front of an entertainment center. The kitchen melded with the living room, transitioning from carpet to hardwood. All the appliances were new and it was clean.
He wasn’t ashamed of anything and let her walk around, getting used to being alone with him. He headed back into the kitchen while she explored. He stirred the sauce once more, before he started the pasta. Once he had everything cooking he put the garlic bread in the oven. He wasn’t the best cook but he could make a few simple things. Spaghetti was his favorite and he thought it was his best dish as well.
Daphne came into the kitchen and set her purse down on the small bar. Her hesitation reminded him of the shy girl from high school and it was adorable. He walked over and kissed her forehead. She smiled quizzically at him but didn’t say anything. He had the feeling she didn’t know what to say.
“We got a lot accomplished today after lunch. We should be able to paint and finish the floors tomorrow.” He was hoping to ease her into a conversation.
“That’s fantastic. Do you think you are back on schedule?”
“Yes. I think we can finish up in the next few days.” Trent smiled at her. “Would you like a glass of wine?”
“Do you have any beer?” She looked up at him sheepishly and he had to laugh.
“Ah, a woman after my own heart. Of course I have beer. I just thought I would offer you something a little nicer.” He handed her a cold Budlight from the fridge and smiled when she took a large sip.
Daphne winked, “I don’t need anything fancy. I enjoy beer, just fine.”
“Whatever you say darlin’.”
They talked a little bit more about the shop and he noticed she steered the conversation away from what she was selling, keeping the conversation purely on the construction side of things.
He served dinner and they made small talk about her Grams and his business. It was easy conversation and he enjoyed the flow of it. She was loosening up a little and he enjoyed her coming out of her shell. They finished dinner and then together they cleaned the table off. Once the dishes were in the sink, they sat back down, sipping their beers.
“So, Daphne, are you seeing anyone?” Her eyebrows shot up and it looked like he had caught her off guard for a moment before she busted out laughing.
“No, Trent. I’m not. I wouldn't be here if I was. I wouldn’t have kissed you like I did earlier if I was involved with someone.” She looked at him from underneath her eyelashes, and all he could remember was her ‘come fuck me’ smile from her photos and the way she fit herself snugly against him, earlier in the day. Instantly, his jeans became more uncomfortable.
“I honestly didn’t think you would. But just thought I would ask. If it matters, I am not seeing anyone either.”
“Of course it matters. I don’t want to be caught in the middle of some crazy girlfriend incident.” She winked and he laughed.
“Dance with me.” Her eyebrows shot up once more, and he took pleasure in catching her off guard for a second time in one evening.
“Here?” She almost squeaked.
“Why not? I have a good stereo system and there’s plenty of floor space.” He stood up and then reached for her hand. It took her a moment, but he saw when she made her decision. She bit her lip and accepted his hand.
He walked her to the living room, moved the coffee table, and then turned on the stereo. His iPod was connected, so he easily selected a few songs and pressed play. James Otto’s “Just Got Started Lovin’ You” came over the speakers and he turned back toward her.
She had kicked off her shoes and he noticed her toes were painted to match the red of her dress. He was already barefoot and he smiled at the ease in which she slipped into his arms.
“You picked this song on purpose didn’t you?” She rocked with him in an easy rhythm. They could do a small two-step circle around the room and he took advantage of the space by pulling her closer to
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