It’s odd that Nanette never mentioned this fact but then again, why would she? My mom’s got a taste for money, so her dates just have to be loaded even if they look like trolls. But Ed is a thousand times more gorgeous than I expected. To be honest, I thought I was going to meet a middle-aged dumpling of a man, with a paunch and soft dad body. But instead, my mom’s high school boyfriend looks like a rugged logger with his thick, dark hair, piercing blue eyes, and broad shoulders that look like they could hoist a tree. It’s embarrassing, but my nipples are hard when he opens to the door to his apartment on the second floor.
“Welcome,” he says with a grin. “It’s small and humble, but it’ll do for now.”
I step inside, and actually, the space is nice. It is small, with just one bedroom I can see off to the right. The living room and kitchen are separated only by a half-wall, which has been converted into a breakfast bar of sorts. But it’s comfortable and welcoming. Ed’s furniture appears to be mostly wood upholstered with huge, mismatched cushions. There’s a scratched up table tucked into a corner with bright red chairs, and everything looks welcoming. To be honest, I much prefer Ed’s place to my mom’s usual houses. All that expensive furniture looked like it belonged in a magazine, and weren’t for actually sitting on.
“It’s not much,” Ed grins. “But it’s a place to live, and it keeps me close to my work. Maybe too close,” he quips with a smile.
I shake my head.
“No, it’s wonderful, really. I can tell a human being lives here and not robots or automatons. You know how magazine spreads are. They always look over-designed, and like it’d be a crime to actually sit down and watch TV.”
With that, Ed throws his head back and laughs uproariously, flashing bright white teeth.
“Well, that’s true.”
I nod.
“No, I’m serious. If you look at design magazines, half the time there isn’t even a TV in the spread. Like do these people not watch TV? Or do they watch everything on their phones? I have no idea.”
My handsome host merely chuckles again before dragging my suitcase into the bedroom and propping it up inside the door.
I chase after him shaking my head. “No, no, not going to happen. I can’t take your bedroom because it would be wrong. You had no idea I was coming. I can make do on the couch, it’s totally fine.”
Ed shoots me an amused look, those blue eyes gleaming.
“It’s fine, really, Susie.”
But I shake my head furiously before yanking my suitcase out of the room and wheeling it next to the couch.
“I’ll sleep out here tonight,” I babble. “Honestly, it’s fine because I’ve slept on lots of couches before and this is exactly the right length for me. You would be cramped if you spent the night here!”
But Ed merely shakes his head.
“No, it’s okay, Susie. I’m not letting you sleep on the couch. You’re my guest so it’s not right.”
I blink.
“But I’m not really your guest because this is an unexpected visit, and you don’t know me at all. Hell, I could be lying about being related to Nanette.”
He grins, the smile soothing my soul.
“Are you? Lying I mean?”
I smile back at his humor.
“No, of course not.”
Ed chuckles. “Then it’s settled. You can sleep in the bedroom tonight. Honestly, it’s not a big deal because I usually fall asleep on the couch watching TV anyways, so it won’t be any different than my regular routine.”
I bite my lip and glance between the couch and the bed. It would be nice to have somewhere comfortable to rest, and he’s being so generous …
“Okay, if you’re sure,” I murmur. “I’ll take the bed, but if you get uncomfortable at all in the middle of the night, please wake me up and kick me out.”
Ed grins again.
“Deal. Why don’t you get settled, while I make us some dinner?” the handsome man asks, strolling over to the kitchen.
I stare.
“You cook?”
He winks while opening one of the cabinets and pulling out a box of pasta.
“Sure do, pretty girl. This man cooks most of his own meals, although I have to say that I do enjoy the burgers at Patsy’s once in a while.”
I nod.
“OMG, I love those burgers too! But is there anything I can do to help?”
Ed shakes his head.
“Nope. You just get settled as I whip up some spaghetti Bolognese. It’s delicious, I promise.”
My stomach gurgles at that moment, loud enough for him to hear, and we both laugh.
“Okay, sounds good,” I say. “But let me know if you need help.”
He nods and grins, and then begins running water into a large pot. With that, I turn and shut the door to the bedroom before plopping down on the mattress, somewhat breathless. Surprisingly, being in Ed’s apartment feels comfortable, like I’m an invited guest and not some random girl who showed up on his doorstep. Even more, I’m excited to get to know the gorgeous man. He’s kind, interesting, generous, and there’s something mysterious lurking behind those bright blue eyes. But what could it be? With another giggle, I stand up and start getting unpacked. I suppose it’s my job to find out.