Page 67 of His North Star
“Wow.” I shook my head. “You really know how to sweet talk a girl.”
He chuckled. “I’ll go get your clothes. Which, by the way, is not something I would normally say.”
I shot a stream of water at his retreating back while hollering, “Ew! I did not need to know that.”
How many women had Ty been with? I shook my head. Nope, not going there. In my emotionally fragile state, I did not need to dwell on the number of women Ty wanted over me.
Ty’s new house was nowhere near what he’d made it out to be. Sure, everything dated back to the nineties, but it was livable. I went in expecting peeling walls and fifty-year-old linoleum. The forest green decor with brass finishes certainly screamed from every room, but Ty could easily spend a minimal amount to make it more modern. The complete overhaul he planned was a bit over-the-top. Although, Ty’s condo was trendy, and if that was what he was used to, then gutting the place might be best to bring it up to his standards.
“In here”—Ty pointed to the kitchen—“I’m ripping this wall out so it’s open to the living room. I have a few design ideas for the cabinets and countertops, but I want you to pick which one you like best.”
“Why aren’t you picking the one you like best?”
His response was indifferent, even though his eyes told a different story. “Like I said, I like how you decorated your place.”
“Right…” I drawled, not believing his reason. “What are the options?”
He pulled out five paint color samples. “The staging company said these are the most popular.”
They were soft neutrals. Ranging from greige, to creamy white, to light green. Any option would look great.
“These two.” I pointed to my top favorites.
“Okay,” he said. “Here’s what I was thinking for the kitchen.” He pulled out two different boards. The first collection had “Modern” written at the top. The cabinets and countertops were white. A picture of black and glass globe light fixtures hung over the island and above the dining table. The faucet and cabinet knobs were dull black. While not quite my style, it had promise.
“It’s nice,” I said.
“But you don’t love it,” Ty stated.
“Let me check out the other option.” I pulled the second board closer. Now, this was a kitchen. The collection was titled “Modern Farmhouse.” The back cabinets were still white, but the island was stained with special walnut. Square lantern light fixtures hung above the island. Open, stained shelves lined one of the walls. Exposed wood beams tied the space together.
“I can tell by looking at your face you prefer this one.” Ty smiled.
“I love the touches of modern mixed with wood. It brings the outdoors in, which fits where we live. And you.”
He pulled the swatches back out. “Which paint color would you pick for the kitchen?”
“Greige. You can add pops of color with artwork, dishes, and a rug if you want. But really, the wood island, beams, and light fixtures demand enough attention as is. I wouldn’t really worry about decorating in here.”
“Great. Let’s go check out the bedrooms.”
We walked up a flight of stairs to the first set of bedrooms. “These two rooms will be guest rooms for now. Nothing too fancy. I doubt I’ll even get furniture for a while since I don’t get overnight visitors often.”
“Makes sense.” I nodded. “I’d stick with a neutral paint, maybe something with an earthy tone. You can do the same greige throughout the house if you want it seamless.”
The next door down the hallway was the main bathroom. Again, nothing looked horribly wrong besides being in-your-face green.
“The bathrooms will get the same cabinets and countertops as the kitchen.”
“This bathroom feels spacious compared to mine.” I got in the tub and lay back. “I might have to use this frequently.” And claim it as my own. Ty wouldn’t mind if I used a drawer or two in here. I’d stock bath bombs, candles, and a portable speaker. Oh yeah, this room would become my little haven.
“If you’re impressed by that one, come see the master.”
He pulled me up, and I followed his lead down the rest of the hallway. When Ty opened the door, I inhaled sharply.Whoa!His bedroom had a sliding glass door that led out to a private balcony. I didn’t stop to take in the large room or the vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams like the kitchen.
I slid the glass door open and stepped onto the balcony. A breeze kissed my cheeks. Pine and dew filled my lungs.
“I hate you,” I said.
