CHAPTER TWO
I let my mouth drop open as Harper turns into the driveway of our apparent destination. “This can’t be right.”
She points to the address displayed on her phone in Google Maps, which matches the numbers above the garage. “Welcome home, babes.”
“That’s a tad presumptuous.” But my eyes don’t stray from the stunning sight just beyond her windshield.
“As if you’re going to turn down this fortress.” Her thumb stabs at the two-story duplex.
I admire the structure that’s beginning to resemble a castle. It looks like two separate buildings that are essentially glued together. An entire house could be mine. “It’s too big for just me. I have nothing to fill it with.”
“Are you complaining about excess personal space? I’m sure you could find a roommate—”
“No,” I blurt. The pressure squeezing at my throat makes it difficult to swallow. “I’m not interested in living with anyone else.”
Memories rise in a wave to crash against the barriers I’ve tried to build. Darkness swims at the edge of my vision as I attempt to silence the past. There’s an echo of a voice I’ll never escape. I force myself to inhale slowly, but my chest is rising and falling too fast.
Harper’s hand covers mine that I didn’t realize is clenched into a tight fist. “You’re okay, Cals. No need to explain yourself.”
I gulp and offer a slow nod. “Thanks.”
She tips her head toward the rental. The afternoon sunshine glitters in her hair, spinning the strands into pure gold. “Should we inspect the inside? Or are the impeccable flowerbeds and wraparound porch enough to convince you?”
My focus roams over the dark brown window trim that pops against the beige siding. The contrast appeals to me, feeding my curiosity to explore. “We should probably take a quick peek at the very least.”
Harper is quick to hop out and I follow her lead. Before I take a step, a figure appears on the cobbled path that leads to the house attached to mine. Mine? Now who’s being presumptuous? But that thought becomes dust as my full concentration is commanded by the man watching me.
My heartrate spikes when Ridge widens his stance and crosses his muscular arms, taking on the appearance of an immovable force. A plain white shirt stretches across his broad chest. The colorful tattoos inked into his skin are more vibrant compared to when I’ve seen him at Roosters. He’s larger than the males I’ve learned to fear, but I’m not afraid of him. I don’t have the urge to cower or become invisible in his presence. Only that strange fluttery sensation swirls in my belly. It’s becoming obvious this giddy feeling is connected to him.
A breathy sigh escapes me. His lips twitch in what some might assume is a grin, but I know better. Ridge Carter doesn’t do smiles of any variety.
“Well, look who it is.” Harper wiggles her fingers at him. “I believe she’s who you were referring to as neighbor material. Do you approve?”
My gaze whips to her. “Huh?”
“Apparently”—she draws out the word while flipping her messy braid behind her shoulder—“there’s a very short list of who this grump will share a wall with. I’m almost positive you’re the one and only allowed to fill that role.”
“Hush,” I mumble.
Harper bumps me with her hip. “Don’t be shy, babes. Just accept it.”
Ridge doesn’t respond, at least not verbally. There’s an audible rumble rolling off him that could be considered an agreement.
I shiver despite the warm spring weather. As my cheeks heat into a rising flush, I steal another glance at the guy in question. The hat he’s wearing shades his face, but the shadows can’t snuff the molten fire in his eyes. Those green flames burn brighter the longer I’m caught in his unwavering focus.
Harper hooks her arm through mine. “Let’s ditch this staring contest before I get turned on by secondhand smolder.”
The suggestion in her words burns my face hotter, and I dip my chin to hide the evidence. “Quit it.”
“Me? I’m an innocent bystander in this titillating foreplay. Tootles, boss.” Harper waves at him in farewell. “We’ll holler if there are any questions.”
My foot catches on a pebble and I stumble. “We will?”
“Yeah, he volunteered to be our middleman.”
I treat myself to a parting glance at him while Harper steers me toward the porch steps. “Why?”
Her fingers tap at a keypad above the knob to grant us entry. “The owner is some big shot real estate shmooze.”
“Really?” I balk when there’s a loud beep followed by a green light.
