older building was further split into floors. All of her neighbors kept mostly to themselves, and there was no security door between her and the rest of the world. That was probably why Kai was so thorough in his perusal of her place.
He looked in each closet, even the crammed linen one by the bathroom. He pushed aside the shower curtain before heading into her bedroom.
Seeing the six-foot-something man in her most private space did something to her insides.
Her comforter was bright turquoise with big white and hot pink flowers. The throw pillows matched the flowers and the shaggy rug. The room was a splash of color with clothes sticking out from a few drawers. At least she made her bed every morning. It was the only way she could be comfortable when she went to bed. She liked to snuggle up between the mattress and a tight sheet. She would never admit it, but she tried often pretending it was the arms of a lover that was holding her close.
Instinctively, Ember knew that when she went to bed that night, those imaginary arms would belong to a certain security guard who was staring at the huge cupcake poster above her bed. The pink frosting was adorned with a smiling face.
“This room suits you,” Kai said, turning to give her a smile.
“Oh.” What the hell did that even mean?
“It’s so bright and cheerful.”
Was that really how he saw her? Even with all of the drama hanging around her? God, she hoped so.
Ember led a pretty simple life. She didn’t usually do drama, preferring to roll with the punches. This was new territory for her. Just like having the hottest man alive in her bedroom was a new experience.
“That’s a compliment, Ember.”
“Right. Thanks. I’m sure I should have something more adult in here. It kind of does look like a pre-teen’s room.”
He shook his head. “No way. It’s a splash of color in the world. Kind of like you.”
Oh, wow.
Keep talking, sexy man.
“I like bright colors, and my love of cupcakes goes way beyond baking.” She pointed to a plush cupcake sitting on top of her bed.
Kai picked it up, a grin on his face. “I can tell.” His eyes were trained on the bed, and Ember hoped he was having the same kind of dirty thoughts that she was having. Picturing Kai, with his muscular form, lying on her bed was making her a little giddy.
“When I babysit my nephew, I have to check under the bed for monsters. The closet too, and for whatever reason, the top drawer of his dresser. There was a sock sticking out of it once, and he was sure it was a snake.”
“Poor little boy.”
Kai took a step forward, preparing to drop down to the floor, and she reached out, her hand meeting his toned forearm. “Please don’t tell me you need to check under the bed.”
He chuckled. “Why? Is that where you hide all of your secrets?”
“No, that’s in my bedside drawer. Under the bed is where things get lost. Like socks and—” Underwear, half-empty lip glosses. Probably a small army of dust bunnies.
“Naughty drawers will remain personal until a later time.” He winked at her like it was a given that he would one day see into her drawer.
If she got her way, he would. He sure kissed her like he wanted to.
With an agility that had her lady parts cheering its appreciation for Kai’s ass, he dropped down onto the floor, almost in a pushup position. It put the muscles of his arms on full display, making her mouth water.
“No monsters under the bed.”
“Unless one can materialize out of dust bunnies,” she said with a shrug.
Kai chuckled as he eased himself up off the hardwood flooring. “Now there’s an image.” He placed his hands on his narrow hips, nodding his approval at a task completed. “You should be safe here tonight. Keep your phone beside you. Don’t leave the house until I pick you up in the morning.”
He made to leave her bedroom, which meant he would be leaving.
There would be no more kisses tonight. The realization made her sad.
“Stay for dinner,” she said with so much rapidity, the words ended up all jumbled up.
Kai cocked an eyebrow at her, amused.
“Stay for dinner,” she repeated with more composure. It was barely eight o’clock, a bit late for a full meal. She wasn’t ready to see Kai leave. Not yet. “We had a few cupcakes, but that’s hardly a well-balanced and nutritious