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We stopped by a pet store on the way home to stock up on everything Archie would need: a bed, a crate, bowls, more toys, treats, and grooming tools.
When we pulled into Neil’s spot in the apartment building carpark, I immediately began gathering up the supplies. “Let me help you carry some of this.”
Neil raised an eyebrow. “You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to!”
“Well, if you insist.”
Together, we carried it all up in one go, while Archie charged ahead on his lead in all kinds of directions. I put the haul down in the entryway of Neil’s apartment. Neil set Archie loose around the living room. Though hesitant, Archie sniffed around, acclimatising to his new surroundings. The cats were nowhere to be seen. They were probably hiding somewhere. I watched on in amusement.
Neil approached. “Thanks,” he said. “For today. For everything.”
I shook my head, brushing off his gratitude like there was no need for it. “I had fun.”
“Me too.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat, knowing it was time to say good night. “Well, I guess I should get going…”
“I suppose so.”
I reluctantly reached for my tote and the plastic bag containing my wet clothing, then we lingered by the door in tense silence, neither of us making a move. Neil stared down at me with intense eyes and a tight jaw. He looked dishevelled in the sexiest way possible, his hair tousled, shirt wrinkled. I felt the air shift as he moved towards me. My breath hitched. He reached out. His arm grazed my side as his hand made contact with the doorhandle behind me.
I exhaled with an acute sense of disappointment. Of course Neil wasn’t going to make a move on me. He wasn’t that kind of man.
His fingers clasped the handle, but he didn’t turn it. After a loaded moment, he released his grip and let his hand drop back to his side. He gave a self-conscious cough. “Look, I, uh… This is somewhat…” He sighed, raking a hand through his hair. “Do you want to stay awhile? Spend some time with Archie while he settles in for his first night. We could have dinner. I’m asking you as a friend, Milly, not as your boss. What do you think?”
My eyes widened. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. If you want to.”
“I’d love to.”
Neil’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Okay.”
I smiled back at him.
Neil shyly averted his gaze, then stood aside, inviting me back in. But as I stepped forward, my awareness shifted to the heavy plastic bag I clutched in my hands. “Actually, I better go home and put these clothes in the washing machine first. And have a shower. And get changed. Can I come back in half an hour?”
Neil nodded. “Sure. Take your time. I could do with a shower and a change of clothes myself. I’ll see you later.”
Archie appeared at my feet and whined as I tried to exit. I bent down to give him a parting cuddle. “I’ll be back soon, Arch.”
The prospect of spending one-on-one time with Neil in his home had me fussing over every detail of my outfit. I wanted to appear cute, yet casual, not overly done up—a difficult balance to achieve. I spent far longer than I’d ever admit trying on outfits and scrutinising myself from every angle in the mirror.
At last, I returned to Neil’s apartment, freshly showered and dressed in light-wash jeans, a chunky cardigan, and white sneakers. A touch of mascara and tinted lip balm polished off the look.
I still couldn’t get over it. He had invited me to have dinner with him. Alone. In his apartment. Okay, technically it was so I could play with Archie, but Neil wouldn’t have asked if he didn’t want me there.
My pulse quickened as I reached for Neil’s doorbell, wondering what the night had in store for us. I knew he would never initiate anything romantic with me, yet a simmering sense of anticipation set my nerves on edge.
I heard Neil’s footsteps, then he opened the door. He had also freshened up, his hair damp and his face shaven. Even though I liked his stubble, the fact he had groomed himself for my sake tickled my fancy. He looked unfairly handsome in jeans and a snug henley top that seemed to accentuate all the finely tuned muscles hiding underneath. He smelled like his dark floral cologne and the vanilla-scented body wash I had sniffed in his bathroom.
“Come in,” Neil said, waving me through.
After all this time, the timbre of his voice still made me shiver with delight.
“Thanks.” I stepped inside. “I put the clothes you lent me in the wash, by the way. They were too dirty not to.”
