Fishing the key from his pocket, he slipped it into lock. “I’m still finishing up the renovations.”
“What was wrong with it?” she asked.
“Nothing, structurally.” He pushed the door open. “But everything inside was outdated. I refinished the flooring, added some more modern lighting and appliances, ripped out the old wallpaper and repainted, bought new furniture, and installed an energy-saving boiler. Here we go.”
They stepped into the entryway and followed him into the spacious living room. She had to bite her tongue to keep from saying wow again. Although the furniture was still covered in drop cloth and plastic tarps, it was obvious everything was done with love and care. The hardwood floors were polished to a shine, the paint cheerful and welcoming, and the lights illuminating the high ceilings creating a cozy atmosphere.
“I’m afraid I don’t have sheets or towels down in the guest rooms, but I’ll grab some from the linen closets. The kitchen has all the appliances and stuff, but I don’t have it stocked with food. Do you need to go back to your motel and get some clothes?”
“I can manage for now,” she said. “I’m honestly just exhausted. I can grab my things when I check out of the motel tomorrow.”
“Sure,” he said. “Now for the bedrooms. We have two upstairs and three down here.”
“I think the safest strategy would be for me to bed down here,” Thoralf suggested. “And you and Sarah stay upstairs.”
“Sounds like a good plan.” He nodded to the hallway on the left. “All the bedrooms down here have direct access to the garden and pool via a glass door.”
“It will give me an opportunity to assess threats from the rear.” He gave them a nod. “If you don’t mind, I would like to perform a perimeter patrol for the next few hours.”
“Patrol?” Sarah asked. “Aren’t you tired?”
“I do not need much sleep or rest,” he said. “Besides, we should always be on alert in case The Knights come back. Do not worry, I shall be quiet and not disturb you. I shall remain Cloaked as well. Goodnight.” With a last bow, he headed down the hallway.
“Interesting fellow,” she said wryly. “He’s like a knight from King Arthur’s time.”
Daniel snorted. “Let’s go upstairs, and I can show you your bedroom.”
She followed him as he led her to the second floor, then headed inside the last door on the left. The bedroom was huge and had a king-sized bed in the middle, along with matching furniture done in dark woods. The bed itself was made with covers and decorative pillows, though there weren’t any personal items anywhere. In fact, most of the house lacked any pictures or paintings, though she suspected that was because Daniel hadn’t had time to put them back up.
“The walk-in closet over there is where I store the towels and stuff. The bathroom’s next to it and the two rooms connect. Let me get my stuff, and I can be out of your way.”
“Your stuff? This is your bedroom?”
“Kinda,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean, I still have my apartment, but this is where I sleep on the weekends when I’m out here fixing stuff. It used to be my childhood bedroom, but I expanded and updated it first since I knew I might crash here sometimes.”
“But I can’t stay here.” It felt oddly intimate knowing Daniel had grown up here, slept here. And slept in that bed. “You should give me the other bedroom.”
“That one faces the street,” he said. “Besides, it’s not finished. There’s only a mattress in there and the shower’s not done yet. You’d have to go downstairs to shower and stuff.”
“But I can’t take your bed,” she sputtered. “I mean, I’m your guest. I shouldn’t—”
“Just stay, okay?” Daniel grumbled, running his hands through his hair. “I’m tired, and it’s been a long day. And, damn it, I don’t wanna argue with you anymore.”
His curt words made her shut her mouth. It was the first time Daniel had been anything less than polite to her. “Fine,” she said, her tone chilly.
He must have noticed, because his expression changed. “I didn’t mean to—”
“I’ll stay out of your way,” she said, brushing past him. “Good night.” Striding into the bathroom, she shut the door behind her, then leaned back on it. She didn’t move for a few seconds, not until she heard feet shuffling and the bedroom door closing.
God, she was tired, too. Could nothing just go her way, for once? All she wanted was one signature. That was all she’d came here for.
With a deep sigh, she walked over to the sink and washed her face. The bathroom was spacious and modern, and the deep tub in the corner looked tempting. But there was no time for that. For one thing, she still had to check in with Darcey and figure out what to do.
After doing her business, she stripped down to her underwear, took her phone out of her pants pocket and placed it on the bedside table before slipping between the covers.
“Oohhh,” she moaned. These sheets are divine. And the mattress, too, was like sleeping on a cloud. Then there was that lingering, masculine scent all around her. A scent she was now familiar with. She’d probably wake up with it clinging to her naked body, a thought that made her shiver and her core clench. It would be so easy to just slip her hand down between her thighs and—
“Nuh-uh.” She sat up, smoothing the covers down tightly around her waist. Have to think of something else. Do something else. Reaching for her phone, she checked her messages. There were several from her friends, but not really having the energy to explain it all, she sent them all the same apologetic message, promising to tell them everything as soon as possible. Then, she looked at the
