Total pages in book: 176
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
It was almost like destiny that Rhys had decided to take me back to his place for lunch. Somehow, I felt like I was meant to see that house.
“Yes, please,” I answered, and Rhys went to grab his coat.
“Wait here. I’ll go knock next door and check if they’re in.”
Nodding, I had a hard time tamping down my excitement. The house was expensive for being so small, but I knew I was paying for the location more than anything else. I did some quick mental calculations and decided I could definitely afford to buy it so long as I was approved for a modest mortgage and so long as there wasn’t some big bidding war that raised the price.
Then I thought about the fact that buying the house meant I’d be living next door to Rhys, and though I might have to deal with some jealousy when he eventually started dating again, I was a big girl. I could handle myself and whatever feelings came with Rhys having a love life. Besides, I wanted him as a friend and would have to hear about the next woman in his life at some point sooner or later. No, being neighbours would be a good thing. There was something reassuring about knowing Rhys was nearby though I hadn’t analysed exactly why I felt that way.
A minute later, he returned and motioned me to him. “They have ten minutes before they have to leave for Melanie’s doctor’s appointment. Come on. Let’s go check out your possible future home.”
His words sent a flurry of excitement sweeping through me as I slid my shoes back on, grabbed my coat, and headed out.
30.
Charli
I was even more sure the house was meant for me after taking a look around in person. The couple were about to have a baby and were eager to sell so they could buy a larger place.
Seeing my expression when we left, Rhys silently pulled out his phone and called Janice to cancel the afternoon viewings. He knew just by looking at me that my heart was set on the house next door. And besides, even if things didn’t work out, I could return to my search for a rental later down the line.
Pulling out my laptop, I set up shop on Rhys’ couch to start looking into how I could make it happen. I still couldn’t believe how on board he was with the whole thing. He didn’t even need time to consider it. He was immediately just like, Yes, I’d be delighted and honoured to have you as a neighbour, Charli.
Well, okay, so maybe he didn’t quite put it like that, but still. His enthusiasm for my impulsive decision to try and purchase a house gave me a warm, lovely feeling in my stomach.
After several hours of intense research and planning, I finally shut off my laptop and pushed my reading glasses to the top of my head so I could rub at the sore spot on the bridge of my nose. I stretched out to ease the ache in my lower back from sitting for so long. Rhys had left me to work alone at some point and was upstairs puttering.
Tugging on my cardigan since it had gotten a little cold, I went in search of him.
“Rhys?” I called out while standing at the bottom of the stairs.
“Up here.”
I hesitated on whether to go up. Then again, he had promised me an upstairs tour, which we hadn’t gotten around to yet. I checked my watch. It was late, and I knew I should probably call for a cab, but my curiosity won out.
Ascending the steps, I found myself on a small landing with plush stone coloured carpet. A door was open across the landing, and Rhys was inside. He sat on the bed tapping out a message on his phone, his eyes flicking up when he heard me enter.
“Sorry. I just had a few work things to deal with,” he said, sliding the phone into his pocket. I stepped past the threshold of the room, taking it all in. Just as I’d imagined, Rhys had a large bed with a solid wood frame. I thought the maids at the hotel were experts at those sharp, tight corners, but they had nothing on Rhys. His bed was immaculately made, and again, I imagined him lying in it. Knowing what his room looked like made the vision even more realistic. A brief shiver trickled over me.
Maybe it was the fact that the bed was so flawlessly made, and that was what had me imagining it all messed up. Rhys waking up shirtless, his eyelids heavy, his face soft and handsome with morning light shining in through the curtains.
Blinking, I shook myself from the daydream. Rhys tilted his head.
“Everything okay?”
I sucked in a breath to steady myself. “Yes, everything’s fine. Um, I was just going to call a cab to—”