Didn't Expect You (Against All Odds #2) - Claudia Burgoa Page 0,54

someone to tell you how to fill your space?”

“Yes. I was too busy working to worry about those superfluous details. It looks good, it’s functional, and I like it.”

“But do you love it?” I ask.

He stares at me and shakes his head. “Next thing I know this place is going to be filled with bright, blinding colors like my penthouse.”

He scrunches his nose and I laugh. When he leased his Colorado penthouse to Persy, she redecorated the entire place, giving it a boho new-age style with bright pinks, oranges, and earthy tones. My sister and I are a lot alike, but she’s louder, bolder, and likes to express herself with dazzling colors.

“You’re confusing me with my sister. I like some color but with moderation,” I clarify. “Not that I’d just change your decor arbitrarily. I’m just suggesting that you add a few details that make it yours. Fresh flowers would be lovely, but that’s of course, up to you. Wouldn’t you rather live in a place that feels like home?”

He rolls his eyes and shakes his head. Brock runs toward the double door that opens to the backyard and barks.

“Let me get him outside and right after, I’ll give you the grand tour.”

So far, I’ve been in two of his places. His homes are gorgeous, but I wonder if he even enjoys them.

Between this one and the penthouse, I think I prefer this house. It’s tucked in a corner and far from people. As we walk through every room, I observe that there’s nothing that says, “This is my home.” It could easily be a house decorated for one of those architectural magazines that lay on the coffee tables of medical offices, dentists, or waiting rooms in general. There’s something missing. Like pictures of him, his brother, and maybe even his father.

“You can choose any of the guest rooms,” he offers, then points to the one at the end. “That one is mine.”

“What if I want that one?” I joke.

“We’ll have to share the bed,” he answers and then grins. “Just so you know, I sleep naked.”

“Start wearing pajamas. What if I accidentally enter your room and…”

I trail my gaze and press my lips together regretting what I just said. My life has changed, and I can’t just flirt with him. Playing with fire before was acceptable, but now… There’s too much going on with me to even entertain some playful banter.

He narrows his gaze, “You like to challenge people and play with words, don’t you?”

I scrunch my nose and nod. “Sorry, it’s a habit of mine. Try having an older brother, a chatty younger sister, and an annoying baby sister. It’s about survival. Eat or get eaten. Be the smartest or…you get the idea.”

“It’s all good,” he answers. He walks me to his office, and then to the other side of the house where there’s an indoor pool, a gym, and the media room. Finally, he takes me to the living room, the dining room, and the kitchen where Demetri is staring at the open refrigerator.”

“D, we’re home,” Nate announces.

“Hey, Demetri,” I greet him.

“Ms. Nyx, it’s a pleasure to see you,” he says, turning around and looking at me. “I stocked the fridge and the pantry. Nate, I should be back next Wednesday after I take care of your properties in Colorado. Is there anything I need to know about your house, Ms. Nyx?”

“No more than I emailed you,” I announce and give him the keys.

“It’ll be fine,” Nate assures me, taking my shaky hand. “D, if you need anything, you know how to reach me. Make sure to take Nyx’s belongings to the guest room that’s closest to my room.”

“So, you’re taking the risk of having me close,” I joke.

He looks at me and blinks a couple of times, leans close to me and whispers with a low, husky voice. “The question is, can you have me close?”

I shiver and press my legs together trying to ignore the ache in my core. As I said before, he’s not a guy I should be playing with, and now that I’m about to be a mother, it’d be a terrible idea to acknowledge the fire between us. There’s a little person I should be putting first.

It’s not just you anymore.

Twenty-Two

Nate

Nyx’s first night at the house is different from anything I’ve ever experienced in my life. I’ve lived on my own for years. Unless my brother drops by, it’s just me and Brock. Nyx and I have dinner, which for the