Instead of a flashy modern structure, Everett’s building is an old, red-brick industrial building. And now I’m here looking up at it with the man in question sitting beside me, I feel stupid for thinking he would live anywhere but somewhere like this. It suits him. A little dark and moody. He wouldn’t fit in a building like my old one with masses of natural light pouring in through the windows.
“Parker and Linc found this place for me soon after my trade was finalized. I couldn’t have done better if I tried.”
“I’m excited to see it.”
He glances over. His mouth opens, but he quickly changes his mind and closes it again before killing the engine. His face tightens right along with his grip on the wheel. Anxiety rolls off him, making me second-guess all of this. Not that it was my idea,of course. He’s the one who insisted on packing me a suitcase and bringing me here.
“I’ve never…” he starts, dragging his hand down his face, giving himself a few more seconds to collect his thoughts. “I’ve never brought a woman back here. Only my family and teammates have ever—” His words cut off with a thick swallow.
“You don’t have to do this. You can take me home and?—”
“No,” he barks, interrupting me. “I do need to do this. You’re…you’re having my baby, Bea. You’re…” His words trail off. “Come on. The sooner we get you settled, the sooner you can rest.”
Before I get a chance to say anything, he’s out of the truck and marching around to help me out.
We ride the elevator in silence, and it’s evident from the way Everett’s jaw tics that he’s not entirely sure about this. But as much as I want to argue and make him take me home, I know it’s pointless. He's made a decision, and despite his anxiety over it, he’s going to see it through.
Unsurprisingly, we ride to the very top of the building, and when we emerge, there are only two doors to choose from.
Despite my current living arrangements, I’m no stranger to wealth. I grew up in places many would call mansions, with access to vacation homes in some of the world’s most expensive cities. But this place still blows my mind. This building is huge, and there are only two penthouse apartments up here. They have to be?—
“Oh wow,” I breathe as Everett opens his front door and allows me to step inside his home.
Where my old apartment was all pristine white and polished, smooth surfaces, this is the complete opposite. And I love it.
The old red brickwork on the exterior is also in here, making the space warm and welcoming. Exposed black steel is everywhere, giving an industrial vibe.
Everything is just…well, it’s Everett. I couldn’t design him a more fitting apartment if I tried.
I continue forward, my eyes everywhere as I take in the open-plan space and the massive windows that showcase this part of downtown.
His kitchen is mainly stainless steel, all open shelving against the brickwork, and the furniture is either black or the richest walnut. It really is something.
My skin prickles with awareness, and I spin around to find the reason.
Everett stands in the entryway with his hand on the back of his neck, looking…shit. Is he nervous?
My heart flutters as I take a step toward him.
I might not know him all that well, but I know enough to be confident that he doesn’t allow many people this close to him.
This right here is Everett Donnelly—the man, not the cocky hockey player I first met. And…damn it, I’m really starting to like him.
Stupid hormones.
“Your room is down here,” he says quietly before taking off across the space.
“My room?” I question, unable to keep my mouth shut as I rush after him.
“Uh…I meant the guest room. One of the guest rooms.”
“How many do you have?”
“Two. The other is my gym and…this one is my bedroom,” he says, rapping his knuckles against a black door as he passes. “And this is…this is…yours?” I’m not sure if it’s meant to come out as a question, but it does.
He pushes the door open for me, and I find more of his incredibly warm apartment as I step inside.
The bed is huge, covered in deep-red sheets that perfectly match the hue of the one exposed brick wall.
