smiling. “A cute brat but still a brat.”
I fall back onto the bed next to him and he places his head on my stomach. “Don’t get comfortable.”
I don’t know if I’m talking to Moose or myself.
Chapter Twelve
Erin
Moose lies on the sofa and watches me pace in the living room. It’s a little before noon and I’m still debating what I should do. Moose is having the time of his life like he was made to live like this.
“You think I should go?” I ask him, and he tilts his head to the side, making his ears flop. “You’re not being helpful.” He barks then lays his head back down. “So you think I should go.” I pick up the folders I found by the front door and wonder if Devin meant to take them with him but forgot.
“I should go. I can leave them at the front desk of his office. I’m sure there’s someone that works the front desk.”
I found one of his business cards and it had the address to his firm on it. I tried calling the number on the card, but it went straight to voicemail. That’s because he’s in a very important meeting and needs these files. This is the nice neighborly thing to do. Or crazy, but I push that thought down.
I drag my last bag into the master bedroom to find something to wear. I pull out my silver flats and then my favorite petal-pink dress. It’s finally warm enough that I can wear it, so I get dressed and brush my hair. I decide to put a little makeup on just in case I run into him when I’m dropping it off. I want to look nice because God knows he always does.
I grab my purse and the files and leave Moose snoring away on the sofa, oblivious to the fact that I’m leaving.
“You look nice.” I let out a small scream as I pull the key out of the door. “Grams, you sca
red the crap out of me.”
“I can see that.” She walks over toward me. “You sure you’re okay? You’re a little jumpy.”
I let out a breath and smile. “I think I am. I guess I’m a little on edge and didn’t realize it.”
“You’ll feel back to normal in a few days, I’m sure.” She kisses my cheek and then goes back to her place. “Where are you off to?” she asks, unlocking her door.
“Umm.” She turns back to look at me as she pushes her door open.
“Did you forget?” I hit the button on the elevator and it opens.
“Just running some errands.” I hop on to the elevator and push the button for the bottom floor.
“Forgetfulness happens when you're crushing after someone,” Grams throws out as the elevator doors close, making me laugh. I think she might be right.
Carol gets a cab for me and gives the driver Devin’s address. I think he knows whose it is because he tries to hide his knowing smirk. I hold the folders, wondering if this is a bad idea. Devin is going to think I’m a stalker, or he could think I’m super sweet and helpful.
The taxi rolls to a stop in front of a giant building, and I know Grams said he owns their building, but does he own this one too? Devin doesn't come off like some stuffy millionaire, but what do I know?
I step out of the cab, look up at the building, and decide he might be a billionaire. “Here goes nothing,” I mumble to myself as I make my way inside. Three security guards stand behind an expansive desk, watching me.
“Can we help you?” one asks.
“I’m looking for Devin?” It comes out like a question.
“Devin?” he asks right back, and my mind blanks on his last name.
“Meade!” That was the name of the firm on the card. “Sorry,” I say, realizing I shouted it and now I want to die.
“Do you have an appointment, miss?” He reaches for the radio on his belt.
“No, I’m only dropping something off.” I hold up the folders. “He forgot these and I thought he might need them.”
“I can’t let you upstairs for security reasons, but I can take the folders for you.” He holds his hand out and I start to hand them over but change my mind.