We ride up the elevator- sorry, lift- together in silence. I take everything in while swaying on my feet and trying to keep my eyes open. I get the feeling the doorman is trying to figure me out.
“Is something wrong?” I ask when I catch him looking at me out of the corner of his eye.
“No, Miss. My apologies,” he says, facing straight again.
We ride in silence for a few seconds before he speaks again. “It’s just that Mr. Kline doesn’t have guests over.”
“Oh, I’m not a guest. I’m his new flatmate,” I say with a smile.
I was expecting that information to put him at ease, but if anything, it seems to confuse and shock him even more.
The doorman, whose name I learn is Bill, helps me carry everything in and tells me to let him know if I need anything. I turn to tip him, but he’s gone before I can stop him. I sigh, too tired to chase after him. I’ll thank him again next time I see him. Right now, I need to take a shower and a nap. Hopefully, in that order.
I lock the front door behind me and look around the flat. I don’t see or hear anyone, and I assume Oliver isn’t home yet. I glance around as I drag my bags into the flat, looking for my bedroom.
I don’t know what I was expecting, maybe something super modern or minimalist, but I’m pleasantly surprised when I see the living room and kitchen. The place is homely and lived-in. I was stressed about leaving a mess or feeling like I was living in a museum. That’s not going to be a problem here.
I can see myself curling up on the couch with a good book or whipping up one of my favorite meals in the kitchen.
The place has an open floor plan with the kitchen and living area combined. There’s a hallway to the right, which I assume leads to the bedrooms and bathrooms. The living area is decorated in a soft green with dark brown leather couches and an overstuffed chair. A large flat screen hangs on the wall above the fireplace. Bay windows look out onto the street below and the little park right across the street. The windows are framed by two bookcases overflowing with books.
The kitchen is the same dark wood, but there are shelves connected with copper pipes instead of cabinets. The dishes are all neatly stacked on them, and I smile at how organized everything is. The counters are a gleaming white marble, and I notice all the appliances are shiny stainless steel.
I yawn, my jaw cracking with the movement, and I groan as I rub my eyes. I think it’s well past time for that nap. I grab two of my bags, dragging them down the hallway and poking my head into the bedrooms.
The room on the right is obviously Oliver’s. It’s painted a dark navy blue with a black bedspread and dark furniture. It smells like cedar and whiskey, and I almost moan at the scent. It’s so manly, and it has parts of my body tingling and heating as I breathe in his scent.
I close the door quickly, moving to the other bedroom across the hall. This one is sparse, with a bed, dresser, and nightstand, but the bed is made, and everything looks clean and dusted. I’ll have to thank Oliver for getting everything set up for me.
I step back out into the hallway, looking into the last room to see the bathroom, and I sigh as I think about taking a shower. I’m so tired, but I feel disgusting after being on the plane for so long, and I hurry to strip and turn on the shower.
I’m about to step under the spray when my phone dings with a new message. I grab it and swipe my finger across the screen, smiling when I see Oliver’s name.
Oliver:Did you get settled in alright?
Avery: Yes! Thank you, this place is amazing! Thanks for paying for the taxi ride. You didn’t have to do that. Oh, and for setting up my room. :)
Oliver: It was nothing. Consider it a welcome to England gift.
Avery: Thank you.
Oliver: What are you going to do today?
Avery: Honestly? I’m about to shower and then take a nap. I’m exhausted.
Oliver: Okay, I’ll let you get some rest. Let me know when you wake up, and I’ll send you some recommendations for dinner.
Avery: Cool! Thank you.
Decan: No problem. Sweet dreams.
I smile.I’m tempted to rush through my shower, but it feels so good to have the hot water easing the stiffness from my sore muscles. I close my eyes, letting the water run over me. When I start to fall asleep, I know it’s time to get out.
I wrap a towel around me and make a mental note to bring in a change of clothes when I shower in the future. It takes me a while to dig through my suitcase, but I finally find my pajamas, and I pull them on before I collapse onto the bed.
His laundry detergent and scent surround me and I bury my face in the pillow, falling asleep to dreams of exploring London. I smile as an image of me walking arm in arm with a dark-haired man down the street. I don’t know what Oliver looks like, but I know he’s the man walking with me.
I should lay off the romance books for a little bit. I can’t be half in love with a man I’ve never met and only exchanged a few emails with.