Page 37 of Finding Redemption

Walker rubs the back of his neck. “So yeah. I’m gonna go. Sorry for the intrusion.”

I trip over my feet when he turns to leave, catching myself on the doorjamb to Alden’s delight. He cackles at my clumsiness, earning him a death glare from Walker. I spin around quickly, admonishing him.

“Stop it. Now.” I turn back to find Walker stepping out the front door. “Uh, Walker. Just a second.”

He slows to a stop on my doorstep, where I join him. “I wasn’t trying to interrupt.”

I’m shaking my head before the words come out. “No, I don’t think you were interrupting. I mean, there’s nothing to interrupt. We weren’t doing anything.”

“Lucky me.” He drops his head, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Look, I only stopped by to give you the new prospectus. I’m gonna let you enjoy your dinner. See you Tuesday.”

Dammit, Reese. Think of something. NOW. “I’ll make notations if I have any questions.”

His head bobs in acknowledgment. When he steps from the stoop, he turns, dragging something from his pocket. “It has all my numbers on it in case you need to call. Office and cell.”

“Thank you. I’m sure I’ll need it at some point… for something.” Shut the fuck up. You’ve become a blabbering fool.

“Yeah, all right. Tuesday, Reese.” And with that, he walks away. What the hell just happened?

“He’s sprung,” Alden says from behind me.

I whip around, shocked by his assumptions. “What? No, he’s not, and you acting as if he is isn’t helping.”

He crosses his arms defiantly. “Then why was he here?”

I hold the file up, shaking it at him. “You heard him, to drop these off.”

“Oh, I heard him but the look on his love-sick face told a different story.” He smirks.

I roll my eyes, pushing past him. “Get over it. He’s not interested in me.” I stomp through my apartment. “And another thing, it hurts my feelings when you say that shit.”

“What shit? That an intelligent, nice looking man is interested in you?” He blankly stares at me, and my stomach rolls.

I pick at my cuticles. “Yes.”

“Reese, you’re a beautiful woman, but your way of thinking is fucked up.” He pulls his phone from his pocket. “I’m ordering Chinese.”

I slam the file on the table, turning to the sink. “Thanks, Alden. I love that you see me for more than I see myself.”

He wraps his arms around me, hugging me close. “One day, you’re gonna meet a man… who’ll do the dishes for you.” He kisses my cheek and walks away to order our food.

“Asshole.” I toss a towel at his back before stacking the dishes in the dishwasher.

The food arrives by the time I have the kitchen cleaned. I join Alden on the couch with the file Walker dropped off. I open it and find an amazing proposal. “Well, I’ll be damned.”

“What is it? He proposed?” He smirks.

“Sorta.” A smile slowly stretches across my face. “He’s saving the house.” The more I read, the wider my smile gets until I’m bursting inside.

“And? You kinda suck at details to be a girl.” He chuckles.

“I need to run it across The Historical Society, but I’m pleased. I’m pretty sure they’ll agree.” I close the folder and pick up my Lo Mein.

“See, he likes you. He’s buying you a house.” He winks at me, making me laugh.

“No, he’s not but he’s saving one.”

I’m thrilled when Alden leaves to go to his apartment next door, and I can climb into bed. I’ve never figured out how he can stay up all night and be up at the ass crack of dawn. Just as I’m closing my eyes, my phone rings. “Why didn’t I turn you off?”