Page 222 of One More Kiss

Star Spangled Romance

Carmen Bishop

Chapter1

APRIL

Simon followedTucker and his girlfriend Brooklyn onto an elevator in the apartment building he was going to be living in once he got his final discharge orders. He still couldn’t believe his military career was over. Ten years had turned into three tours, and while he had loved serving his country, it wasn’t what he wanted to do with the rest of his life.

He had goals, plans. Didn’t he? Or he had at some point anyway.

They stepped off the elevator, and Simon followed them down the hall until they reached apartment 4B. Brooklyn unlocked the door, pushing the door open to a spacious three-bedroom apartment. It was decorated in soft colors. One of those wax melter things people were so crazy about sat on the counter and filled the room with a coffee scent.

That was something he could get behind.

“So, you will be taking Emma’s room. It’s over here.” Brooklyn led him over to a room that held only a queen size bed and dresser. Everything else had been cleared out, so it was ready for him to move right in.

Not that he had that many things. Everything other than two tubs Tucker kept for him would fit into a green Army duffle.

“What do you think?” Tucker asked.

Simon studied the room and was turning around to say something when the door opened and a gorgeous brunette walked in.

She smiled, and Simon felt as if the sun just pushed through the clouds. Corny? Yes, but there was no other way to describe how her smile made him feel.

“Oh, hey, guys!” She set her purse and a briefcase down on the counter and hugged Brooklyn. “I forgot you guys were coming today.”

“This is my buddy, Simon.” Tucker introduced, and Simon held out a hand for her to take.

The heat was instant the moment their hands met, and he offered her what he hoped was a smile.

“Nice to meet you, Simon.” She released his hand. “When do you think you’ll be moving in?”

“I’m hoping about a month, but I’ll start paying my share of the rent now.

She nodded. “I hope living with me isn’t going to be too crazy for you.” She smiled. “Since it will probably be just the two of us most of the time.”

“Hey.” Brooklyn turned to Bailey. “I still live here too.”

“Oh, you do? I didn’t know since you’re never here.” Bailey bumped Brooklyn with her hip.

“I’ve spent the last ten years sleeping in a room full of men, trust me, I’m ready for a change.”

“Good. Well, I need to get ready for my date, I’ll see you guys later. Nice to meet you, Simon!” She called over her shoulder and disappeared into what must have been her bedroom.

“So, that’s my new roommate?”

Tucker and Brooklyn both nodded. “She’s great,” Brooklyn added. “A bit of a clean freak, but we love her anyway.”

She headed toward the door. “You guys want to go grab a beer?”

“Sounds good to me, babe.” Tucker smacked her lightly on the butt, and she blushed, causing a laugh out of Simon. He was happy to see his friend happy, Tucker deserved it.

Simon took one last look at the apartment. He heard the shower come on and took a deep breath. He had never been more excited to get out as he was now that he actually had something to look forward to.

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