Page 214 of One More Kiss

“Do I need to strip the bed and all?”

He grabbed my shoulders. “You’re not just a tenant. I’ll take care of that later. Let’s go. I need some new underwear.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. He had washed the same clothes every day and his shirt was missing a few buttons.

We turned everything off and he grabbed my Fireball and his last few beers from the fridge.

“Should I take my car?”

“Up to you, but I’m taking your luggage with me. Seriously, it’s too late for you to drive home.”

I rolled my eyes. “Fine, take the bag. But I probably need to drive my car.” Part of me wanted to stay, but part of me knew that was crazy.

I followed them up a few miles then pulled into a gravel driveway, similar to the one at the other cabin.

But, when we got to the end of the driveway, there wasn’t a quaint little cabin. It was a spacious home, that looked similar to a cabin, but the size of three put together. A large shed nearby, a huge wood pile, and a magnificent view.

I was awestruck. My car door opened, and Johnny reached his hand out. “Come on. Critters come out at night, so we need to get inside.”

Danny was at the door holding the collar of a giant hairy dog. “CJ this is Tiny.”

I reached my hand out and the dog let me pet his head. “Hey there Tiny. You sure are cute.” I looked at Johnny. “I have a dog. Ziggy. But he stays with Mom since I have the apartment.”

Johnny brought the bag and alcohol inside and shut the door. I looked around with my jaw open. It was like a magazine spread for a rustic home. Tall, beamed ceilings, huge windows, open floorplan, and cozy but woodsy furniture.

Tiny was by my side, panting and smacking.

“I’ll take this upstairs, why don’t you come, and I’ll show you around.”

Johnny stretched his arm out, so I took his hand and followed him.

“There’s a bathroom downstairs by the kitchen. And one in my room.”

We made it up the long flight of stairs and Johnny nodded down the hall. “Danny’s room is there on the end, and that door in the middle is the bathroom and the laundry room is in there, too.” He walked ahead into a door. “This is my room.”

I followed him and again found myself with my jaw on the floor. The huge bed was carved from wood with tall posts and matching nightstands on either side. Vaulted ceilings with a fan, several windows with Buffalo Plaid that matched the bedding.

“This is…wow.”

“The master bath is in here,” he said as he pointed into another door.

Poking my head in. I gasped. A huge, jetted garden tub with plenty of room for candles sat below a window, with a stand-up shower just on the other side. His and her sinks sat atop a long white marble counter.

“Are you sure a woman doesn’t live here?”

He laughed. “No, but I did hire people to help with the updates. You like it?”

I nodded. It was beautiful and warm.

I turned and he was there, wrapping his arms around me. “You hungry, tired?”

“A little tired actually.”

He led me out of the bathroom and to the room. “Climb in. I’m gonna go catch up with Danny and I’ll be up in a few. Get some rest.”

I climbed into the soft, cozy bed and Johnny leaned down to kiss my forehead then pulled the blanket over me.

After he turned the light off and closed the door, I tossed and turned.

He was amazing. This house was amazing. But I’ve known him less than a week.

Then why was everything in my being screaming at me to stay?

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