Page 15 of Beautiful Noise

As I passed his room, curiosity almost had me peeking inside. I paused just at the door, arms resting at my sides as my fingers curled and uncurled into my palms. I had no business invading his privacy…

Any more than I already had by taking up residency in his home.

But…

I couldn’t help myself. I inched closer, standing instantly still to make sure there wasn’t any movement coming from inside before I gently placed my hand on the handle and pushed just enough to get a good peek.

I gasped at the sea of brown skin that expanded across cream, cotton sheets. The contrast was temptingly appealing as my eyes roamed the massive, muscled figure lying face down on the bed. Broad shoulders, a tapered waist, and muscled thighs were what caught my attention.

His beautiful brown skin was artfully decorated with tasteful creations of ink. The left side of his body, from the neck extending down his shoulder and arm, was covered in musical notes. Whatever the song was created a full sleeve of sharp black lines. It was beautiful and hard not to enjoy the visual.

But I snapped out of my lustful haze once that same arm lifted and was forcefully shoved under the pillow where his head rested. I blinked several times and froze while he settled again, now facing the door, but his lids remained closed, exposing dark lashes. Not overexaggerated but still a contrast to the ruggedness of his facial structure.

Quietly, I stepped back, pulling the door with me.

This was definitely going to be torture. The man was a work of art. One I wanted to study closely until I had a full understanding of what made him so beautifully artful.

Not creepy at all, Kori.

Once I reached the kitchen, I decided a sub would suffice. I removed all of the ingredients I needed and began crafting an award-worthy sub that had my stomach growling and mouth watering. Gwendolyn had not only had groceries delivered but she’d selected some pretty good pickings. There was no way in hell I could work my way through all she’d had delivered in one weekend, which led me to believe she fully intended for me to stay beyond that time or she was anticipating her son’s return.

Ha!

This was a set up. Why I wasn’t sure, but there was no way she hadn’t known her son was not coming in next week, but the exact day she’d discovered I was squatting in his home.

The thought had me dialing her number with a frown in place and she answered with a cheery disposition.

“I see you and my son came to an agreement.”

“You set me up?”

“How so, dear?”

“I can’t help but feel that you knew exactly when your son was returning even though you alluded to him being away for a while. Either way, you knew and wanted me here.”

“Guilty. However, things seem to be working out, no?”

I snorted at the thought as my eyes drifted in the direction of where his bedroom was located.

“Not exactly. I’m sure he cursed me for a few hours but he didn’t call the cops or throw me out.”

Gwendolyn laughed lightly. “He will do no such thing because that would mean dealing with me and I assure you, he doesn’t want to be on my bad side.”

I found myself grinning. Eccentric in all his six foot plus glory was afraid of his mother with her barely five-foot self. I could see his dilemma. She was very sassy and had a no-nonsense demeanor. Gwendolyn wasn’t the type of woman you told no.

“I still don’t understand why you’re going out on a limb for me. I’m grateful. I truly am. I just…”

“Listen dear, things don’t always have to make sense. Our role is to accept the blessings granted andI’myour blessing.”

“I guess you’re right, but whereas you’re my blessing, I’m your son’s nightmare.”

She tsked. “Ezren will be just fine. I have a feeling you are exactly what he needs in his life.”

“So then you letting me staywasintentional?” I frowned.

“Of course dear, but not in the way you’re thinking. I’m not playing matchmaker, however, I wouldn’t be upset if the two of you did hit it off. You’re a far more suitable option than those no last name women he seems to favor.” She released a sigh. “My goal was only to see to it that you didn’t get yourself arrested squatting at another residence where the owners weren’t as understanding of your situation. I also think Ezren could use a bit of normalcy in his life.”

“You think me setting up shop inhishome withouthispermission is normal?”