Page 15

“How was your day? Did you get everything unloaded before it started to rain?” Blake asks.

I smile. “Yeah, just barely.”

We pull up in front of my house, and I hop out to get her door for her. Taking her hand, we race through the rain to the front door.

“This is it,” I say.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmurs as she steps inside. “I love the porch.”

“Thanks. I’m still decorating and unpacking,” I tell her as we shake off the rain. “Come on. I’ll give you the grand tour.”

I take her hand and lead her further into the house. “This is the living room.”

“I love the fireplace,” she gushes.

“There’s a half bath here,” I continue.

She pokes her head in and smiles.

“Kitchen is back here.”

“How many bedrooms?”

“Three. They're all upstairs. I have two bathrooms upstairs. One in the master and one between the two guest rooms.”

“Nice.”

“I’d show up, but most of the rooms are empty. The master only has a bed and some boxes.”

“I’ll check them out later, then. Once they’re furnished.”

I nod, finding hope in the fact that she’s making plans to see my bedroom. That has to be a sign that she wants to spend time with me, and it’s not just about the bet. Right?

“What’s the plan for tonight?” she asks as we head into the kitchen.

“Well, I was planning a picnic and hike, but now we’ve shifted to dinner. How does steak and potatoes sound?”

“Delish. Want me to help?”

“No, you relax.” I smirk. “I’ll show off my culinary skills.”

“Sounds perfect.”

“Yeah? You want to call off the bet and admit defeat now?”

She grins. “Not a chance.”

I smile as I take out the steaks and other ingredients. Blake sits on a bar stool at the counter as I prepare everything. I haven’t bought a kitchen table yet, so we’ll have to eat at the counter.

“Can I get you something to drink? I have water, milk, some pop, or merlot.”

“Just a water would be great, thanks.”

I grab her a bottle of water out of the fridge and pass it to her.

“How do you like your steak?” I ask as I heat the cast-iron pan.

“Medium, please.”