Page 9 of Under the Radar

“Sure,” I replied. “Whatever you need.”

“I wanted to look at these paint swatches in the house. Any chance I could do that? I mean, would you trust me enough to loan me a key? I’ll return it fast, I promise.”

I chuckled and dug into my pocket. I had also stopped by the general store this morning and had Mack, Brett’s dad, cut me an extra set of keys. I handed them to her. “Here. These are yours.”

“But-but I haven’t signed anything!”

I waved off her concern. “It’s fine.”

“No, really. I should sign something.”

I pointed to the chair beside my desk. “Sit down, then.”

I typed in the website I knew about and printed off the same form I signed with Brett. It was standard and simple. I scribbled in the rent amount and crossed off a few things and handed it to her. “Here. Read this and sign.”

She looked at it, a cute furrow appearing between her brows. “Um, you said a thousand plus utilities. This says includes.”

“Except phone. I only have my cell. If you want a landline, you pay for it. But yes, all in.”

“Why?”

I blew out a deep breath. “I didn’t say anything on Saturday since it wasn’t official, but I bought the house, so I’m the new landlord. That is my rate. Now, sign.”

“You bought the house?”

“Yep.”

She was out of her chair fast and threw her arms around my neck. She pressed a kiss to my cheek. “Congratulations!”

Without thought, I wrapped my arms around her, hugging her close. She was small and warm, and she smelled incredible. Like flowers. As she bent over me, her hair fell around us, and I was lost in a curtain of red-gold tresses. I dared to fist the back of her hair, feeling the softness.

She eased back, and I released her, already feeling the regret.

“So,” she teased. “Does this mean you can approve my paint colors?”

“I guess so.”

She spread out some swatches. “This one for my room, I think. And I was thinking the living room would look great in this sort of taupe.”

“I thought that was brown.”

She chuckled. “It’s sorta both.”

“I like it.” I sat back with a grin. “I’m kinda relieved it’s not pink.”

She shook her head. “I’m not much into pink on the walls.”

“Good to know.”

“Okay. I’ll go see how these look in the rooms.”

I tapped another strip of colors. “What is that one?”

“It’s called Misty Moors. You like it?”

“I was wondering if I should paint my room, you know, while we’re at it.”

“It’s a great color.”