"You're not going to live with strangers, Clara." He sounds a little concerned, a lot protective. In the background, the music changes, and I tap my foot against the floor to the rhythm of the new tune, watching as a crease appears on Blake's forehead and he runs a hand through his almost black hair. "You never know what weirdos you'll end up with."
"Trust me, I'm not a fan of sharing, but I'm out of options."
"I have an idea." He pulls himself to his full height, which I estimate to be at six foot two or three. Despite his height, he appears strong, not massive. His muscular build and tapered waist make him look athletic. Scratch that. They make him look the definition of sexy and sinful.
"Do tell, because I'm completely out of good ones."
"The apartment next to mine above the bar is empty."
It takes a moment for his meaning to register. Blake owns a bar, and while I did know he owns the entire building and lives on the upper floor, I had no idea there were two apartments there, but it makes sense. The building is huge. There's just one hitch in this plan. Considering the size and location....
"I don't think I can afford that kind of rent."
"I wouldn't charge you."
This stabs at my pride. I make it a point to take the chances that are given to me, but this feels like charity. I deliberate my answer for a moment because I don't want to come off as ungrateful when he's going above and beyond to help me.
"I wouldn't feel comfortable with that, Blake."
"Look, that place is empty anyway, and I'd never rent it out."
"Why not?"
"I don't want neighbors," he says simply. "You're a friend, that's different. And it would only be for twelve weeks tops."
Emotions clog my throat, but I muster a smile. Even though the Bennetts have been a constant in my life for the past two years, I'm still surprised every time they offer to help me. Still, this doesn't feel right.
As if sensing my doubts, he adds, "You can pay me what you're paying for rent now."
"That's more reasonable, even if not fair to you."
"It's fair." His eyes crinkle as he offers me a wide smile. "Now, since the kids seem peaceful, let's return to the realm of grown-ups." He leads me away, resting one hand on the center of my back, splaying his fingers wide.
"Do you want to come see the apartment?"
"Sure. When do you have time?"
"Tomorrow would be good since it's Sunday, but I'll probably sleep like the dead after this. Monday? Before happy hour begins at the bar?"
"Deal. And Blake? Thank you. You're the one saving my bacon now. Big-time."
His fingers press gently into my back, and he leans in dangerously close. "I'll be a fun neighbor, I promise."
Is it suddenly hot in here, or is it just me? I glance sideways, inspecting Blake. Yep, just me. He isn't even breaking a sweat, while it's all Niagara here under my dress. I wish I'd had the good sense to style my hair up in an elegant bun instead of loose waves, though I suspect the flash of heat has nothing to do with my hair sticking to the back of my neck and everything to do with the man next to me.
As we make our way to the center of the ballroom, I notice the hook holding up Alice's long train has come off, and the fabric is cinched behind her at her feet. Since she's engrossed in a conversation with Nate, it's possible she hasn't noticed. She could trip on it if she doesn't know.
"See you later," I mouth to Blake and head toward his sister. "Sorry to interrupt you lovebirds, but the hook holding your train has come off."
Alice glances downward. "Oh, crap. They warned me this would happen because the fabric is so heavy. I have safety pins in a small white bag under our table."
"I'll go get it, and then I'm going to fix your dress."
"Always the savior, eh, Clara?" Nate asks good-naturedly.
"That's how I roll." Ah, I miss having him as a boss, or at least close by. I have no siblings, but while I worked for him, it felt a bit like I had an older brother.
Five minutes later, Alice and I are in the bathroom, and I'm trying to replace the hook with the safety pin. Alice, bless her, is talking my ear off about everything.
"I just can't rein in my grin," she confides. "Every time someone says "smile for a photo", my face just explodes with happiness." Her happiness is infectious, and I can't help wondering how it must feel to love someone and to be loved back so fiercely. "I think my face is going to hurt from so much grinning tomorrow."