catch up. As she followed him up the front steps, something washed over her and she felt like she was home. What a strange feeling.
After he opened the door, he allowed her to go inside first. While the outside looked gorgeous, the inside needed some help. The whole house looked like a guy lived there, no touch of a woman anywhere. There was no theme or order to the place.
“So, what do you think?” he asked.
“It’s big. Is it yours?”
“Yup, had it built not long before Dad passed. I don’t know how he lived in that other place.”
“Well, he probably just didn’t have the money to maintain it, being a mechanic and all.”
He snickered and she wondered what that was about.
“You know, I’m an interior designer. We could trade services. You fix my car and I decorate your place.”
“What’s wrong with my place?” He glanced around, obviously not seeing what she did.
“For one, you have these gorgeous vaulted ceilings but you have nothing in here that makes me want to look up. All your furniture is short. There is nothing on the wall. A few mirrors in the right places would make this room look even bigger.”
“I’ll think about it. And what do you mean my furniture is short? It’s the same size as everyone elses.”
“It might be, but in a room this big, it looks tiny. A big, gorgeous, hardwood entertainment center on that wall,” she said, pointing, “would make all the difference.”
“I’ll think about it,” he said again. “But for now, let’s head out to the back porch. I was just getting ready to heat up the grill.”
Francesca followed him through the house. She took note that the house had real hardwood floors. The walls were all painted a standard beige. The kitchen was elegant. The countertops were granite, and the appliances were top-of-the-line. She could get lost in this place decorating. Ideas flew through her mind and her fingers itched to touch.
As Francesca stepped outside onto the deck, her mouth dropped open in awe. The deck was…well…awesome. A lot of money and time had been spent on it. It featured an outside kitchen. In the back corner, a custom hot tub was set up, with plants all around it for privacy. Benches had been built into the railing, and a gorgeous glass table that could easily seat twelve was placed next to it.
How the hell had he afforded all of this? Maybe there was more money in the mechanic business than she thought.
“You must be doing quite well if you can afford all of this.”
“I make it. But it also helps to know people.”
Walking over to the railing, she looked out at the yard. It was overgrown and not as well taken care of as the front. The yard was wooded, private, and quiet. She liked it.
“I hope chicken’s good. I marinated it in my special sauce,” he said as he reached into the tiny outdoor fridge.
“That sounds great, but I’m surprised you’re not a steak man.”
“I am, but I know women like chicken.”
She laughed. “I see now why you’re the most sought out bachelor in town. You must really know how to get a lady into bed.”
Her gaze locked on his, and her heart speed up as a grin spread across that gorgeous face of his. Before she knew what she was doing, she was walking toward him, closing the space between them, and her lips were pressed to his. She heard him set the bowl of chicken down and then his arms wrapped around her, pulling her close.
Francesca opened her mouth right away, letting his tongue dart over hers. There was a hint of mint as she felt her way around. Her hand massaged his neck and then slowly raked its way up through his hair. Lost in the kiss, she didn’t realize he’d picked her up. The kiss broke as he lowered her onto a long patio chair. Randall nudged her legs open and positioned himself between them. She expected him to kiss her again, but instead he let his lips explore her neck, shoulders, down her arms. Letting out a sigh, her head fell back against the chair. His hand crept
Kevin J. Anderson, Rebecca Moesta, June Scobee Rodgers