“I’m well aware most of the town doesn’t like me. Not that I mind them taking Ashford’s side. The thing is, I don’t want there to be sides. I don’t want to cause problems.”
“People are live-and-let-live on this street. Just like when we were kids. That much hasn’t changed.”
“Alright. I have some savings to get through the first few months of rent. And you probably want a security deposit as well.”
“That’s not necessary. Just first and last months of rent, and we’re good. You can let me know about materials for repairs. I’ll subtract them from next month.”
“No deposit in case I trash the place?”
“Look around.” I gestured around us. “Besides, I trust you.”
Those words had come out all breathy, like I was a flirty, innocent ingenue in a movie. Good lord.
His sexy little smirk said he’d heard the same thing.
“I’ll fill out the application right now,” he said.
“It’s just a formality. We can sign the paperwork next time I see you.”
“Yeah? That’s fantastic. I’ll get you the check. Actually, would you mind if I start on clean-up today? Sooner I can get out of the Pine Cone Motor Lodge, the better.”
I made a face. “That motel is notorious. I’ll leave you the keys, and we can get everything else settled later.”
“Thank you, Piper. I appreciate this. I look forward to seeing you again.”
More flutters. What Grayden was selling, my body was clearly buying.
We shook hands, which somehow morphed into him just holding mine. We stood there for another moment, neither of us moving.
Then I pulled my hand away and shocked myself by saying, “I’ll be at Hearthstone Brewing tomorrow night with Ollie. You could join us if you want. We can exchange paperwork over dinner.”
Grayden’s expression was hard to read. But finally he said, “I’d like that.”
“Great.” I stepped into the sunporch and grabbed my coat from where I’d left it. “Around six?” I called out.
“I’ll be there.”
“See you then,” I said over my shoulder. “Leaving the spare key on the hook here! Good luck with the mess!”
The moment I was outside, I rolled my eyes at myself. I’d nearly lost my mind over just holding hishand.
But inviting Grayden to Hearthstone didn’t have to be a big thing, right? I was just being friendly. Proving that I didn’t have any issue with him, and I wasn’t picking sides.
Just landlord/tenant stuff.
Shit, this could be bad.
Yesterday, Dillon had asked me if Grayden was dangerous. I’d said no. But now I might change my mind.
Of course, Grayden wasn’t a threat in the way Dillon had meant. The danger wasn’t physical. It was in the deep timbre of his voice and his intense stares. Those sexy-as-hell tattoos.
Grayden called to my former bad-girl side, and she was far too eager to answer.
And if he put those glasses on again?Gah.
I was going to have to be very, very careful with this man.
TWELVE