Without further delay, Harper shoves the door open. Keys aren’t necessary to grant us entry. Noted.
She giggles at my sputtered reaction. “No idea what the story is behind this place. Just making shit up. Ridge said we can contact him about the contract terms and such. He gave me the code to get in, but was skimpy on the details otherwise. It’s a tad sketchy and secretive, which is totally on-brand for him.”
“It is?”
She hums. “Except when you’re concerned. He’s made his intentions blatantly transparent.”
“What do you—?” But my question trickles to a stop as I gawk at the paradise we’ve stepped into. “Um, wow. It’s fully furnished.”
“That’s putting it mildly,” she muses.
My jaw goes slack. “Is all this included?”
“I guess?”
Any concern about my lack of belongings whisks away. “Now I’m certain this isn’t real. Are we in a dream sequence?”
Harper removes her sandals and strides toward the open area that’s arranged as a living room. “Either that or we’ve walked into an interior design concept staged straight from Pinterest.”
Once she mentions that, a realization surrounds me like a comforting embrace. I wouldn’t know about the popular app—or have a cellular phone—if it wasn’t for her. She taught me the basics, along with a crash course for social media. The overall style resembles an inspiration board I recently created. My feet are frozen to the foyer tiles as I digest the cozy aesthetic.
“Yeah,” I breathe. “I wasn’t expecting to find my vision brought to life.”
“Don’t be too shocked. Stranger things have happened,” she chimes while skipping to the fireplace.
A smile automatically lifts my lips as I admire the simplistic layout. I slip off my shoes before wading deeper into the space that’s beckoning to me. Plush fibers from the cream carpet tickle my toes. A bay window with a bench seat underneath allows natural light to spill in. There’s an ethereal glow shining across every surface.
My approval continues to climb as I twirl in a lazy circle. It’s neat and tidy. No dust or clutter in sight. The walls are bare. I realize there aren’t many decorations either, as if the house is waiting to receive a personal touch. I’ll gladly oblige. This room is bright and modern and exactly what I would’ve chosen for myself.
Neutral and cool hues partner into a cohesive blend. I study the combination that’s pleasing to my taste. The crisp palate creates a relaxing atmosphere, which allows me to easily envision myself at home.
Pops of blue and green are splashed throughout. Navy throw pillows sit on the tan couch. Separate sections of glass stained in shades of emerald and jade are inlaid within the stone mantle. A patterned rug is spread out diagonally under a rustic coffee table. The wood is cut into an uneven rectangle that gives it a rare quality.
Every item fits together like pieces of a puzzle to create the big picture. If one thing is misplaced, the entire mood will be thrown off balance. I’m afraid to touch anything.
Harper doesn’t share my hesitation. She flops onto the oversized chair near the empty bookshelf and then kicks her feet onto the matching ottoman.“Let’s make a deal.”
It’s a challenge to keep my attention trained on her. “For what?”
“You move in with Jake, and I’ll rent this masterpiece. Sydney can stay with me seeing as there’s plenty of extra space.” She motions around the generous floorplan.
My pulse stammers. “Um…”
Her stoic expression shatters when she begins cackling. “Your face is priceless. As if anyone but you could live here. Ridge practically said as much.”
“I highly doubt that.” But my belly swoops at the slight possibility of her comment being true.
The thrill of where I am and what this spot signifies diverted my focus off the man who consumes my thoughts. Momentarily, of course. Now my mind is straying back to him. I quickly find myself wondering what he’s doing on his half of the duplex. He’s probably lounging casually in his home, not taking me into consideration at all. Or maybe he’s still outside waiting for my verdict.
That leads me to what the future could hold. Ridge is next door. This house shares a wall with his. It’s intimidating to be in such close proximity to him. But more than that, I’m intrigued about the possibility. The change he will undoubtedly deliver to my dull existence. If I was daring, I could visit him whenever the mood strikes. That gives me pause. There’s not a bold bone in my body. I can’t even find the courage to talk to him. The curiosity might sprout into determination and push me into action. Maybe.
