Well, this was so far out of her expectations for Rylan’s home she felt a little ashamed.
Why couldn’t he have a home designed for a family?
He might be single, but that didn’t mean he wanted to stay that way. Or planned to stay that way.
The thought of Rylan finding a woman to share this big house with tightened Mazey’s chest.
“Put those down on the island counter. We’ll put the cold stuff away, then I’ll give you a tour,” Rylan said, coming into the house behind her.
“Oh, that’s okay. I’ll help you put everything away then get out of your hair.” She put the bags where he said and started unpacking one. She would not look at his gourmet kitchen with its state-of-the-art appliances and granite counters.
“What? You’re leaving? I thought we were prepping some of the food today?”
“The only thing that has to be done today is the pies, and I’m making those at home.”
“Oh.” Rylan frowned at her. “Okay.”
Mazey couldn’t say why the thought of touring Rylan’s house made her want to run. It made no sense. It was just a house. Except the idea of walking through each room with him made her sad, and that made her want to escape.
She was lying to herself. She knew exactly why touring his house made her want to run.
It represented everything she wanted, had wanted, her entire life.
A home, a big house with a loving partner, and a bunch of kids running around underfoot. Maybe a dog to keep those kids busy in the backyard.
He lived here alone, she knew that, and she’d be stupid to think he’d stay single until she was ready to explore the connection between them. And that just made her downright depressed.
They didn’t speak as they put the perishables in the fridge and set everything else on the counter ready for tomorrow morning when she’d come back to help him get ready before everyone arrived.
The last thing had been placed in the fridge when he said, “Don’t worry about the drinks. I’ll put them on ice first thing in the morning.”
“Oh, okay.” She glanced at the garage door where the drinks were in the back of his truck. There was no reason for her to stay now. And even if she didn’t want to tour his house, she didn’t want to leave.
Looking around, she searched for a reason to stay.
“Let me show you the backyard, and you can tell me if I’ve got the grill and outdoor furniture in the right spot.” Rylan grabbed her hand and towed her toward the glass sliding doors leading to the large deck that spanned the back of his house.
She’d tried not to look out the windows while they put the food away, but the yard kept drawing her gaze, and she was afraid once she saw it, she’d never want to leave it.
And she was right. The second he pulled her outside, she knew why he’d bought this house. Or why she would have bought it.
Green grass stretched toward the back fence, a tall fence that flanked all sides and gave him privacy from the neighboring houses. There was a large, well-established tree in the far righthand corner, from which a two-seater porch swing hung. She liked that. Had always wanted a porch with a swing.
“I know it’s big, too much for just me, but the second I saw this place I knew I had to buy it,” he said, pulling her gaze from the yard to him.
Mazey watched Rylan survey his yard, a satisfied smile on his face. She swallowed. Her throat tight with longing. “It’s a great place.”
“Yeah. And this deck.” He swept his arm out to indicate the timber beneath their feet. “It’s one of the best parts of the house. I’ve sat on the steps at least once a day since I moved in. Sometimes it’s with my morning coffee, sometimes an afternoon beer. Speaking of, you want a drink?”
“Ah, sure, why not.” It would give her a reason to stay.
“Beer?”
She nodded.
Rylan grinned at her. “Wait here. No, wait over there. Try out the new furniture. Let me know what you think. I’ll be right back.”
Her gaze followed him as he darted into the house. When he was out of sight, she turned back to face the yard and sighed. She envied him. She hadn’t seen more than the kitchen and family room inside, but it didn’t matter.
