Chapter 7 #2
I took several deep, slow breaths to dispel the heartache as I toured the main room.
It was an open concept with the sitting area and kitchen all in one open space.
The loveseat was positioned for a perfect view out the large window, and the kitchen had all the basics on a smaller scale than a full-sized home would have.
Everything was clean, and a fresh vase of flowers sat on the coffee table in front of the love seat.
A door was open, revealing a bedroom, and I suspected the bathroom as well. Ry walked through the doorway and placed my luggage on the end of the bed on top of a floral quilt. By the time he came back into the main room, I had composed myself.
“This is lovely. Thank you for letting me stay here.”
“No need for thanks, Parker. We are happy to have you as a guest.” He eyed me closely, and I wondered if I had hidden my reaction to the butterfly keychain as well as I hoped.
“There should be some food stocked in the fridge, but we will be having dinner in about half an hour if you’d like to join us. I’m sure Gage would want to meet you.”
There was something in his tone that had me pausing for a beat before nodding my head.
It seemed rude to turn down the invite, plus, I should introduce myself to the other owner of the ranch.
“Okay, thank you. I’d like that.” I looked down at myself to see I was definitely looking a bit travel-worn.
“I think I’ll take a quick shower before heading over. ”
Ry looked me up and down before heading towards the door.
I could have sworn I saw a hint of appreciation in his gaze, but I told myself to stop seeing things that weren’t there.
Not only was the man in a relationship, but it was also with another man.
Why would he bother looking twice at me?
He paused in the middle of the small living area.
“Personally, I think you look great, but I understand needing a refresh under hot water after all the travelling.” He pulled a business card out of his wallet and set it on the coffee table.
“If you change your mind, or get lost on the way to the main house,” he said with a wink, “give me a call.”
I watched as he closed the door behind him, continuing to stand there for a long moment before finally turning toward the bedroom.
The man was stupidly hot. Just that square jawline alone could make men and women weak in the knees.
Add teasing to the mix with that cocky smile ghosting along those perfect lips. Damn. His partner was a lucky man.
With a sigh, I took my 9 mm handgun from the holster under my arm and slid it into the nightstand drawer. It wasn’t the best way to secure a service weapon, but I had little choice.
I unzipped my small suitcase and looked at what I had brought with me.
I had packed in such a hurry, I hoped I hadn’t forgotten anything important.
Pulling out my smaller overnight bag, I unzipped it and then glanced inside.
I still had empty brand new mini travel bottles meant for vacation, down at the bottom of the bag.
They were just visible under the full-sized bottles I’d tossed in.
Honestly, I couldn’t remember the last time I took a vacation.
Maybe a year ago during spring break? If going to the coast by myself for three days to stare at the water was considered a vacation.
I really needed to take a trip sometime soon before I burn myself out.
For the last several years, I had been in school, heavily focused on my studies and determined to do the best I could in order to make it into the FBI.
It hadn’t left any time at all for parties, dating, or even relaxing.
Once I made it into Quantico, my focus had strengthened even further.
Failing hadn’t been an option I was willing to even consider.
Walking into the bathroom with my toiletries, I glanced around.
I saw it was already fully stocked for guests with basic hygiene needs.
Looking at the stuff in my overnight case, I shrugged one shoulder.
I took out my toothbrush, followed by my hairbrush.
I then set the bag with the rest of my toiletries to the side on the bathroom counter.
I might as well take advantage of the shampoo and conditioner provided.
It was a better brand than my cheap stuff anyway.
After turning on the water, I stuck my hand under the spray and was pleasantly surprised to feel that the water had already heated up.
I stripped quickly and stepped under the spray, then let out a contented sigh.
Even a small cottage in the middle of Texas still had better water pressure than the apartment I paid an arm and a leg for in Virginia.
I had to force myself not to linger. Detective Nakamura had said dinner was in thirty minutes. If I didn’t want to be late, I needed to get a move on. But I would definitely be spending time relaxing under the hot water in the near future.