“You found the bathroom. If you keep going my bedroom is to the left. To the right is my office and a few spare bedrooms along with my home gym.”
She peeked into the rooms, then halted. “A library?”
“Damn right.”
“So you’re definitely a reader.”
“Most definitely.”
She munched as she peered at the spines of my books. Every few books, she tipped one out to read the back before tucking it back in. Finally she took one out fully. “Stealing this one.”
“Borrowing?”
She grinned. “Probably stealing.”
I pulled down a little metal press and opened the book to slip the first page into the press, then handed it back.
Lifting the cover, she laughed. “Library of Tate B. Reynolds.”
“Molly got it for me for Christmas last year.”
She closed the book and tucked it close to her chest. “You and Molly are close.”
“Yeah. Molly was the only one who didn’t move out of Haven after high school.”
“How come?”
“She thought she was going to do the mom thing, but she and Jake couldn’t have kids. They tried for years. The stress of it even broke them up.”
“Jake Norris?”
“That’s the one. He moved to Vermont to coach football. Molly worked for the school in the business office, but it was too hard on her. When I hit the lottery, I knew she’d be the one to help me.”
“More like you helped each other.” She patted my chest. “You’re a good man, Tate.” Then she left the room and went across the hall toward my room.
I wasn’t sure getting her near my bedroom was good for my peace of mind. I followed her out and down the hallway.
When I got to my open door, I found the book she’d snagged sitting on the console table. “Amber?”
“In here.”
I swore under my breath when I heard the water running.
My bedroom had a large en suite bath. Being six foot four meant I needed space, but my muscles also took a beating getting this endeavor off the ground. I spared no expense in the bathroom.
“Do you want some privacy?”
“Nope.”
“Shit.” I stared at my feet and closed my eyes.
“Get in here, Tate.”
The massive soaker tub was steaming as it filled. I hesitantly crossed the threshold and swallowed hard when I saw herstriped socks on the floor, followed by her pants tossed on the hamper. When I looked up my Nickelback shirt came at my face.
I caught it reflexively and whatever breath in my lungs dispersed as Amber slid into the water, pulling bubbles over her breasts.
“We have an hour to kill while the ramen base simmers.”
