used were the fridge, the microwave, and the coffee machine.
“I’m not much of a cook, but I always have plenty of takeout. Since Skye married Rob, I practically have a delivery subscription from his restaurants.”
“Works for me. I eat vending machine crap half of the time and cafeteria food the rest of the time. This is actually an improvement.”
We ate bacon sandwiches and salad, standing at the counter.
“How come you decided you wanted to be a doctor?” I asked her.
“I don’t remember a time I didn’t want to be one. I honestly never considered anything else. It was particularly alarming in my last year of college, when I had no plan B in case I didn’t get into med school. You? Always knew you wanted to work in real estate?”
“Not at all. I just wanted to make money, honestly. I know, it’s shallow.”
“No, it’s not. Wanting to have a comfortable life is a valid reason to pursue things.”
I liked that she wasn’t judgmental. “When Hunter asked me to work with him, I didn’t hesitate. I was young and hungry to prove myself, hungry for a high-paying job. My siblings and I had wanted to help Mom every way we could.”
“Oh?”
“Back in Boston, we lived in this huge house. Right after Dad left, she’d thought that she would at least get half of the house. Dad had hidden from her the fact that he’d put up the house as collateral for a personal loan. It had been in his name only, so he hadn’t needed her signature. I knew she really wanted to own the place where she lived.”
I had this vague memory of eavesdropping on Mom talking on the phone with her sister.
“We won’t even have a roof over our head. What am I going to do? I’ll never be able to afford buying a place to call home.”
It had haunted me for years. I didn’t want Mom to ever feel that desperate or unsafe ever again.
As soon as we were all working and had a decent income, we chipped in with more than enough for a down payment. Hunter had flat-out offered to buy Mom’s apartment, but she’d given him such a stern speech that we both grimaced every time we remembered it. She’d used his middle name, and that was saying everything.
“And you succeeded,” she said with a smile.
“Yeah.”
“You’re a remarkable man. Did I mention I like you?”
“Several times, but I love hearing it so you can repeat it as often as you want. Now, time to answer some questions.”
“Oh?”
“I want to know you, Laney. The things you like, the things you don’t.”
“I like where this is going.”
“Tell me everything. Favorite food, city, color... whatever you feel like.”
“You might get an overload of information.”
“I’ll take it.”
“Okay. But in return, I want the same from you. So, I go first?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Favorites... let’s see. Color: green; movie: Pretty Woman; food: french fries with ketchup. You now.”
“Blue, James Bond, pulled-pork burgers.”
She grinned wide. “I like this day. You know, I usually don’t like talking about personal things at all, except with Isabelle or people I’ve known for years... but I want you to know everything there is to know about me. And I also want to know about you. Before, I didn’t really care about these things. I was content just working and sleeping. I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. But now, I feel like I’m missing out on everything if I don’t find out your deepest, darkest secrets.” She wiggled her eyebrows. I liked that she wanted to open up to me.
“I see. I’m going to file that for consideration.”
She pouted. “But I want to know now. How else am I going to be able to guess the things you need?”
“I like that you care so much about everything and everyone.”
“Hmm... not sure if this is an attempt to change topics or butter me up so I compliment you too, but I like that you make me laugh so easily. I just feel so light when you’re around, with your sexy smile and larger-than-life charm.”
“Careful. It’s all going to my head.”
“Okay then, let’s find something to hang over your head. Why exactly were you named the charmer?”
“I’ve never really dated seriously.”
“Why?”
“Couldn’t say. I think I just didn’t see myself with anyone for more than a few dates... until now.”
“Nice save.”
“I mean it.”
She laughed, touching my lips. I undid the buttons of the shirt, starting at the top. After opening one, I paused, stroking her skin before