Kelly's Quest (NYC LOVE Book 2) by Jennifer Ann Page A

screen television mounted to the wall.
    And just like that, I’m in love with the place.
    “The bedrooms are back here,” Erik tells us, swiftly moving to the right. We trail behind him. My heart skips excitedly against my ribs.
    “Would you get a load of this freaking place?” Chloe says to me from the side of her mouth. “If it were me I’d move in so damn fast his head would spin. I’d kill for the chance to live in a place like this. And normally I’d say I mean that figuratively, but... damn .”
    I’m in so much awe I can’t even form a complete thought to answer her. We reach a short hallway with three doorways, the first leading to a cramped bathroom. There’s a glass door on the shower, showing two nozzles and a stone interior. The walls and floors are done in the same expensive-looking brown stone. The second door leads to a room that’s very orderly and bare with a twin bed in the far corner, a nightstand at its side. A single window over my head lets in only a small amount of light.
    Across the hallway, a four poster bed with smoky gray bedding and a sleek black dresser covered in personal items both appear small in comparison to the set of large windows exactly like those in the living room. Chloe and I stand sandwiched together, taking the rooms in with appreciation. The guest room, while pretty small, is cozy. I could easily see myself living there.
    “That’s what I’m offering,” Erik says, jabbing his thumb at the spare room. “I’d expect you to keep the place clean at all times, especially your room. That means your bed always made, no panties on the floor, that kind of thing.” Not surprisingly, he smirks with the mention of panties as if it’s now our little inside joke. “Look, this is New York, and your chances of finding an affordable place within a few months is pretty slim. I’d be willing to let you stay as long as it takes if you follow my rules and keep the place presentable. I’m not going to live with a complete slob.”
    I cross my arms and cock my hip, trying to appear indifferent when in fact I’ve already resolved that I want to make this work. I’m pretty sure this is every small town girl’s dream set-up. “What kind of rules are we talking about?”
    “Besides keeping the place immaculate?” His smoldering eyes lock with mine, releasing a hundred shivers to creep through me. “No sex in your room. I don’t want to worry about having to fumigate the apartment once strange guys have paraded through.”
    With the mention of sex falling from his lips, I feel a sudden burn between my legs, and can’t look away. He bites his lower lip slowly, almost taunting me.
    Damn it all, the guy is sexy.
    For a moment I completely forget that we’re not alone, and that I previously warned Erik that the two of us would never hook up.
    “Those rules seem simple enough,” Chloe pipes in, most likely sensing the sexual tension buzzing between us. “You gonna make her sign a contract or something? What if she finds a job? Are you gonna charge her rent? Even if you’re well off like your big brother, this shit can’t be cheap.”
    “I’m pre- law ,” he tells her in a matter-of-fact tone, finally tearing his eyes away from me. He looks down at my new friend like she’s a moron. “I’ll take care of the details. It’s unnecessary to worry your pretty little head over such trivial things.”
    His cool attitude toward her tears me from my sudden sexual trance. Does he just not know how to deal with people in general, or is he simply earning the reputation of an asshole? Thankfully Chloe taps away at her cell phone, appearing un-jilted by his crudeness.
    “The no sex thing won’t be a problem,” I declare, clearing my throat. “I have no intention of ‘parading guys’ through your apartment.” I press my arm into Chloe’s side. “Hey. Would you mind giving us a moment? I need to talk to Erik about his brother and Jewels, and I don’t want to drag you into it