I float from those ponderings to discover that Harper is watching me. “Did you say something?”
Her already shrewd stare narrows into a squint. “You’re just as smitten, huh?”
“That would suggest he’s… interested in me.” I’m still unsure how to comprehend a healthy relationship where both partners are equal. The idea of willingly engaging in one is another task entirely.
Harper clucks her tongue. “Um, duh. Have you seen the way he looks at you?”
“He’s just being polite,” I murmur.
She squawks in a pitchy tone. “That’s the opposite of what he’s doing. The man wants you. Badly.”
“I don’t believe that.”
“Want me to go ask him? He’ll give you the solid proof you’ve been missing, if you know what I mean.” She winks, which only serves to confuse me.
I shut her down with a rapid shake of my head. “No, don’t go over there. Absolutely not. You shouldn’t bother him with such trivial things.” The consequences I visualize are enough to turn my stomach.
“Trust me, a bother is the very last thing you could be to him.”
“I’d rather not test that theory.”
Her forehead creases in a sign of disapproval. “Who else would create this queendom? The king wants you to sit beside him on the throne and rule these lands.”
“You make it sound like a fairytale,” I murmur.
“If the story fits.” She forms her hands into the shape of a heart.
But I can’t allow myself to get swept up in such an unlikely fantasy. “He’s just being a nice guy.”
Harper chokes on seemingly nothing. “There you go again. Excuses, excuses.” She sighs dramatically. “Oh, my sweetly innocent friend. You’re too kind. Ridge Carter is many things, but nice and polite aren’t character traits I would use.”
“I think he’s wonderful.” My breathy voice confirms as much.
“And I think the feeling is more than mutual. He couldn’t suggest this spot fast enough after hearing you’re on the house hunt.”
“Really?
“Haven’t you been listening? Pretty sure he decorated just for you.” She hitches a thumb toward the kitchen. “Aren’t those the jars you wanted from Target?”
“That’s a coincidence.”
“Uh-huh, one along with a dozen others. He said this place has been sitting empty and collecting dust. Neither of those appear to be true.”
I inhale and absorb the calm energy. There’s a noticeable crispness in the air that pairs with new beginnings. “It smells… fresh.”
“And expensive. Only the best for his chosen one.”
“Huh?”
“You’re the neighbor material.”
I heard her toss that title at Ridge earlier, but he didn’t confirm her claim. He didn’t deny it either. Still the doubt lingers. “Says who?”
“Nobody yet. But it’s only a matter of time.” She drums her fingers together in a smooth rhythm.
I’m transfixed on the motion for a moment. “Until what?”
“He finally tells you himself.” She pauses before adding, “I suppose he needs to talk to you first. Maybe break the ice.”
The room spins as I try to calculate the meaning behind her words. I’m overwhelmed in the best possible way. My knees quake and I fight the urge to collapse on what looks to be the most comfortable sofa in existence. Plans and ideas and anticipation are spilling in at a rapid pace. The apparent conversations I’ll have with Ridge hold the most promise. And I haven’t seen the rest of the house yet.
“I can live here?”
“Uh-huh.”
“With it just like this?” I point at the appeasing layout.
Harper’s eyebrows bounce. “According to Ridge.”
“Shouldn’t the owner be involved?”
“Beats me. He took charge of the situation.”
A shiver pebbles my skin. I don’t want to be controlled, but something about that man giving orders taunts an enthusiastic part of me. “Is he… bossy?”
“That’s one way of putting it. Speaking of the grump, he asked me to pass this along for you to call or text.” She pulls a rectangular card from her purse.
I smooth my thumb over the embossed lettering. “He wants me to contact him about the rental?”
“Yep, he’s got you covered. Don’t settle for any slim jimmy. Ridge will provide all the beef and jerky you need.”
My nose wrinkles. “I’m not sure what that means.”
“It’s only a matter of time until you do.” Harper leans forward, as if she’s about to share a secret. “You’re about to be very attached to him.”