Page 63 of My Pleasure

The walls were painted a muted mint green. His furniture was a deep brown color that gave the entire space a cottage feel. All the fabrics looked to be plush and soft, inviting in a way that made one think of hot cocoa and rainy days. On one wall, a three-sided bay window was draped in living plants. “Hunter?”

“Yeah?”

“Did you do this?”

“Yeah, is it too plain?”

She shook her head. “It’s perfect.”

His expression brightened. “Really? I got my inspiration from Ma. She always said that fewer quality pieces outshone gaudy expensive ones.” He rubbed the back of his head. “It is kinda simple though.”

She went to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her cheek against his chest. “It feels like home,” she said, her voice catching.

He simply scooped her up and leaned down to nuzzle his nose against hers. “It was so chaotic earlier, I forgot your bag is back at my parents' house.” He set her down on the edge of the bed and went to his dresser. “I’m pretty sure my undershirts will fit like a nightgown for you.” He held up a cotton tee. “Is that okay?”

She nodded, watching him putter around the room.

He handed her the shirt, then pointed to the door on the right. “That’s the bathroom. I keep extra toiletries under the sink.”

She stood and padded over to the bathroom. Every step felt luxurious as her toes sunk slightly into the rug. She even stopped and curled her toes downward.

Hunter chuckled behind her. “It’s a favorite for me too.”

She grinned and went into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. Taking a deep breath, she looked at herself in the mirror. It was the same face, same hair, but for some reason she felt like an entirely different person.

She turned on the faucet to get the water hot, then wiped down in her version of a bird bath. Opening the cabinet under the sink, she could only stare. “Hunter?”

“Yeah!” he answered.

“Do you get a lot of guests?”

“No. I just like to be prepared.”

She stared at stacks of little boxes of shampoos, body washes, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. “Your ma does this too doesn’t she?” she yelled back.

“Yeah!”

She picked out what she needed and brushed her teeth. Smiling she set her toothbrush next to his and walked out wearing just his shirt and her panties. In her hands were her folded clothes. He had been right, the shirt hit her knees.

While she was getting ready for bed, he changed into his own pajamas. He was now wearing a short-sleeve tee and soft pants.

She set her clothes down on the nightstand by the bed. Looking down, she frowned at where he turned down the covers. “Hunter, you don’t have sheets. Those are blankets.”

“About that.” He picked up a remote and pushed a button causing a loud beep. Moments later, a strong breeze began circulating the room, causing her to rub her arms. With another beep, the light tuned off, leaving only the faint glow from the bay windows.

He lifted the covers. “Try it.”

She slid between two fuzzy blankets. What should have been a flat and fitted sheet were soft, plush blankets. However, after a bit, she wiggled down under the covers as the air cooled by the fan. “I see.” He deliberately kept his room cooler to use those fuzzy blankets. “You’re a genius.”

“I just know what I like.” He got in and soon they were both lying there staring at the ceiling.

“So?” she started.

“I have an idea, but you’ll have to trust me.”

She hesitated. “I trust you.”

“Okay. Get comfortable.”