Page 44 of When The Mountains Held Us

“I offered you a water. Why wouldn’t it be okay if you took one?” There’s a teasing tone to my question, but I’m genuinely curious to hear her answer. I have a feeling she’s been made to feel like it’s not okay for her to take up space, and I am dead set on remedying that. Maybe she needs a little calling out.

“Oh, I, um… just being polite, I guess.” She shrugs and looks down at her feet awkwardly.

Stepping in front of her, I put my index finger under her chin and slowly lift her face so I can capture those blue-gray eyes. Her breath catches in her throat, and I try not to smirk.

“House rule number one: What’s mine is yours. You wanna cook something or watch a movie? Go for it. You wanna change the paint in the bathroom because you hate it? I’ll show you where the brushes are.”

Her shoulders visibly relax, and she lets out a little laugh, but I am dead serious.

“You don’t have to ask. I want you to feel at home here, okay?”

“Okay,” she concedes, and her shoulders relax as more of the tension melts from her body. “I’m sure the paint in the bathroom is just fine.”

I grin and turn back to the cabinets, opening a few and trying to remember when I last did a full shopping trip. It’s been a while. It’s only me here, and most nights, recently, I find myself at the bar with the guys. I don’t cook much for myself anymore, but there’s gotta be something in here that I can whip up for her. She’s probably starving.

“You might not be saying that when you actually see it. I haven’t gotten a chance to repaint it yet. But I meant what I said. If you want to change anything or use anything, just do it. You don’t have to ask.”

“So if I want to knock down this wall right here…” I look over my shoulder to see her running her hand along the kitchen wall that separates the space from the living room, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “You know, open concept is very in right now.” She cocks an eyebrow.

“Alright, maybe we ask before we start knocking walls down. Seems like something that needs supervision. Plus, that one’s load-bearing, so best to leave it be.”

I turn back to the cabinet, and after a little more digging, find an unopened box of pasta and a jar of tomato sauce. I check to make sure it isn’t expired before holding both out in front of me in question. “Pasta? Sorry, I don’t have much. I’ve been meaning to run to the grocery store.”

“Pasta sounds perfect.” Her stomach rumbles loudly from where she’s standing, and she gives an embarrassed laugh. “Apparently, I am famished.”

I set a pot of water to boil and pull out a smaller pot for the sauce. Dumping the contents of the jar into the smaller pot, I place it on the burner and set it to warm.

“Let me show you your room.” I grab her duffel off the island and head for the staircase through the living room, the sound of her footsteps following me up to the second floor.

Twenty-Four

Oakley

When we reach the top of the stairs, Levi shows me to the spare bedroom, pointing out the bathroom across the hall. Further down the hall is another door that I assume must lead to his room.

“This is your bathroom. I have one in my room too, if you need it. The water pressure in this one is a little finicky.”

I nod my understanding while simultaneously trying not to humor my brain with the thought of Levi in the shower. Trying, being the operative word here.

“And this is your room.” He holds the door open for me, and I step into the room, flipping the light switch to get a better look.

The room is big. Much bigger than I would have expected of a guest bedroom. Along the far wall sits three large picture windows, and a flutter of excitement runs through me when I take in the cushioned chaise lounge beneath them, complete with plenty of pillows and what looks like a hand-crocheted blanket. The perfect little reading nook.

My eyes trail from the windows to the queen bed along the wall, and I can’t wait to sink into the mattress tonight. I nearly groan at how soft and plush it looks, thankful to Levi so much more now that I’m realizing I won’t have to sleep on that lumpy motel mattress tonight. A large double-door closet is situated across from the bed, and two tall bookshelves stand on either side of it. They’re mostly empty, save for a few worn paperbacks that look like they’re decades old. A thin layer of dust covers them and the shelves, and I make a mental note to take a closer look once I’m more settled in.

A throat clears behind me. “It’s not much, but feel free to make it your own.”

“Not much?” I ask, standing stunned as I rake my gaze over the room again. “Levi, it’s more than enough.”

I turn to face him where he stands in the doorway; he seems to be torn on whether or not to come in or stay put. He must make up his mind because he stays right where he is.

Without thinking, I lean up on my toes and gently kiss his cheek. “Thank you,” I whisper.

His eyes blow wide, a look in them I can’t decipher, as a faint blush falls over his face. The sight of it is endearing, and it only makes me want to do it again.

“Right.” He clears his throat awkwardly. “You’re welcome.” He rakes a hand through his hair, messing it up in the sexiest way possible before pointing over his shoulder. “I’ll leave you to settle in. I’ll call you when the food’s ready.” Without waiting for my response, he turns on his heels.

Only once his footsteps echo down the stairs do I drag my belongings into the room and put them on the bed. I dig around in my duffel for a minute before finding my favorite pair of sweats and an old, faded New York Rangers T-shirt I picked up years ago from a thrift shop.