“You know, topics like this are usually reserved for like the seventh or eighth date.”
He wouldn’t know. Jonah never brought up his family on dates.
“Is that right?”
Roxanne nodded. “But now that we’ve gotten it out of the way, we need to move on to the fun stuff.”
Jonah tugged on her hand and pulled her against his chest.
“Like what?”
She licked her lips. “A full tour of your house. I’m curious about the upstairs.”
Roxanne had done the impossible. Jonah was no longer thinking about the past. His mind was solely set on them and the present day. He straightened, keeping his hand clasped on hers, walking her out of the workshop and into the house.
Chapter Eleven
Roxanne had only seen the foyer and living room during her first visit. Jonah led her through the back door and into the kitchen. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but it wasn’t nearly as large as she’d assumed given the size of the house. It was quaint and almost intimate. There was a round table in the center with four chairs and mail piled up in a weathered basket on top.
“Haven’t gotten around to remodeling this room yet.”
Roxanne glanced his way. Jonah was watching her intently.
“Kitchens can be a challenge, so I’m leaving it till last.” Jonah pointed to the sink area across the room. “I plan on expanding to double the size.”
Roxanne snorted. “My apartment has a galley kitchen, so to me, this is great.”
The corner of his mouth spiked, and he waved his hand toward the door. She’d been in the living room. Just as beautiful as she remembered. The brick fireplace was the focal point and pulled the entire room together. Their winters were mild, and they had little use for it, but it was perfect. Across the foyer, the room opened up to a spacious dining area. Without a table.
“Don’t use this room much,” he said, grasping the back of his neck.
Roxanne chuckled. The idea of three young bachelor brothers entertaining a house full of people for a formal dinner? It was hard to imagine but she could envision a large family celebrating a holiday here. It was warm and inviting.
She walked through the room, taking in the details. There was a large opening to a room half the size that seemed to serveas an office space. Roxanne moved to the small hallway in the corner but abruptly stopped when Jonah’s voice echoed through the room.
“It’s just a spare.”
She eyed the closed door. “A master suite on the main floor?”
“Yeah.” His tone was gruff.
“Why don’t you use it?”
When he didn’t answer, she glanced over her shoulder. The whole vibe in the room shifted as if the temperature dropped significantly. Jonah’s jaw was squared and the lines between his brows deepened, showing his tension.
Roxanne smiled, and his features softened slightly. Whatever his reasons, they weren’t up for discussion, and she’d respect that. She glanced around, meeting him at the entrance of the dining room. She leaned forward, poking her head into the foyer and zoning in on the staircase.
“Do I get a second-floor tour?”
The corner of his mouth curled, and he lifted his chin. She walked up the staircase. It was grand, and clearly a remodel. She’d been in plenty of beautiful homes, but there was something unique about this one. The cascading staircase alone looked like something out of an old Victorian. The second floor was completely open, with the bathroom closest to the landing. Four other doors lined the wall. Before she had time to ask, Jonah pointed down the hall.
“Cord’s, Holden’s, and mine is at the end.”
That only explained three. She eyed the door across from Jonah’s room.
“And that one?”
“Storage.” Again, his voice was gruff and stern, similar to how he responded to the bedroom downstairs. He was sending her cues, and she wouldn’t push.
