“We can do that.” He motions to two of his guys, who immediately begin to get to work. One pulls out a tape measure while the other yanks it to the other end.
“Then . . .” I wave for him to follow me, “in this living area, we’re going to have some tables but only for people to stand. We also need to decide where the food table should go. We’re going to have some waiters walking around, but I want somewhere for the guests to pick for themselves if need be. We’ll also have to set up a bar. Now, that could also be outside, I suppose.” We make our way over to the wall of windows.
“The patio here might be a good place,” he offers.
“I agree, but again, we need to measure it all out, and I can do some modeling to see where it’ll fit best.” I snap my fingers as I remember something. “The caterer would also like the dimensions of the kitchen.” I lead the way to show him where that is. It’s almost behind the stairs, hidden away where no one would see the entry, but then there’s a door into the dining room. Again, all very hidden. “That way, they can figure out their layout for smooth serving.”
“So, basically measure everything down here?”
“Except the bathroom.” I give him an appreciative smile. “No one is going to be allowed upstairs, so no need to worry about that part. Just get everything down here measured, and we’ll be good to go.”
“Do you want me to sketch it out?”
“What do you mean?”
“Sketch out the layout of what’s already here. I could do something up quickly while my guys measure. Then you’ll know where everything is now and what you’re moving out. I can give you just the base dimensions and then the sketch.”
“That would be fantastic.”
I hadn’t thought about that since we’ll be moving almost everything out. The basement has plenty of storage, and then the movers will bring everything back up once we’re done. We’ll leave the place looking the way we found it, but having the layout might come in handy.
This is why I surround myself with the best possible people. I get some accolades for running the charity and these events, but I couldn’t do it without my staff. They’re the real MVPs.
“I thought I heard your heels smacking against the tile.” Keenan’s voice brings me to a resounding stop. Mostly because he’s surprised me.
I was hoping to see him while I’m here, but I didn’t even know if he was home. Or available. It turns out he’s both. Lucky me.
Keenan is leaning against the bottom banister of the stairs. His hands are shoved in his pockets, and his light brown hair’s swept to the side, looking like he hadn’t recently been shot.
I want to run to him. To fling myself at him, but again, he was just shot twice, and the last thing I want to do is hurt him. Sure, we’ve had our fair share of sexual adventures since he’s been back, but I need to be careful with him.
His cocky half-smile turns wide as he watches all of these thoughts go through my head.
“How’s the event planning going?” he asks as he comes toward me.
The closer he gets, the faster my heart pumps in anticipation of him reaching out and touching me. Keenan doesn’t disappoint. When he’s close enough, he reaches for my hand.
“Fine,” I eek out, though my voice sounds low, like I’m whispering. That’s unintentional. I clear my throat and take a breath to calm my ass down. This is ridiculous. I’ve been alone with Keenan many times, yet here I am, acting like each is the first time. “It’s going well. We’re doing some measurements so I can make a solid plan.”
“You need a solid plan?”
I nod. “It makes the day of the event easier. Or the day before when we come to set up assuming that it’s still okay.”
“Delilah.” My name sounds like he’s chastising me. “I told you. Use the house. It’s yours to do as you wish.” He pulls me closer. “Now, tell me what you’re going to do to the house.”
I snicker. Talking about the event or the changes we’re going to be making isn’t exactly how I’d choose to spend my time with him. But he asked, so I’ll take it.
He and I walk through the downstairs area while I explain what I’m thinking for each room and make sure that he knows any of it could change. I don’t think much will, but I reserve the right.
“What are you going to do with the things that you move?” he asks when we get to the living room.
“Basement but no worries, they’ll all be moved back when we finish. We can stay that night or come back the next day. That’ll be your call.”
“Why my call?” he asks, standing incredibly close. His front is almost touching my back.
“It’s your house that we’re borrowing.” My words come out of my mouth sounding breathless.
There’s no way that Keenan doesn’t know how he affects me. I’ve fallen for Keenan, that much is clear. He’s who I think about when I’m alone at night. He’s who I think about when I wake in the morning. Unfortunately, there are things between us. Things I don’t know, like what really happened the night he was shot.
