Page 121 of Shattering Nash

“It’s just some pictures of my family.”

“Did you have them out in your apartment?”

She nodded.

“Then put them out here.” He gripped her waist, brushing his lips against her cheek and whispering in her ear. “This is your home now, Charley.”

She was just unpacking her last box when the bell rang. Nash had a high-tech security system in place, but she still hadn’t mastered how it worked. She settled for an old school method and walked to the front door, peeking through the side windowcurtain. The second she saw the familiar face, she unlocked the door and opened it.

“Hi!”

He smiled. Not waiting for an invitation, he walked into the foyer.

“Hi, honey. I hope you like surprises.” Sal wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in for a sweet hug.

She wasn’t usually a fan of unexpected guests or even hugs. It went beyond her comfort zone. But there was something about him. It wasn’t forced or obligatory. It was all genuine. For the first time in a long time, she felt herself leaning in and embracing what he had to offer.

Charley laughed, accepting the tight squeeze before stepping back. “Nash isn’t here. He said something about a meeting in Killcreek.”

Sal waved his hand. “Not here to see him. I came to visit you.”

You did?

Charley tried to tamper down her emotions and epically failed. She grabbed Sal’s hand and walked him up the flight of stairs to the main living area.

“I’ve known Nash for two decades and never got an invite to his place.” Sal whistled, taking in the room. “The boy’s got good taste.”

That was an understatement. Nash’s house wasn’t flashy or overdone, but it was obvious most of his furniture cost more than she made in three months.

“It even has an elevator.” Charley’s enthusiasm couldn’t be contained. Could anyone blame her?I mean, who has an elevator in their friggin’ house?

Sal widened his eyes and tapped her nose. “I’m taking it down when I leave.”

There was a quality so reminiscent of her own father that she saw in Sal. It was comforting, making her want more of his time.

“Do you want something to drink? If you’re hungry, I could make you a sandwich.”

“Now, most people would be polite and only take you up on a glass of water. It’s the right thing to do. But it’s chicken pot pie day at the center, and well” —Sal’s lips twisted— “That’s not my favorite.”

“I can make us Italian sandwiches.”

He slapped his hand over his heart and sighed dramatically. “A girl after my own heart. I’d love that, honey.”

She waved him toward the kitchen and walked around the counter to the fridge. She’d done some grocery shopping yesterday, picking up all of her favorites. She grabbed the meats and cheese, dropping them on the counter and leaning down to the bottom drawer to grab two rolls.

Sal wandered around the living room. It may have been his first time at Nash’s, but he moved with complete ease. He stopped at the entertainment center and grabbed one of the frames. His lips spread in a smile, and he glanced over his shoulder.

“This you?”

It was. It was a picture of her and her brother from when they were toddlers. It had always been a favorite of hers.

“Yes, with my brother.”

“You were a cutie.” Sal winked. “Still are.”

She dropped her chin to her chest, concealing her smile and hopefully her blush. She never did take compliments well. Charley continued making the sandwiches while Sal seemingly inspected the living room. Occasionally, he’d pick up other pictures.

“It’s ready.”

---