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eight
The cab driver pulled into the crater-filled parking lot of the small apartment complex and stopped behind a row of dusty and dented cars. Really, “complex” was a generous description. The lot consisted of a single, two-story building divided into fourteen units.
“Wait here.” Bas paid the driver, exited the vehicle, then hurried around to open his door. “Stay close to me.”
He kept this arm around him and continuously scanned their surroundings as he hurried him across the parking lot to a rickety staircase. Even at one o’clock in the morning, lights still burned in several of the other apartments, and loud shouting could be heard from one of the ground-floor units.
Upstairs, Bas led him to the last unit, looked around once more, then pulled him to the side, placing him between his own body and the rusted railing.
“I’ve complained twice now.” Jiggling the key in the lock, he threw his shoulder against the door as he grumbled and cursed under his breath. “They still refuse to fix this damn thing.”
“Here, let me try.” Sliding in front of him, Kai leaned his shoulder against the door, pulled up on the knob, and twisted the key. “Ah, there we go.” He pushed the door open and swept his arm out to the side. “After you.”
“How did you do that?” He put a hand on Kai’s shoulder and ushered him through the door ahead of him.
Depressing gray paint, threadbare brown carpet, and cabinet doors that didn’t quite fit on their hinges—walking into Bas’s apartment was like stepping into the past. It wasn’t what he would call inviting or welcoming. Hell, he wouldn’t even define it as cozy, but it was warm and impeccably clean.
“Push and lift,” he answered distractedly as he dangled the keys from his index finger. “How long have you lived here?”
The sad drone of the refrigerator competed with the rhythmic drip of the faucet, and right on cue, the vents rattled as the heater clanked to life.
“Few months.” Bas ran his fingers through his hair, something Kai noticed he did when he was nervous or uncomfortable. “It’s not much, but it’s more than I need.”
“You said you lived a few blocks from me.” His chest tightened, and his heart beat a little too hard. “Bas, we’re almost two miles from the club.”
“Technically, it is a few blocks.” Shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans, he pulled his shoulders up around his ears as he ducked his head. “Besides, walking is cheaper than a gym membership.”
God, he was adorable.
The upholstered sofa was worn in a few different places, and the cushions had fallen flat a long time ago. The armchair didn’t match anything else in the room, and the coffee table looked like it had been to hell and back.
“It’s perfect.”
“I don’t know about all that.”
“No, it is. It has character.” He wasn’t just humoring him, either. He could really feel Bas in the space. “I love it.” Wandering over to the shelf beside the television, he had to laugh at the number of DVDs featuring Disney princesses. “Getting in touch with your inner child?”
“I keep those for the girls, smartass.” He flopped down on the middle cushion of the sofa and propped his booted feet up on the coffee table. “I keep them when I can to give Nettie a break.” His head fell back, and he rubbed both hands over his face. “I’m going to miss them.”
“Wait? What?” Clearly, Kai had missed something. Abandoning his exploration, he walked around the table, stepped over Bas’ legs, and fell down beside him on the couch. “Are you going somewhere?”
“No, no, nothing like that.” He draped an arm over the back of the sofa so that he could stroke his fingertips up and down Kai’s nape. “Annette is talking about moving in with our parents.”
“I take it they don’t live close.”
“They’re your typical retirees. Moved to Florida a couple of years ago. Have lunch at beachside cafes. Go boating on the weekends.” He laughed, though it lacked much in the way of humor. “They visit a couple of times a year.”
“Well, I’m sure they’ll be happy to have the grandkids close.” He bit down on the side of his tongue to hold back any uncharitable thoughts floating through his head. “Why haven’t they offered to help before now?” So much for keeping his opinions to himself. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“I love that you speak your mind.” His lips curved as he pressed them against Kai’s temple. “It’s not like that, though. They’ve actually been trying to convince her to move in with them since her husband died.”
“Oh.” Great, now he felt like a complete ass.
“Annette doesn’t want them to know how much she’s struggling. I mean, you’ve met her. You know how she is.”
“I know things aren’t ideal, but I really admire her. She’s doing the best with what life has given her.”
“I guess you’d know a little about that.”
