“Hey,” he says casually. “Nice location.”
I nod my head. The building is directly opposite the beach. Only six different apartments in this complex and mine is on the top floor. I step back so he can come inside, taking the time to scan him up and down as he walks past me and into the living area. “You said you had references?”
He turns to me and reaches into his jacket, pulling out a folded piece of paper. It’s warm from being close to his body and I unfold it and stare at it even though the words aren’t registering in my brain. I need to focus.
“This is the bedroom?” He’s walking towards mine and I have to move fast to cut him off.
“That’s mine. This is the one that’s available.” I turn and point to the door on the opposite side of the apartment. “It’s got a better view, and while it doesn’t have an ensuite like mine does, I rarely use the main bathroom, so that would be all yours.”
I pretend to read his references again as he heads toward the spare bedroom. He stands in the doorway and surveys the empty room. “I’ll need a bed.”
“Yes, it’s unfurnished.”
He spins back to me. “What was your name?”
“Sarah. Sarah Bennett. And you are?”
“It’s on the top of the paper you’re holding.” He’s looking at me like I’m stupid for asking.
I glance down. “Ethan Collier. I’ll need to get the references checked.”
“No problem.”
“You said you had a job?” I frame the statement as a question.
“Construction. I move around a bit, but right now I’m working over at the Westwood Enterprises building. New wing.” A builder. That’s obviously where he gets his rock hard body from.
“There will be no loud parties, if you make a mess you’ll need to clean up after yourself, and I expect rent to be paid on time - I don’t do extensions.”
“Yeah? What do you do then?” He’s grinning at me, and I suck in a quick breath at the way he’s making me feel. Before I can respond, he leans in closer. “I’ll take it. If you’ll have me.”
I know he’s talking about the room, but the way he says it makes it sound like he’s hitting on me. Or maybe I’m just so out of touch that I’ve forgotten how guys talk anymore. I haven’t been single for five years, and certainly haven’t been hit on for about as long. I think my perspective is warped.
Besides, if I let him move in, that means he’s off limits. I can’t think about him in any other way except as someone who pays half the rent. If there is a cardinal rule that even Lauren would agree with, it’s that you don’t get involved with someone you live with. Too complicated.
I make my decision. I know I’ll probably regret letting someone this gorgeous move in, but why not? It’s the first time I’ve felt like I’m alive again since Danny left. If having this eye candy around helps me get back into the dating game and see guys as potential love interests again, then Ethan Collier might be just the medicine the doctor ordered. I walk over to him, extend my hand and smile. “Ethan, when can you move in?”
He takes my hand and I feel the rough builder’s skin against mine. “How ‘bout now.”
Chapter 2
“What the fuck, Sarah?” Lauren is breathing heavily into the phone. “Do you know who you are living with?”
“Ethan Collier.” I repeat his name even though I’ve already told her a bunch of times.
“I checked his references.” She sounds smug, like she knows something I don’t.
“And?”
“And, he’s not the type of guy you’d want to be around. Maybe I would, but he’s too hardcore for you.”
I don’t know what she means by hardcore, but I’m insulted that she thinks I can’t look after myself. I may have been a mess after Danny, but that’s over now. I’m ready to move on. I’m stronger than she gives me credit for. “You were the one that insisted I get someone in. And you suggested I get someone hot, too. It’s not like I’m dating him. He’s paying rent, that’s all.”
“Jeezus fucking Louise, he’s been in prison, you know.”
“So.” That definitely wasn’t on his references. I pretend the announcement doesn’t rattle me, even though it does. “What for?”
“Armed robbery.”
I go quiet. I don’t know how to process this information right now.
“Do you want me to come over?” Her voice has softened and I know she’s worried about me.
I take a deep breath. “No, I’m fine.” We both know I’m not.