AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I make my way toward the doorway of the room, and my eyes lock on her immediately. She has her vibrant red hair pulled up into a high ponytail, with a few stray strands cascading down to frame her delicate features. Her makeup is minimal, yet she doesn’t need much enhancement to bring out her natural beauty. Rayna radiates an effortless charm that can’t be replicated. Dressed in high-waisted light wash jeans that perfectly hug her slender figure, she pairs it with a dark maroon long-sleeve t-shirt that complements her fair complexion.
“What are you looking for while we’re out?” I ask.
“Some artwork, maybe a new desk and desk chair. Runes said I could add whatever I wanted to my room to make it more comfortable.”
“Okay, did you have a store in mind?”
“I’m thinking about American Freight, honestly. They not only have a wide selection, but a good variety.”
As we step out into the cool winter air, we walk out to where one of the club’s trucks is parked. I waste no time in unlocking it and we get inside. I insert the key and turn the ignition. The engine of the club’s truck purrs to life. The leather seats creak beneath us as we settle in, and I can’t help but catch a whiff of the familiar scent of worn leather mixed with the faint hint of tobacco smoke that lingers in the cab. I’ll guarantee Ivar’s been smoking in here, even though Runes has said more than once not to smoke in the club vehicles.
I roll the windows down slightly because neither of us likes the smell of smoke. The cracked windows let in a gentle breeze that tousles Rayna’s vibrant red hair, making it dance like flames in the wind.
As we drive through town, I steal glances at her from the corner of my eye. Her eyes are alight with excitement, mirroring my own anticipation. I’ve always been attracted to strong-willed women who know what they want, and Rayna is no exception. Sure, she might have been dodging me for a while, but I know it’s only because she’s been hurt in the past.
There’s a spark within her that ignites a fire within me, and I love that she chose me to accompany her to the furniture store.
I doubt she realizes it, but she is so much stronger than her mind tells her. She’s survived so much. Actually, she’s endured it. There’s no doubt in my mind this woman can handle anything and everything that comes her way.
We pull up to American Freight, its sprawling warehouse-like exterior towering over us. Rayna hops out of the truck with an air of enthusiasm, her steps light and full of purpose. I follow closely behind, my heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and exhilaration.
As we enter the store, we’re greeted by rows upon rows of furniture, each piece seemingly more grand than the last. Rays of sunlight stream through skylights overhead, casting a warm glow on everything in sight. The air is filled with the intoxicating scent of fresh wood and new leather. It kind of reminds me of the new car smell.
Rayna leads me through the maze-like aisles, her eyes scanning every display with an intensity that tells me she’s serious about finding the perfect pieces for her room.
She goes over to the desk area, and there aren’t many choices. There are two gray options and a brown one. She ends up settling on a light gray desk that has a metal finish around it. Luckily, it comes with a matching rolling chair.
She tells the associate she wants that set, and we continue walking through the aisles. Since Runes told her to go ahead and decorate the room however she likes, it makes me think that they’re not going home anytime soon. I’d be lying to myself if I said I hated the idea of them staying longer.
Part of me wants Rayna to have the option to return to her old life, but there’s another part that wants her to stay here forever.
I would hate for her to go home after we’ve finally started seeing each other. I understand why it was so hard to get her to bring her walls down—she’s been hurt by men who never deserved her. I’m not going to be like the boys she’s been with in the past. I’m going to be the man who treats her the way she should be treated.
The next aisle we venture into is filled with an array of bed sets, each one more unique than the last. My eyes scan the assortment of colors and textures, but my gaze keeps returning to Rayna. She walks with purpose, her delicate fingers trailing lightly over the luxurious fabrics. Her instincts guide her toward a section with a backdrop of soothing gray hues, and I can’t help but focus on her. Sure, we’re here in a store, but the real treat is spending time with her.
As she examines the different options, her lips curve into a smile that lights up the entire store. It’s as if she has found a hidden treasure trove. I step closer, allowing my arm to brush against hers as I lean in to get a better look at the bed sets. There’s an undeniable chemistry between us, and I’m so glad she’s finally giving in to it.
“You’ve got an eye for style,” I comment playfully, my voice laced with genuine admiration. “Gray seems to be your color.”
She looks at me, her eyes gleaming. “Not necessarily, but the room I’m in is a darker blue, so I think the gray will lighten it up a bit. I think I’ll grab some yellow accents while we’re here today, too.”
Chatting with her feels effortless like we’ve known each other for years rather than a few months. Every word exchanged between us, and every laugh shared inches us closer together. My hope is that every time the two of us grow closer, it pushes back the horrible experiences she’s endured in the past.
Finally, after much consideration and teasing back and forth, Rayna settles on a bed set that blends simplicity with elegance. It seems traditional, but there’s a modern touch to it. The set comes with the bed frame, headboard, two bedside tables, a short dresser with a mirror that attaches at the top, and a taller dresser she can put somewhere else in the room.
We go through the store and find the salesman, giving him the code for the set she wants, and continue going through the store. “What are you looking for now?”
“A new sheet set, comforter, some throw pillows, and maybe a desk lamp or something.”
“You know we’re going to have to break in those new sheets,” I toy with her.
Rayna’s cheeks flush with a shade of pink. She playfully swats my arm. “Behave yourself, Mag,” she warns, though I can see the glimmer of amusement in her eyes.
“Mag, huh?” It’s the first time I’ve heard her call me this nickname.
“Yeah, I thought it had a nice ring to it. But I mean it, you’d better behave while we’re here.” The amusement in her eyes is still there, and she begins looking across the warehouse in an attempt to find the accessories.
I chuckle under my breath, unable to resist teasing her a little more. “Oh, I fully intend to behave . . . once we break in those sheets,” I reply with a mischievous smirk.
