Chapter 20 Badger
TWENTY
BADGER
I walked into the vast space of the penthouse with Machine in tow, carrying some of my bags.
He had insisted on helping me because my lungs were still recovering.
The penthouse was huge, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an open-concept layout.
All the furnishings were black, with cement accent walls and a large fireplace below a massive TV.
It had a moody atmosphere and screamed luxury.
I was greeted by Lucy, who came bounding into the entryway like a hurricane. Her butt wiggled with excitement. I set my bags down and knelt to give her pets.
“Hi sweet girl,” I cooed, grateful that she wasn’t jumping all over me.
Lucy licked my face, making me laugh.
“Luc, give Badger some space.” Machine laughed as the dog sat in my lap and tried licking me to death.
It was strange to hear him call me Badger instead of Bunny. I should have appreciated that he had listened to me for once, but part of me didn’t like it.
After several more moments of Lucy mauling me with kisses and Machine telling her to stop, I finally stood up and walked further into the living space.
“I’ll, um, show you where your room will be,” Machine mumbled awkwardly as he walked past me and started down a long hallway.
I followed, impressed by how clean and organized the entire penthouse was. Nothing seemed out of place, and tasteful art pieces on the walls added to its allure. Machine stopped at a door, placed one of my bags down on the ground, and motioned for me to walk inside.
The room was enormous, with a king-size bed draped in a dark gray comforter and plush pillows.
Off to the side was a reading chair, bookshelves lined with books, and a weathered dark-gray dresser and end tables.
Had I not known better, I would have assumed this was the primary bedroom due to the en suite bathroom and walk-in closet.
“This is your room. Your bathroom is right through that door. It has a big soaking tub and a shower. I stocked it with some… um, feminine products as well.” Machine was still standing in the doorway. His cheeks were tinged pink.
“Thank you,” I said quietly, touched by his thoughtfulness.
“My room is across the hall.” He pointed over his shoulder. “If you need anything, just, erm, let me know.”
He carried my bags into the room, stood awkwardly for another minute, then turned to walk away.
I stopped him. “Machine?”
“Yeah?” He paused in the doorway, his expression concerned.
“I mean it. Thank you.” I gave him a half-smile, which he returned with a small nod of acknowledgment before walking away.
As I began to unpack my belongings, Lucy bounded into the room with a squirrel toy in her mouth. Before I could greet her, she jumped on the bed where all of my clothes were strewn and lay down on the pile. I let out a chuckle as the pup fell asleep instantly with the toy still in her mouth.
Maybe this wouldn’t be as bad as I thought.