Chapter 2
TWO
Ledger
When I first saw the house, I was sure I wasn’t going to accept this roommate situation. Then the curvy woman opened the door, and all of my plans changed.
As soon as I see her, all of my protective instincts surge within me. This woman, she’s mine. I can feel it in my bones.
I wonder if this is how Koa felt when he first saw Lula, I think as we stare at each other.
When Koa, my best friend, first told me six months ago that he was in love with my sister, I was shocked. They’d only known each other a few days at that point, but I still gave my okay. I know Koa is a great guy, and he’d never hurt my sister.
Koa and I met at boot camp. We bonded quickly and went through BUDs together. We’ve been Navy SEALs for the last few years. He’s had my back on deployments and in training, and I’ve had his.
When Koa and Lula got together, I started spending more time in Wolf Valley. It was good to get away from base on leave and spend some downtime with my sister and best friend.
Unfortunately, I hate the motel in town, and I haven’t been able to find anywhere else to stay. It doesn’t make sense to buy a place in Wolf Valley, since I only spend a few weeks here each year. That’s how I came up with the idea of a roommate arrangement.
This small town doesn’t have many places to rent, so when I saw this roommate listing, I jumped on it.
I’d hoped my roommate would be quiet and cool.
I wasn’t counting on her being mine.
“Sorry, come in,” she says, waving me inside. “I’m Daisy. This is my best friend, Alexi.”
I nod in the direction of the other woman, but I can’t seem to tear my eyes away from my Daisy. “Ledger.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too.”
A dog runs over to me, and I smile as I bend to scratch his ears.
“That’s Beans,” Daisy introduces.
I grin. “Hi, Beans.”
After fussing with him for a minute, I look around the house.
The listing was polite and distant, but in reality, Daisy and her place seem like sunshine and chaos.
So much color that it looks like a rainbow threw up everywhere.
Plants scattered around the house, books stacked on an end table, on the floor, and haphazardly on the bookshelf in the corner of the room.
Daisy and this place are my exact opposites. Somehow, that only draws me to her more.
“Have a seat,” Daisy says.
She rushes over to the couch, picking up the papers there and shoving them into the drawer of the end table.
“Thanks.”
“So, you’re in the military?” Daisy asks.
“Yes.”
“Which branch?” Alexi asks.
“Navy. SEALs.”
“Impressive,” Alexi replies,
“Thanks.” I look at Daisy, wondering what she thinks of my career.
“And you need a roommate?” Daisy asks.
“Yeah. My sister and best friend are here, so I’ve been spending time in Wolf Valley. The motel in town is… less than ideal.”
“Oh, yeah, it sucks.” Daisy laughs.
The sound is light and infectious. Just hearing makes me smile.
Alexi’s phone rings, and she excuses herself, leaving me alone with Daisy.
“So your best friend and sister live here?” Daisy asks. “Oh! Are you thirsty or anything? I’ll get you some water.”
She’s off before I can stop her. I smile as I watch her move around the kitchen. Beans trails after her, looking up at her lovingly, and I wonder if that’s how I look at her.
Daisy hums to herself, and I lean closer, trying to figure out what song she’s humming. I can’t quite place it, though.
That’s going to drive me crazy. I’ll have to figure it out later.
“Here you go,” Daisy says, coming back with two hot chocolates and a glass of water.
“Thanks.”
“What were we talking about?” she asks, frowning adorably.
“You asked about my sister and friend. My sister moved here a year ago, and she and my best friend got together six months ago, so he’s been spending more time here.”
“That’s sweet. Do you mind that they’re together?”
I shake my head. “No, they’re both good people, and they’re truly in love. I’m happy for them.”
Daisy’s smile makes me feel ten feet tall.
“I’ve got to head out,” Alexi says as she comes back into the room. “I’ll talk to you later, okay?”
“Okay, thanks for everything.” Daisy waves as Alexi heads out.
Then it’s just Daisy and me.
“Have you lived here long?” I ask.
“All my life! This was actually my grandmother’s house.”
“That’s cool.”
“What about you? Where are you from? Where do you live now?”
“I was born in San Francisco, and now I live at the base in Virginia.”
“Do you like it?”
“Yeah, it’s nice.”
“Do you miss San Francisco?”
“Not really. There’s not much there for me anymore.”
Daisy nods, and we talk a bit about Wolf Valley and the house.
“So you work in town?” I ask.
“Yeah, I own the hair salon.”
“Did you always want to be a hairdresser?”
“Yeah. My mom and grandma were also hairdressers. I inherited the shop after they passed.”
“Oh, shit. I’m so sorry, Daisy.”
“Thanks. It’s been a few years. I’m just grateful for the time we had together.” She smiles a little sadly.
I want to take her into my arms and comfort her, but I’m afraid she’d pull away.
“Anyway,” she says, clearing her throat. “I think you seem like a good fit, so the room is yours if you want it.”
Everything in me goes tight as she drinks her hot chocolate, then licks a stray smear of whipped cream from her lips.
I don’t know what it is about Daisy, but I crave it. Crave her. She’s sunshine in yoga pants with a rescue dog, a houseplant addiction, and a tendency to hum to herself nonstop. I like order and discipline, and I’m not sure Daisy has even heard those words before.
I wanted solitude when I was first looking for a place to stay. I doubt I’ll get that here, but it doesn’t stop me from agreeing when Daisy offers me the room.
“Yeah. I want it.”
“Great! When do you want to move in?” she asks as she stands to clear the mugs away.
“I’ve got some of my stuff here now. Is today too soon?”
“No, that’s fine.”
“Great. Well, then, I’ll see you later.”
As I turn to leave, I can’t help but wonder what I’ve gotten myself into… or why I don’t want it to ever end.