“I want you to be comfortable here, Anastacia. It’s important. For you and the baby.”
I sigh, giving him a smile. I try not to feel bad about what he’s doing for me. He’s offering, and obviously it’s what he wants. I can’t argue with him about that.
“Come on. I’ll give you the grand tour.”
He holds his arm out, and I hook mine with his, giggling as we start to walk.
He takes me through the house, showing me the kitchen—and pointing out where everything is—the dining room, bathroom, laundry room. We go upstairs, and he proudly tells me that he repainted his brother’s room for them before they got here. It’s a beautiful shade of yellow. There are other empty rooms up here, along with two more bathrooms, and I expect him to tell me one of them is mine, but we head back downstairs before he does that.
That’s when he leads me down the hall.
“You’re going to stay in my room, and I’ll stay in the guest room down here.”
“No, Grizz—”
He looks at me over his shoulder. “My bed is much more comfortable. I don’t need your back hurting from the lumpy mattress in this room.” He points to the doorway on the right, and I peek in to see a bare room with a full-sized bed.
“That bed doesn’t even look big enough for you,” I argue.
“It’ll be fine. Bathroom is here.” He points to the door beside the guest room, then he tugs on my arm gently, and I go with him into his room—well, my room, I guess.
The scent hits me before I even step through the door. It smells like him, but times ten. I instantly feel relaxed.
He flicks the light on, but it’s still dim. The walls are dark blue, the bedsheets—which are a mess—match, while the floor is a dark wood. The curtains are drawn, keeping out most of the sun.
“It’s not dirty, I swear. I just don’t see the point in making my bed when I get up, if I’m going back to bed soon after.”
I huff a laugh. “Yeah, I guess that makes sense.”
“Make yourself at home. In here, and the rest of the house.” He turns to face me. “I mean it. You aren’t a burden here. In fact, Kelsey is really excited. You should have seen her face when I told her.”
“Are you sure she’s okay with the baby?” I ask.
“You’re amazing for asking. But I promise you she’s fine. We already talked about it.”
“Are you sure?” I ask again, my voice coming out soft and raspy. “I’d hate to—”
“Hey,” he says gently. “I promise you, I would never put you in a situation that would make you uncomfortable. Everyone who lives here wants you here. We’re happy about this.”
I take a slow, deep breath. “Thank you.”
His giant arms come around me, and he pulls me in for a hug. It’s awkward because of my belly, but we manage. And I’m so glad we do, because it feels good.
“How about we order pizza?” he suggests.
I moan, my head falling back. His arms stay around me, not letting me go.
“That sounds so good.”
“And we can eat it in the living room, while we watch something on the big screen. This house is nothing like Snapper’s.”
“God, that sounds perfect.”
“Oh, I have something for you.”
“Grizz—”
“It’s nothing serious, calm down.”
