Page 77 of Mr. Red

“Figured you would. He’s stayed over every night since we got back. If we get out of here at a decent hour, I’m going to his house. I’ll be meeting his sister.” A scared frown takes over my face.

“Wow. No wonder you’re itching to leave us. You have another itch you need to get scratched.”

“Oh geez, Paige.”

“You guys have gone quite a few steps already. You can tell a lot by where a guy lives.”

“Like what?”

“If he’s anal, if he uses toys, if he’s adventurous.”

“Those all sound like sex things.”

“What did you think I was talking about?”

“His personality.”

“Oh,” she swats her hand, “I’m sure his house could tell you those sorts of things too.”

I smack my forehead, leaving a streak of paint on it. This is going to be a long night.

Chapter 42

Scarlett

I come home to change and get the paint off me. It was hard to keep everyone on task, so I’m a little late. In the middle of rushing to my room, my step falters.

There’s an electric fireplace installed on the blank wall. Left on the coffee table is a single red rose in a vase.

No way!

Matt was here and he installed a fireplace for me! Even though he has also been busy at work, he found time to come to my place and set up something I wanted. I have to be careful with what I tell him. He’d probably get me anything I mention and then I’ll owe him more than I can think about.

I’m staring at the new addition to my place, playing with all the buttons and trying all the settings. I’ve forgotten I need to shower and head over to his house. My phone vibrates in my back pocket. I don’t look to see who’s calling.

I answer in a disbelieving tone as I watch the flames change colors. “Hello?”

“Hey, sweetheart, you close?” Matt asks.

Shit!I rush to the bathroom.

“I’m just a bit behind. Be there soon, though. Do you happen to know anything about a fireplace installation?”

“You said you wanted it,” he responds matter-of-factly.

“I know, but that doesn’t mean youhaveto get it.” I start undressing with him on speaker phone after starting theshower.

“Well, do you like it?”

“Yes, it’s perfect! How did you get in?”

“The ‘secret’key you keep under the mat. Have you even left the house yet? I hear water.”

“I told you I was behind.”

“Bring enough clothes for the week. I’d rather you come over after work. That way I don’t have to wait long to see you.”

I look up at the mirror to eyes glazed over and a goofy smile. “Okay, I can do that. Except Thursday. Thursday I have a meeting and that’ll run late. I should probably just go to my house.”