Page 21 of Twice as Tempting

Depending on how you look at it… “Good timing for what?”

“I was just on my way to the furniture store. Want to tag along?”

Kelly raised her eyebrows. “You want me to go furniture shopping with you?”

He shrugged. “Why not? I could use a woman’s opinion.”

“You could always ask your mom.”

“Are you kidding? She only shops for furniture that can seat a thousand people. She has no idea how to shop for an apartment.”

Kelly giggled. It was common knowledge that Alex loved to entertain. Her motto was “the more the merrier,” much to the chagrin of her boys.

“Do you have to leave right away? I just got home from work, and I usually like to change…”

Damian interrupted while giving her the once-over. “Nothing wrong with what you’re wearing,” he said with a glint in his eye.

Kelly had on a black knit dress that hugged her curves and fell to just above the knee. Her three-inch heels showed just a peek of her toes, which she had painted a bright pink. Some days, she liked to dress up, and this happened to be one of them.

“Ok…I guess.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll feed you,” Damian said while he gave her a hand into his truck.

“I didn’t say anything about food,” Kelly snipped.

“Didn’t have to. I know you, remember?”

Kelly rolled her eyes as he went around and hopped in the driver’s seat.

“This thing is mammoth,” she said, glancing around the roomy interior of the truck. “What do you need all this space for?”

“It’s good for hauling things, plus the backseat is like a couch. Big enough to make out on if you know what I mean.”

He shot her a sideways glance, and Kelly glared at him. “You would think of that.” And then, to change the subject, she asked, “So, what kind of furniture are you shopping for?”

“My first priority is a bed. I’ve been sleeping on an old pull-out couch that my parents loaned me, but that thing is killing me.”

“You poor thing,” Kelly teased.

“I’m serious. I’m walking around with a constant backache.”

“Maybe you need a massage.” Oops, walked right into that one!

“You offering?”

“No. It was just a suggestion. Anyway, what else are you looking for?”

“A kitchen table and chairs, and a leather recliner.”

“Is that it?”

“Yep, for now. What else do I need?”

Just the basics. That was Damian in a nutshell. Simple man, simple needs. She liked that about him.

When they entered the furniture store, Damian headed straight for the clearance center. Frugal with himself, yet generous with others—another admirable trait.

There were several beds set up against one wall, complete with mattresses and pillows so customers could test them out. Damian plopped down on the first bed they came to and sprawled across the mattress in a giant star shape.