Page 25 of Singled Out
Before we got to the steps to the house, I stopped and tugged at his tuxedo-clad arm. “In case I forget to say it later, thank you.”
His lips caught my attention as they eased upward at the corners. “You already thanked me.”
“That was for going to the gala. This is for going inside Naomi’s with me and offering a place to stay.”
“That guy’s not stable. I wouldn’t leave you alone there.”
He peered down at me, as if to make it clear he meant every word. His eyes were intense. Compassionate. And beyond handsome. My God, I felt that look deep inside of me.
I searched for something to say that would lighten the moment, but I was tired. I couldn’t quite get my brain to work enough to be witty.
For three weighted-with-potential seconds, we gazed at each other in the low light.
There was an undeniable physical pull between us, not just now but all evening. One that, in a different situation, another lifetime, I might pursue for a night or five.
We’d agreed though, one date only, and I fell back on that, relieved the question had been preaddressed and closed. No chance of anything developing between me and Max Dawson.
We broke eye contact, and with a gentle nudge at my back, he guided me up to the door and inside.
“Shh,” he whispered into my ear, sending a shiver through me. He pointed to our left as we entered. “Danny’s bedroom is right there.”
We passed it and entered the kitchen, dimly lit by three pendant lights over an island. The kitchen opened to the living area. The entire exterior wall was windows and French doors I was sure overlooked the lake.
The living room was casual, homey, with a large cream-colored sectional covered in blue, cream, and beige throw pillows, a big, square coffee table, and a stone fireplace flanked by built-in shelves. The ceiling was raised, with exposed beams in warm wood. In the corner, I spotted a blue toy box with a stuffed giraffe hanging halfway out of it.
“Do you want something to eat?” Max asked.
I shook my head. “I’m exhausted.” I couldn’t wait to collapse in private. If I was lucky, I’d be unconscious in thirty seconds.
“I’ll show you to your room.”
Still carrying my backpack, Max led me down the stairs, through another family room, and down a hall. At the end was a cozy bedroom with one white ship-lap wall, a plush-looking queen bed, and a restful palette of soft whites and grays with pops of lime. There were windows on two walls, plus a door to the outside.
“Bathroom is there.” Max pointed to a door in the hall we’d just walked by, then set my bag on the armchair in the corner. “Help yourself to anything, including the kitchen if you decide you’re hungry.”
“I won’t, but thank you, Max. This looks so peaceful I could live in here.”
“For as long as you need to,” he said.
“Oh, I didn’t mean that for real. It’s just…perfect.” I cut myself off, hoping to end the conversation faster. Pressure was building in my throat and behind my eyes.
“Good night, Harper.”
“Night.” I managed a smile and watched him duck out of the room, closing the door after him.
I sank to the bed, inhaling deeply and hearing the shakiness when I exhaled.
I might be alone finally, but I continued to fight off tears. Crying was exhausting. Also, I wasn’t sure I’d ever stop if I started.
I hopped back up and dug out the boxers and tank I’d packed to sleep in.
Once I had my pajamas on, I took my toothbrush to the bathroom. It was decorated in navy and lime, I noted, thinking that was a happy color combination. Tonight the colors didn’t make me feel happy.
Back in the bedroom, with all the lights off, I crawled under the cool, fluffy bedding, noting the complete silence.
Less than two minutes later, I bolted back up, unable to stand that silence.
I went to the outside door and peeked between the blinds. There was a patio directly outside, then a gentle slope down to the dark lake.