Page 50

She gasps. “This place would be perfect for reading.”

“If you like this, you’ll definitely like the library,” I say, pointing to the nearest door on the right-hand side.

She pokes her head in and looks back at me, face full of wonder. “This is amazing.”

I hum and join her, leaning against the doorframe. Hazel takes in the mahogany shelves that encompass half the walls, the large desk by the window, the plants in the corners, and the leather loveseat with a matching ottoman, perfect for kicking your feet up and reading.

Meanwhile, I’m too busy taking her in. Her curly hair is a mess, haphazardly coming out of her braid. Her cheeks have a hint of redness to them, almost like she’s been out in the sun too long. She’s beautiful.

I clear my throat and return to the hallway. When she joins, I say, “This is the level where most of the rooms are.” I point at the hallway to the left. “There’s my bedroom and bathroom, a balcony, and my office.” Indicating to the right, I continue, “And that way is the library and two more guest rooms. One of them is mostly a cat room.”

“Oh, that’s all?” she asks, a smile playing on her lips.

I roll my eyes. “Yes, actually. I’ll show you the patio and guesthouse another time. You’re welcome to explore anywhere you’d like.”

Her left eyebrow raises in question. “Anywhere?”

I pause, wondering if I should ask her to stay out of my bedroom and office, but there’s really no reason to. “I have nothing to hide.”

She laughs brightly. “I won’t go snooping, I promise. But I might use that library if I have the time.”

I take a few steps closer, keeping my hand on the railing of the staircase. “If you need anything at all, let me know.”

“Thank you,” she says, placing her hand on the rail as well, inching it closer to mine.

I try not to react, not to break whatever this moment between us is. But my phone has other plans. It dings with a series of texts, and the two of us spring apart.

They’re from Dolores, wondering if we’re still meeting. I wince and give Hazel an apologetic look. “Sorry, I have to take a call. I’ll be in my office, but please, make yourself comfortable anywhere.”

She nods and smiles. “I’ll be in the basement watching a movie if you want to join later.”

I watch her expression for any sign of deception. Does she really just want to spend time with me, or does she feel pressured to because of our deal?

Her brown eyes seem honest and her smile looks genuine, not forced or fake. I’ve become well accustomed to fake people over the years, especially during my marriage.

But Hazel—everything about her seems real. She’s an open book, and it’s so damn refreshing being around her.

“I might, if you want the company.”

“I do,” she says, walking past me and down the stairs.

I watch her until she reaches the bottom step and looks back up at me. Our eyes meet and something in my chest loosens. I feel—calmer, now that she’s here. Less lonely.

The call with Dolores leaves me more raw and depleted than I expected. By the time I pull myself together and walk down to the basement, it’s nearly ten o’clock.

Hazel is fast asleep on the sectional, a rom-com still playing in the background. I take a moment to watch the steady rise and fall of her chest. She looks happy in her sleep. Her mouth shapes into the briefest of smiles and her forehead is smooth of wrinkles.

I blow out a shaky breath. Dolores thinks I might have taken this whole connection thing a little too far, but there’s no going back on my word now.

I just need to be careful. I can’t act on my attraction and risk the deal that benefits her. I also can’t fall for her. Nothing good will come of it.

Running a hand through my hair, I slowly approach her. I crouch down by the couch and gently wrap my fingers around her shoulder. She’s soft, and she radiates so much warmth, making me feel all kinds of ways for dressing her in my sweatshirt.

Again with the damn sweatshirt?

“Hazel?” I ask.

She sighs but doesn’t stir.