Alex takes my bag and then my hand and leads me to his home. It’s gorgeous and I already know I’m going to love the inside before I even step onto the porch.
“I thought about putting two rocking chairs out there, but I have a great backyard space, which is where I spend most of my time,” he tells me before we enter. The black double doors open to the entryway with a cathedral ceiling, and pine wide plank flooring. This is enough for me to know I’m already in love with his home.
The entryway leads to an open-concept space, with the dining space and kitchen off to the left, and island in the center with one side for sitting and eating and the other side for storage, and the living room off to the right.
Alex takes me to the kitchen. It’s massive, with oversized cabinets, another island, and dual dishwashers.
“I know what you’re thinking,” he says as my finger trails along the marble countertop.
“I highly doubt it.”
“Why does a single man need so much space?”
“Um, you’re right.”
Alex laughs. “My family comes here for Christmas, and I like to entertain. I love having people over and always want them to feel like this is their home as well.”
Better than the alternative floating in my head.
“Do you have your team over often?”
He nods. “Especially in the off-season, for those that stay in town.”
“Doesn’t everyone live in the city?”
“No. Many keep homes elsewhere.”
“I would’ve never thought that,” I say as I wander around the island to the other side of the house. “Why do you have so much wine?” I ask as I stand in front of his wine cellar, even though it’s in the living room.
“I don’t know,” he says. “My interior designer bought it all.”
“Do you drink it?”
He shrugs. “When people come over.”
Alex’s couches are white leather with black and gray accent pillows. His fireplace is lit, making the room feel cozy. The space gives away to the outside, through sliding glass doors, where he has another fireplace blazing.
He takes me out there and shows me the bathhouse, except it’s like a mini living space, with a refrigerator and snacks. It’s a teenager's dream area.
“The pool’s heated,” he says as we walk toward it. “It’s nice in the winter because you can swim whenever you want.”
Back inside, he shows me his bedroom. His has exposed beams and leads to the backyard. “Do you skinny dip?”
“I do.” He winks. “Maybe you’ll join me?”
I shrug nonchalantly. I have to keep him on his toes somehow.
His master bathroom is bigger than my apartment. Until now, I used to think a big bathroom would be cold, yet his is anything but. I spend too long looking at the shower. There are three shower heads, plus one overhead.
“Do you use all of them?”
“Yes, especially after a rough game.”
He takes me into his closet, which is where his washer and dryer are. Honestly, it’s genius and there’s no need to lug clothes from the bathroom or bedroom. Alex then takes me to the pantry, which again, is bigger than my apartment, and shows me the guest bedrooms which are upstairs, and then the downstairs media room, exercise space, and finally his office.
“I don’t do much in here,” he says as he opens the door. “In fact, I think I’ve spent a total of ten hours in here since I bought the house.”
“The view is so welcoming.” The large windows look out over his well-manicured lawn.
“You can work in here . . . if you want. When you’re here,” he stammers.
“I might take you up on the offer.”
Alex and I go into the kitchen where he pours me a glass of wine. “What’s for dinner?" I ask.
“Take out,” he says sheepishly and then shrugs. “I couldn’t think of what to make and didn’t have time to go to the store.”
“Take out is fine.”
He wraps his arms around my waist and kisses me softly. “I thought we could eat outside, and then maybe go for a swim.”
“I didn’t bring my swimsuit.”
Alex kisses my neck, and then works his way toward my ear. “Your birthday suit will be perfect.”
My body quivers and goose bumps spread out over my skin.
He notices and laughs softly against me. “See, even you agree.”
“I guess I do.”
While Alex calls for take out, I take our wine outside. Even though it’s fall and there’s a distinct chill in the air, the fireplace keeps his outside living space warm. Still, I shiver. Maybe because I know I should feel cold or because I’m about to strip myself bare in front of Alex.
I sense him before he sits down next to me. He rests his feet on his coffee table, pulls me close to him and sighs. “I’m glad you could come over.”
“I should’ve made it happen earlier,” I tell him. “You’re always coming to my place.”
“You live close to the stadium, it’s easy for me.”
“How come you don’t live downtown?”
He shrugs. “I wanted a place where I could escape, where if I wanted to tinker in the garage I could. Or, run around naked. Sure, I have neighbors, but whatever. If they see my white ass running around, that’s on them, not me.”
I snort with laughter and cover my face in embarrassment. “Oh, God,” I say as I try to calm down. “I’m so sorry for doing that.”
“Don’t be. I liked it. In fact, I like everything about you.”
“That’s refreshing.”
“Is it?”
I nod. “I don’t know what the incident in the driveway was.” Shaking my head, I reach for my wine. “Nerves, maybe.”
“I don’t love her if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“It is or was. I just thought . . .”
“I get it, sort of. But let me be perfectly honest with you, if I wasn’t over my previous relationship, I wouldn’t work so hard to see you.”
“Like when you randomly showed up at my office?”
Alex laughs. “Honey, until I met you, I never wanted to write a damn book in my life. You’re the excuse. The only one. I used the book thing as a ruse so you wouldn’t see through me.”
I think about the folder in my bag, filled with edits. “So, I’ve been editing for nothing?”
“No,” he says as he readjusts to face me. “Once I asked for your help, I figured I better follow through. Now I’m excited by the prospect of publishing.” He takes my wine from me and sets it on the table. “I like you, Kelsey. A lot.”
“I like you too.”
“And I know it’s late notice, but I’m wondering if you’d like to accompany me to a fundraiser next week. It’s black tie, and I can set you up with a personal shopper at Nordstrom's if you want to go.”
“I want to go, but I don’t need you to buy me things to try and convince me.”
Alex cups my cheek. His thumb caresses my soft skin. “That’s not why I offered. Besides, I want to buy you things, lavish you with gifts.”