Kickstart My Heart (Burgers and Brew Crue #1) - Lacey Black Page 0,55

those all-seeing eyes on me. “That’s all. She asked Jamal to post it online when he gets home. She donates a lot to the local Goodwill store, but they can’t take used mattresses. She’s only used it a few months, and when I loaded it into the truck, I could tell it was in great shape.”

I start to get a little excited about the prospect of sleeping on an actual mattress again. It’s been weeks since I had a bed. Hell, just over a month since I found my way to Stewart Grove. Even if it’s not the most comfortable bed, it has to be better than the couch, right? “Can I see it?” I find myself asking.

Walker immediately turns us back to the house, leading me straight to Jamal’s truck. “It’s a queen.”

When I reach the truck bed, I take in what looks like the biggest bed in the world. It’s not, of course, but after sleeping on a two-foot wide lumpy couch, it looks like a big slice of heaven. I press down on it, even though I can’t really get enough leverage to really push. “It feels really soft,” I tell him, my mouth practically drooling.

“That’s her problem. She needed something a little firmer.”

I glance his way once more. “Fifty bucks?”

He nods once. “You can pay it whenever you’re ready,” he starts, but I cut him off.

“I have it now. I actually have it with me.”

“There’s no frame, so we’ll have to stop by the furniture store and grab one,” he says.

“And sheets,” I add absently. All I can do is stare at the bed. My new bed. Who cares if it’s used? Not me.

“There’s the supercenter right down the road from Jenkins Furniture. We can hit it up after we get the frame.”

I take a deep breath, realizing I’m about to make my first big purchase since moving. It’s thrilling and a little scary, but only because I worry about spending the money I may need for something else. But I know I’m okay financially. I’ve already paid next month’s rent and have set aside utilities. I can purchase the bed and new sheets and frame and barely touch the savings I have stashed away. Last night’s tips were a big help, and it looks like I’ll be able to get a bed because of them.

I find Walker’s gaze and offer him a small grin. “I’ll take it.”

Now, that grin turns into a full-watt, panty-melting smile. “Perfect. I’ll let Edna know.”

“How will we get it to my apartment?” I ask, thinking about all those stairs to go up to reach my apartment.

“Jamal can follow us over there. He can help me carry it up, and then when we’re done, we’ll run and get the stuff we need.”

“You don’t have to do all that running. I can find a frame and bedding.”

Walker shrugs and shoves his hands in his pockets. “I don’t mind helping. In fact, I rather like it.” I can feel my cheeks heating up at his words. “Actually, it’s more than that. I like you.”

“I like you too,” I find myself confessing, almost immediately. Nothing like laying all your cards down on the table before the bets are thrown. I should be holding my hand close to my chest, yet here I am, showing my hand and hoping he isn’t bluffing.

He steps closer and grabs my hip gently. His right hand threads into my hair, as his left one slides around to rest on my lower back. I hold my breath, waiting and anticipating what’s next. Will this be the time he finally kisses me? I’ve never wanted a kiss as badly as I want his.

I’m sadly disappointed though when he places his lips at the top of my forehead. Again. “We better head back,” he says, his voice a little dry and hoarse.

“Yeah,” I reply, trying to hide my dissatisfaction.

Walker takes my hand once more and leads me around to the backyard. Just as we come around the corner, I see Lizzie kick the ball wide, throw her arms in the air, and declare, “I’m the beater!”

Jamal just stands there. “What? How? You didn’t kick the ball between my legs.”

She just smiles, batting those sweet little eyelashes, and says, “I’m the beater!”

Walker chuckles, as I shake my head. “She plays by her own rules,” I mumble.

Spying Marie and Edna at the table under the tree, we head that way. The moment I take an empty seat, Walker says, “I’m going to go play