AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I don’t want to invade your space.”
“You won’t be. I asked you, remember? Besides, my property backs up to the beach. I’ll even feed you afterward.”
“I don’t want you to go to any trouble. We can just go for a run and then I’ll be on my way.”
“Rori.” He says my name in a deliciously deep voice, leaning closer. “I never offer to do anything I don’t want to. When I say I’ll feed you, it’s because I want your company.”
My eyes remain on the container of desserts, but I’m hyper aware of his warm, muscular arm pressing into mine. If I turned my head, our lips would be within mere inches of each other. Would he take advantage of the opportunity and kiss me? If he did, at least I’d know he was interested. Then I’d make sure we never spend another moment together. I can’t fall for a man who’s off-limits if I avoid him.
“What do you say?” He presses for an answer.
“Okay,” I agree and stuff the rest of the cookie in my mouth before I can change my mind.
* * *
My gaze swings to the dashboard clock. It’s taken me twenty minutes to travel the seven traffic-filled miles between my place and Kaiden’s. I take the last turn and it brings me to a street that runs parallel to the sea. I drive along trying to focus on the road, but my head constantly swivels between the houses on my right and what’s in front of me.
Google maps tells me my destination is the next right. When I pull into the driveway and park my car, I sit gawking at the large white house. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t anything as grandiose as this. I pictured a simple beach bungalow, and this is the opposite. Kaiden’s so down to earth, I forget how successful he really is. He could afford to buy any house he wanted. Hell, for all I know, he has homes in locations all over the world.
The young man I remember and the grown man he’s become aren’t the same and I need to keep that in mind. Just like I’m not the same young girl he knew. We’re both starting from scratch and there’s still so much to learn about each other.
When I’ve had my fill of staring up at the house, I grab my phone and water bottle and walk up the cobblestone driveway. A mixture of colorful flowers and plants overflow the terracotta planters flanking either side of the front staircase.
I’m filled with nervous energy as I climb each step, as my rolling stomach can attest to. You’d think I was going on a date and not meeting a friend to go for a run. Jogging down the beach all sweaty, breathing laboriously—it can’t get less sexy than that.
At the top, I walk between two thick white posts and step into the charming alcove. Looking up, I notice the arched wooden ceiling is stained the same dark brown as the front door, and a whitewashed sign hangs above the frame. The words carved into the wood make me smile.Coyote’s Den.
The door opens before I can compose my expression. “Hey, you look happy to be here,” Kaiden says.
Instead of replying, I point to the sign. “Cute name.”
“So, you’re not happy to be here?” he asks.
I roll my eyes. “Of course I am.”
He steps backward. “Come on in.”
I was wowed by the outside of the house, but the inside is equally as stunning. Gleaming dark floors and wide-open spaces filled with large windows allowing in all the natural light. It’s exactly what a beach house should be.
“Your home is beautiful.”
He smiles. “Thank you. I’m glad you like it.”
“Likeis an understatement. It’s amazing.”
“I’ve lived here for the past couple of years, and I love the laid-back vibe.”
I raise my palms up. “What’s not to love?”
“Can I get you a drink or anything?” he asks.
I hold up my water bottle. “I’ve got it covered.”
“Do you want to head outside and get started?”
“Sure.”
We walk through to his kitchen where he stops to grab a bottle of water. He takes a few sips and puts it back in the fridge.
