Page 76 of Altius
“Is nice to have, but I doubt we’ll need him.” Morgan covered the vials and returned them to the console. She leaned over, wrapping herself around my arm. “Because this is going to work.”
“Yes, it will,” I agreed, kissing her plum-red hair.
I’d make sure of it.
Eighteen
Morgan
“Ta-da!” Kelsey pulled open the hidden door in the lobby of my suite to reveal…my nest, restored to its former emerald-hued glory.
The velvet wall panels had been reupholstered, pictures replaced or returned to new frames, identical faux plants positioned in the same strategic locations as before. For once, I didn’t mind the shimmer of decorative glass winking at me from the built-in shelves—because Kelsey’s decision to restore Jacobi’s original vision was much harder than putting her own stamp on the space.
And far more touching.
I’d been dreading informing Jacobi of my original nest’s demise, and now I wouldn’t have to.
“Consider it an homage to Jacobi, but better.” Kelsey led the way into the room. “All the lights are remote-controlled, so you can adjust the dimness whenever and wherever your little heart desires. Plus, your bedding got an upgrade—not just in thread count. I also doubled the number of throw pillows and blankets at your disposal.”
She pressed the corner of an upholstered panel next to the bed, showing off a supply cabinet stuffed to the brim with soft furnishings.
Then she moved the fabric room divider aside. I only realized it had been changed into a panel hanging from a track on the ceiling as it slid back, revealing the brand-new mini fridge. It was set in a small bank of dark green cabinetry with black soapstone countertops.
“And here’s thepièce de resistance—snack central.”
She opened various cabinets and drawers, showing off the fruits of their meal-planning labor: protein bars, crackers, spicy chips, dried fruit, single-serving packages of nuts, and sports drinks. The fridge contained more of the same, plus my ever-faithful cheese cubes and grapes. There was also an electric kettle and a basket of assorted teas.
I gave my sister a long, thankful hug. “Are you exhausted?”
“Surprisingly, no. This was a lot more fun than I expected. Having Alijah take over food prep helped immensely. It gave me more time to source things. And to think Jacobi chided me for keeping all the receipts.” Kelsey squeezed me tight, then pulled back, cupping my face in her hands, green gaze turning serious. “Now, I don’t want to hear from you forat leastfive days.”
“Might be six. Maybe even seven.”
“Even better. And I promise, not a word to Jacobi.” She mimed zipping her lips, hurling the imaginary key across the foyer. It landed somewhere near the cat tree in the library.
“Thank you—for both our sakes.”
I trailed after her through the living room to the front foyer.
Kelsey paused, giving the entrance to the primary suite-turned-stockroom a final once-over. Joaquin and Wyatt had placed several portable air filters inside the room before sealing the entrance with plastic tarps and tape.
“If pheromone stink still gets through,” I said, for probably the fiftieth time, “I’ll replace anything that can’t be sanitized.”
“Mm. We’ll see.” She gave a parting scratch to each cat behind the ears—the guys planned to take turns tending to them—and then put on her cape coat, rolling her suitcase toward the door.
I held it open for her, then followed her a few steps into the hall to keep the cats from escaping. “Have fun with Piper.”
“Don’t be surprised if I wind up staying in a hotel with Rory for the week. Room service sounds heavenly, and he’s still stressing about finals.”
“You’ve got my credit card—use it,” I said, giving her a pointed stare. My sister more than deserved a week of pampering. “Go shopping while you’re at it. Get your nails done or go to the spa. Whatever you want. Because after what you’ve done for me, it can never be enough.”
Kelsey paused, eyes drifting up to the darkened skylight, frosted with snow, mouth twitching side to side as she considered my offer. “I might just take you up on that.”
“Please. I’m begging you.” Giving her suitcase a kick of encouragement, I stepped back inside the loft. “Now go forth and spend my money.”
“I’ll try my best.” Kelsey waved goodbye, heading for the elevator.
“Try harder.”
