“What’d it look like before?”
“Brown.”
I laugh at his description.
“They painted the paneling and the kitchen cabinets. Plus, they installed new carpet and appliances. They replaced the sink and vanity in the bathroom. The next project will be the shower, but that won’t happen until next week.”
I take a renewed look at his place. Now everything is a soft beige color. Except his couch, that’s a deep brown leather. Masculine. It suits him. “That’s nice of them.”
“Nice?” He nods. “Rent’s probably going up, but it’s worth it. It was depressing as hell in here before.”
“How long have you lived here?”
“Three years.” Alec picks up my suitcase. “Come on. I’ll show you your room.”
Am I surprised we’re not sharing? Nope, not after the forehead kiss.
ChapterThirty-Three
Alec
I’m fucking this up.
Everything was great up until we got to my apartment complex. The minute I had her in my arms, I wanted to kiss her more than I need air, except I chickened out and kissed her on the head.
What. The. Fuck.
If Ben or, hell, Jim for that matter, caught a glimpse of that move, they’d laugh their asses off.
The thing is, I’m not sure how to remedy this now. Sure, I could wrap her up again and kiss the sense out of her, but I can’t just grab her out of the blue.
I missed the perfect opportunity.
Pushing open the door to the spare bedroom, I flip on the light switch. Sharon, Jim’s wife did a great job in here. After the apartment management company spent two days painting, tearing out and installing new carpet, and spiffing up the kitchen, she came in and did the rest.
Well, I had to shop for new furniture. We left the old stuff down on the curb with a sign that said, “Free to a good home,” and it was gone in an hour. The stuff I bought isn’t fancy, but it was available for quick delivery. I splurged some on the couch. I figured I can use it in my place in Chicago. As for Matilda’s room, it’s beige like every other room, but Sharon found a comforter and sheets that are feminine without going over the top. She also framed another photo of Chicago and put it on the far wall above a dresser I bought secondhand. As for all my gear, that’s in a small storage locker near the post.
When she steps inside, she’s tentative. But then she smiles and sits on the new twin bed. “This is nice.”
“You like it?”
“I do. Thank you, Alec.”
The pride is showing, at least I think it is. I feel my chest puff out at her words. Dumb, I know. It’s just a bedroom. “Why don’t you get settled. Come out when you’re done, and I’ll give you a tour of Killeen and the post.”
“Cool.” God, she’s got such a sweet smile.
“Good.” I nod but hesitate at the door. I’m not sure why, but I want to linger here, maybe watch what she does to unpack. I mean, while I know things about Matilda, I don’t know much. And there’s the whole thing about picturing her in the bed she’s now sitting on. Except, Matilda in my bed is a much better image.
I’m getting ahead of myself.Calm your jets, Alec.
* * *
“That’s our station.”I point at the Fort Hood Police Station as we drive through the parking lot.
“Are we going in?”
“In?”
