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CHAPTERFOUR
Lucas
Ipark behind the moving truck on Melody’s drive and cut the engine.
“Thanks for the ride,” Melody says as she climbs out.
“Anytime. You never would have carried all these bags back,” I tell her as I reach bag after bag of groceries out of the flatbed of my truck.
She smiles sheepishly. “I bought a little more than I normally would knowing I was getting a ride.”
I follow her up the drive, my arms full of groceries, then wait for her to unlock the door and follow her inside.
“Watch your step. There’s stuff everywhere.”
She’s not wrong. There are boxes all over the floor and I navigate around them, following her into the kitchen. As I place the bags on the counter, I look around at all the mess. Despite wanting to spend time with her, I know how stressful moving house is, especially when the house is as run down as this one. I don’t want her to feel that she has to cook for me because I’m helping her.
“Are you sure you want to cook tonight? We could make it another night when you’re all unpacked.”
She puts the bags she’s carrying on the countertop and waves her hand dismissively. “Nah, this won’t take me long to sort through. I want to cook.”
“Okay. If you’re sure.” She nods. “Do you know if your smoke detectors are working?”
She raises her eyebrows. “Shit! I didn’t even think to check.”
“I’ll take a look. I tried to convince the previous owner to upgrade the ones she had, but she’d never let me. I’m guessing they’re still the same ones. If your shitty landlord hasn’t even bothered to make sure you have running water, I’m willing to bet he hasn’t taken care of the smoke detectors.”
I make my way back to the entryway and frown as I take in the ancient-looking alarm attached to the ceiling. Melody’s right behind me, and I turn to face her.
“Is it any good?”
“No.” I reach up and press the test button, not at all surprised when nothing happens. “Either the battery is dead or it’s just not working. Either way, it’s not fit for purpose. I have a bunch in my garage. I’ll bring some over when I come back with Aide and get them fitted.”
“I don’t know what to say, Lucas.”
“You don’t need to say anything. I wouldn’t be a great firefighter if I let you live somewhere that didn’t have working smoke detectors. At least you’re easier to convince than the previous occupant!”
“Thank you.” She steps closer and goes up on her tiptoes, brushing a kiss on my cheek. When she moves back, our eyes lock, and I can’t look away. I want to pull her into my arms and have her kiss me properly, but a voice from the living room reminds me that we’re not alone.
“Mommy, I’m hungry,” Roman shouts.
“I’ll be right there, baby,” Melody says, her eyes still locked on mine. “I should go and make him a sandwich.”
I nod. “I’ll be back when Aide gets here.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll leave Roman’s bike on the porch.”
“Thanks, and thanks again for everything.”
I wink at her, loving how her cheeks flush pink. She’s stunning. I’ve no idea if she has a boyfriend or where Roman’s dad is, but if there is a guy on the scene, I’d like to think he’d be here to help her.
* * *
An hour later, there’s a knock on my door. I stand from the sofa and pad through the living room into the entryway. Swinging the door open, I find Aide on the porch.
“Hey, man. Sorry I’m late.”
