Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
I chuckled and dug into my pocket. I had also stopped by the general store this morning and had Mack, Brett’s dad, cut me an extra set of keys. I handed them to her. “Here. These are yours.”
“But-but I haven’t signed anything!”
I waved off her concern. “It’s fine.”
“No, really. I should sign something.”
I pointed to the chair beside my desk. “Sit down, then.”
I typed in the website I knew about and printed off the same form I signed with Brett. It was standard and simple. I scribbled in the rent amount and crossed off a few things and handed it to her. “Here. Read this and sign.”
She looked at it, a cute furrow appearing between her brows. “Um, you said a thousand plus utilities. This says includes.”
“Except phone. I only have my cell. If you want a landline, you pay for it. But yes, all in.”
“Why?”
I blew out a deep breath. “I didn’t say anything on Saturday since it wasn’t official, but I bought the house, so I’m the new landlord. That is my rate. Now, sign.”
“You bought the house?”
“Yep.”
She was out of her chair fast and threw her arms around my neck. She pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Congratulations!”
Without thought, I wrapped my arms around her, hugging her close. She was small and warm, and she smelled incredible. Like flowers. As she bent over me, her hair fell around us, and I was lost in a curtain of red-gold tresses. I dared to fist the back of her hair, feeling the softness.
She eased back, and I released her, already feeling the regret.
“So,” she teased. “Does this mean you can approve my paint colors?”
“I guess so.”
She spread out some swatches. “This one for my room, I think. And I was thinking the living room would look great in this sort of taupe.”
“I thought that was brown.”
She chuckled. “It’s sorta both.”
“I like it.” I sat back with a grin. “I’m kinda relieved it’s not pink.”
She shook her head. “I’m not much into pink on the walls.”
“Good to know.”
“Okay. I’ll go see how these look in the rooms.”
I tapped another strip of colors. “What is that one?”
“It’s called Misty Moors. You like it?”
“I was wondering if I should paint my room, you know, while we’re at it.”
“It’s a great color.”
“Okay. Get whatever you need. Keep the bill, and I’ll repay you.” I held up my hand before she could argue. “I can write it off under house expenses.”
She stood, then leaned down and pressed another kiss to my cheek. “Thanks, Chase.”
“Sure,” I mumbled.
A throat clearing from the door made me shut my eyes. I knew the sound of that rumble. I opened my eyes and met Charly’s amused, all-seeing, all-knowing gaze. She grinned widely.
“Hello, Hannah.”
“Hey, Charly. I was just leaving. Gotta run some errands.” Hannah smiled at me. “I’ll let you know about the paint, okay?”
“Okay.”
She left, and I tried to act nonchalant.
“Hey, Charly. What’s up?”
“Oh no,” she replied. “You’re not playing innocent with me. I walk in, and you’re all cozy with Hannah and picking paint samples. And you bought a house? I think you and I need a chat, Chase.”
She shut the door, and I knew no wasn’t an option.
I turned to face my fate.
CHAPTER FOUR
Chase
Charly sat in the chair Hannah had vacated, crossing her legs and smiling her sweet smile. The innocuous one that gave you a false sense of security. Until she opened her mouth to speak.
“So, you’ve been busy.”
I didn’t say anything.
“On Friday, you left here, hoping to find a roommate, refusing to listen to reason about buying the house—any house, actually—and now Monday morning dawns, and not only have you got a new roomie, you purchased the house and are picking paint colors with said roomie. The girl of your no doubt torrid nocturnal fantasies, I might add.” She lifted one eyebrow in question. “Have I got that about right?”
I cleared my throat, suddenly wishing an engine would catch fire or the oil cans on the wall would begin to explode and distract her, but all remained calm in the garage. And none of the bastards would dare come in here and rescue me. Not if it involved Charly. Even Maxx wouldn’t attempt it.
“Things changed,” I agreed.
She snorted. “Changed? Talk about doing a 180, Chase! What happened?”
I met her eyes and found the Charly I adored there. Caring, warm, and worried. She had always worried about me. She had been my staunchest defender, even when she could have turned me away for what I had done.
I sighed and yanked off my beanie, running a hand through my hair. “Honest to God, Charly. I have no idea. Some of the applicants were downright scary. One even tried propositioning me so she wouldn’t have to do anything around the place. Another guy wanted to grow drugs in the basement. I was about to give up, and Hannah showed up. She was like a miracle. Normal, fun. Has a full-time job. And…” I waved my fingers. “It was Hannah. She wanted to live with me.”