“You know you love it,” he replied.
Honestly, I did. I’m closed off to most people, making it difficult to make connections. Grant made it easy, though. “Maybe a little. Are you going to tell me about your past relationships?” I asked.
I was met with silence. “It’s a long story, and it’s getting late. You probably don’t need much beauty rest because you stay beautiful, but I need all the help I can get.”
First, he called me pretty, and now beautiful. He knows how to make a woman feel attractive. “I’d still love to hear about it when you’re not so tired. But, yes, you need your beauty sleep.” We both laughed. “Goodnight, buff boy.”
“Goodnight, sad girl.”
EIGHTEEN
PRESENT
Icouldn’t wait to return home from my work trip. It was by far the longest work trip I’d been on in years, and it came at the worst time. I had enjoyed getting to know Serenity on the phone, but I was antsy to see her in person again. Her laugh. Her smile. My stomach filled with butterflies at the thought of her. I wanted to proceed slowly just as much as she did because, honestly, all the feelings I’d been developing for her over the last few weeks had scared me. I’d only been in one serious relationship, which destroyed me. I decided that when I was ready to get into another, it would be with someone who felt likethe one.
I made it home, threw my bags in my room, and headed straight to the shower. I instantly called her when I was done.
“Hey, you,” she said in greeting.
Her voice could make the saddest person smile. “I have landed and am finally home, hallelujah.”
We both chuckled. “What are you going to do for the rest of your day?” she asked. “You got in pretty early.”
“I’ll probably unpack and then lounge on my couch for the rest of the night.” There was a long pause. “Serenity?”
“Yeah, I'm here. I’m not sure if I have the nerve to ask if you want company. You just got home and probably wanted to relax…”
I cut her off. “I’d love company. My roommate will be coming home soon, but your company sounds a lot better.”
“I’ll get ready then. Unless you need more time to get settled.”
“Get your pretty face over here,” I teased. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ll be right over.” I could hear the smile in her voice, and it made me grin much wider.
I couldn't believe I'd get to see her soon—at my house.I wanted to plan a date night at home and make her a candlelit dinner but tonight would be about catching up after being apart for almost a month. I unpacked quickly and was about done when the doorbell rang.
I took one more look in the mirror before opening the door. “Okay, wait. I do not remember you being so beautiful. Get over here.” I hugged her around her waist and lifted her slightly, so I wasn’t bending so low.
“Well, nice to see you too.” She giggled. “I was obviously more beautiful during our first date. I’m in loungewear and a messy bun.”
I rolled my eyes, giving her a bright smile. “I think I like this tuned-down version of you a little better.” I saw her chest and cheeks turn crimson. “Go ahead and make yourself at home. Would you like some water? I think that’s all I have in the house to drink right now.”
“NoMountain DewZero?” she asked teasingly.
“I had to drink it all before I left, obviously. Couldn’t let the drinkJesushimself created go to waste, now, could we?” I gave her a mischievous grin.
She cracked up. A full belly laugh that left me speechless. “Water it is,” she finally said.
“If you want to follow me, I can give you a short tour of the house.” She reached for my arm to guide her to the kitchen—like on our first date. I looked down at her hand and then slowly into her eyes, giving her a genuine smile.I could get used to this.
“You have every kitchen appliance, so which ones do you actually use?” She walked around the kitchen admiring each one. They were all black and in pristine condition because if my Gram taught me anything, it was to always deep clean an appliance after each use.
“They’ve all been used, at least once. I do enjoy making myself a good meal, and of course, you've got to start your day with a couple shots of wake-up juice,” I said, pointing to the Nespresso machine. She chuckled.I couldn’t get enough of her laugh.
“I can’t have a lot of caffeine, so I can only drink a cup of coffee occasionally. I definitely can’t have espresso,” she admitted.
I scrunched my eyebrows together, turning to look at her. “Why can’t you have a lot of caffeine?” I asked. “Or is it personal?”
