He grinned. “Exactly.”
Beth scoffed, inserting the key into the panel. The old freight elevator rumbled to life, and as the doors slid open, she took a hesitant step inside.
Bryce followed, tapping the fourth floor button. “Turn the key to the right, and it’ll take us straight up. If you turn it left, it holds the doors open for unloading.”
Beth inhaled slowly, nodding as the elevator started to rise.
Bryce leaned casually against the wall. “Relax, Lizzy. It’s just an elevator.”
Beth shot him a look. “I know that.”
“I mean, sure, it’s technically also our front door, but—”
Beth’s stomach dipped as the doors slid open, revealing the loft’s grand living space.
Wow,” she breathed, taking a hesitant step forward—only for Bryce to capture her hand, halting her before reaching over and flipping the elevator key to the left.
He grinned. “Welcome home.”
Then, before she could react, he swept her off her feet—literally.
Beth gasped, instinctively looping her arms around his neck as he carried her across the threshold.
“Bryce!” She half-laughed, half-protested, heart hammering.
“Shh,” he grinned, effortlessly cradling her against his chest. “It’s tradition.”
Beth could only blink up at him, her thoughts racing. She let herself lean into him—just a little—as he carried her forward, soaking in the moment. It was tradition, after all.
“Want the grand tour?” Bryce asked, his voice rich with amusement.
“Please.”
When he started walking, it quickly became clear he fully intended to carry her throughout the entire tour.
Beth’s eyes widened. “Aren’t you going to put me down first?”
He smirked. “Nope.”
Laughing, she swatted his shoulder. “Put me down! You’re insane.”
Bryce just grinned. “You love me.”
She rolled her eyes, pushing against his chest—though her smile lingered.
When her feet finally touched the floor, she was surprised by how much she missed the warmth of being held.
“C’mon, Mrs. Jensen. Let me show you around.”
He pulled open a door. “This is the entry closet. I keep my coats and sporting gear in here, but if you need space, we can move some things to the storage unit.”
Beth nodded, taking it all in as he gestured to the opposite side of the elevator.
“That door leads to the stairs down to the ground level,” he continued.
“And out here—” he stepped forward, motioning around the open space “—we’ve got the living room, dining area, and kitchen.”
Beth turned, eyes sweeping over the space. The loft was stunning—vaulted ceilings, warm wood floors, exposed brick, and what looked like a glass wall.
