Page 23 of A Moment Never Forgotten
They wove around several townhouse groupings before Micah pulled into a driveway in front of a double car garage. She parked right next to him.
“Which building are you looking at?” She asked as she stepped out of the car.
“This unit, right here.” He pointed to the red door in the light brown brick building.
“It looks like a beautiful neighborhood. The landscaping is gorgeous.” She glanced around and could see where she would have planted flowers; bulbs to bloom at various times of the year. The prickly dark green leaves on the holly were a perfect burglary deterrent under the ground floor windows and made for a gorgeous backdrop for colorful flowers.
As soon as they stepped onto the sidewalk, a short blonde in three-inch stilettos stepped out from the front door. Her huge smile rimmed in bright red lipstick seemed to take up half of her face. “Right on time, Micah,” she beamed.
With his large hand on the small of her back, he guided Berit forward. “Sandi, I’d li—”
“Hurry, let’s get inside, out of this cold air.” The agent shook her oversized breasts and gathered her puffy jacket over them before she twirled around with a swoosh of her butt and stepped into the townhouse.
Berit had wondered how Micah was going to introduce her, but now, she was curious if he’d even get a chance. The little sprite in the spandex miniskirt had completely ignored her so far. Usually, real estate agents tried to get close to the woman since females more often decided on the home rather than the man. But her relationship with Micah was very different. They were more like friends.
As soon as the door shut behind them, Sandi started talking. “When you park in your new garage, you won’t even have to step out into the cold.” She laid her palm on his chest and started unbuttoning his overcoat. “It’s warm and cozy in here.”
Micah grabbed her wrists and removed her hands from his body, then took a step back, unfastening the last buttons from the waist down.
It was then Berit realized just how short the woman was. Even in the tall heels, she barely came to his heart. Micah was tall, about six foot one. Comparing herself to the jabbering munchkin, Berit’s five foot seven inches put the top of her head at about his nose. She felt like a bulky giant with her suit jacket underneath her fleece-lined London fog coat. It was warm inside the condominium, so she unbuttoned her coat.
Sandi sashayed into the ground floor room. “This is a perfect space for an office or home gym.” She rubbed her hand up and down his bicep. “I’ll bet you work out a lot. You’re in such fantastic shape.” When she gazed up at Micah, Berit noticed the distinct fan lines at the edges of her eyes. The real estate agent was older than Berit’s initial assessment. A quick glance at the other woman’s hands confirmed her reevaluation.
This can also be set up as a bedroom because it has a full bathroom and a large closet,” she pointed out while continually in motion. “Let’s head upstairs.” Her gaze met Micah’s and held several beats too long. “I’m sure you want to see the bedrooms.”
“Sandi, may I intro—” Micah tried once again but blonde hair disappeared around the corner and the click of heels could be heard on the steps.
He pulled Berit close. “Save me. Pretend to be my girlfriend. I want her to get the idea that we’re moving into this place together.” He lifted her chin until their eyes met. “This woman scares the hell out of me. She’s the kind of obsessive crazy that makes me afraid I’m going to come home one night and find her naked in my bed, her clothes moved into my closet, and buckets of makeup all over the bathroom counter. Can you please help me out?”
“That sounds like the voice of experience.” She raised one eyebrow.
He slid a glance toward the open doorway. “I have no idea why, but I seem to attract the crazy bitches. Do I give off some kind of vibe that says I’m into that type of woman?”
Berit giggled. “No. Your body language screams alpha protector and you’d be amazed at how many women are out there looking for that kind of a man. The more vulnerable they are, the more they want Captain America to swoop in and save them from the big bad world.”
“I’m Captain Reid. That’s a U.S. Navy rank. I’m not about to run around in a pair of body-hugging tights and a cape.” He cocked his head to the side. “But I will say I have rescued my fair share of damsels in distress.” His eyes pleaded with her. “Berit, will you help me out? Please.”
She couldn’t say no to him. At the tap, tap of heels on steps, she leaned into him and ran her hands over his short-cut hair liking the way it bristled on her palms. She pulled his head down until their lips met.
This was just for show. Completely for Sandi’s benefit. Part of the act. At least that was the lie she told herself as she wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss.
Micah was with her every second. When he pulled her body flush to his, she instantly felt his growing erection.
Holy shit. She was doing that to him. He found her sexy to the point that he wanted her. Well, at least his body wanted hers.
The gasp came from the open doorway.
Berit broke the kiss and placed her lips next to his ear on the side away from the door. “That should give her the idea that we’re more than friends.”
“Yeah. I think it worked.” He gave her a quick hug before he stepped back and took her hand. “Sandi, allow me to introduce Berit. I believe we’re now ready to see the rest of the house.”
“How many places did you look at?” Berit almost added a term of endearment but sweetheart certainly didn’t fit Micah Reid. Neither did honey or darling.
“Actually go into and see? Probably a dozen or more.” He never let go of her hand as they walked up the stairs. “I spent hours online, though.”
As they reached the top step, Berit took in the entire space in a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree sweep. “Oh, Micah, this is lovely. I like the open concept.” She dropped his hand and moved into the corner kitchen. “These look like all new appliances. I really like the double ovens in the wall.” She turned and he was right behind her. “You know how much I love to bake.” She smiled as they shared the private joke.
“And you know how much I love to eat your desserts.” He bent and gave her a peck on the lips.
