Page 58

Covered

Genevieve

With the smell of the chocolate chip cookies that are baking in the oven filling the Daileys’ home, I wander from their living room back to the kitchen after fluffing the pillows on the couch for the second time since I arrived. Even though I’ve done a lot of advertising for this property, pushing that it would be perfect for a young couple starting out or a small family, and had more than a few Realtors reach out to tell me that they will be stopping by this afternoon, I’m a little nervous.

This is my first official listing in the area, and I want it to sell quickly, not only because I need the money but because I want to prove to my parents that I’m capable of holding my own. I also want to prove to myself that I still have what it takes after crashing and burning back in Chicago.

After peeking in on the cookies, which are just about done, I lay out my business cards and the info sheets for the house on the island, then grab the bottles of water I brought with me from the fridge. I place them on a tray next to a bouquet of flowers I also brought and carefully arranged in a vase, then glance around. My nervousness has me thinking about doing one more walk-through of the house to make sure that everything is in order, but I’ve already checked things twice and know that the beds are all made, the closets that will be opened are organized, and all clutter is packed away in the boxes that are stacked neatly in the garage.

Both Liam and Jessica were a little overwhelmed when I came to see them the first time and told them everything that they needed to get done before we would take photos and go live. But before they left thirty minutes ago, the two of them admitted that they could now understand why I’d asked them to take down all their photos and anything else personal, declutter, and organize. It’s always a big ask to request that a seller turn their home into a showplace, and sometimes it is impossible to do. But when a seller is able to pull it off, it makes it easier for possible buyers to envision themselves in the space, and it’s far more likely that you will get an offer in a week rather than a month, if not longer.

Coming out of my thoughts when the timer for the cookies dings, I take them out of the oven and place them on a cooling tray, then glance at the clock. I have about fifteen minutes before the open house is set to start, just enough time to let the cookies cool and put them on a plate. As I’m putting away the baking sheet I used for the cookies after washing it, my cell in my back pocket beeps with a message. I take it out and smile when I see it’s a text from Wyatt asking what I want to have for dinner tonight. I start to message him back that I’m good with whatever he wants to make but then remember that he left for work long before I did this morning and that he won’t be off work until late, much later than me.

I have it covered. As soon as I press send on that message, three dots appear almost immediately.

What do you mean you have it covered?

Exactly what I said, I have dinner covered, I type back quickly.

You’re going to cook?

Yes I reply in all caps with an eye roll emoji.

I’m not surprised he doesn’t believe me. I haven’t even pretended to want to cook since we started spending time together. I have taken full advantage of the fact that he seems to always have something planned and that all I need to do is eat whatever he makes, which never fails to be delicious.

Are you sure?

I’m sure and prepare yourself because I’m going to blow your mind.

You did that this morning. The response is quick, and so is the way my body reacts to it and the image of him under me, with his big hands cupping my breasts as I rode him until I came and he followed, with the sun barely up. I should be off by seven at the latest see you at home and good luck today

Thank you I message back, then look across the house when the doorbell rings.

Tucking my phone away, I try to think of something that is easy to make but will also live up to the expectations I have now set. Tacos are the only things that come to me, but I don’t think they would blow his mind. Not after having his shredded-chicken tacos with homemade salsa the other night. Figuring I have all day to come up with a meal, I walk to the door and swing it open, then blink when I see both my brothers standing on the porch.

“Hey, what are you guys doing here?” I ask the two of them while dodging Gunner when he attempts to ruffle my hair as he steps inside the house.

Jerk.

“Mom mentioned that you were having an open house, so I thought I’d stop by,” Kolter tells me as I shut the door.

“Are you thinking about buying something?”

“I’m thinking about it,” he tells me, and I inwardly smile. If he’s thinking about moving himself and Anna out of their apartment, he really is okay with the fact that he’s going to be a dad and already preparing for when that happens. The two of us walk around the corner that leads into the kitchen and open living room, and I sigh when I see Gunner standing over my plate of cookies.

“Those are for prospective buyers.”

“I could be a prospective buyer.” He picks up a cookie and shoves the whole thing in his mouth, then picks up another one.

“Don’t even think about it.” I reach across the counter and smack his hand when he starts to get a third. I pick up the plate and place it on the counter farthest from him.

“You know, you’ve gotten meaner since you’ve been away.”

“Whatever.” I roll my eyes, then focus on Kolter when the bell rings again. “Do you mind showing yourself around?”

“No, I’ve got it.”

“Okay, but will you take him with you and make sure that he doesn’t try to sleep in any of the beds or do anything else ridiculous like try to take a shower?”