Page 173 of The Maxwell Brothers
Tyler: That way, everyone will know you have someone to make you blush.
Kendra: Or they’ll think I ate chilies, like in Seattle.
I held my breath, waiting for his reply, shimmying a bit in my seat. A small part of me was all for some sexting, but…
Tyler: Text me when you're home, beautiful.
Oh, I planned to do just that. During the ride I also got a message from a contractor I’d asked for a quote on tiles and flooring. He didn’t have time until spring. I needed someone as soon as possible, but I had to push the issue to the back of my mind for now.
The dinner lasted until 10:00 p.m. I liked catching up with past clients, and it filled me with joy when they came back for more projects. But this time, I couldn't wait to get home. I debated messaging Tyler on the way, but I didn't want to start blushing in the Uber. I could wait a few more minutes until I was in my apartment; then there would be no one to witness it.
I practically jumped out of the Uber after it pulled in front of my building. There was a line in front of the elevator, so I took the stairs two at a time. My apartment was only on the third floor, so I often took the stairs; I felt like I was getting my cardio in whenever I avoided the elevator.
The second I entered my apartment I took out my phone and messaged Tyler so quickly that I nearly broke a nail.
Kendra: I'm home.
He called me the next second. I hadn't even finished taking off my shoes. Grinning, I darted straight to my bedroom, sitting on the bed, and answered him.
"Hey, Kendra," he said.
"Hey.”
"How was your dinner?"
"Great. I love catching up with past volunteers. It’s been an amazing evening.” Except for the part where the contractor didn’t have time for me. I groaned just remembering.
“But you sound a bit off.”
“You’re observant. You know how I told you about that house I bought? Well, I'm still waiting on contractors to quote me on tiles and flooring, and one said he doesn't have time until spring. I need someone who can do it now."
I moved to the center of the bed, propping myself against the pillows.
"I can talk to my brother, Luke. He's an architect, and he works with a lot of contractors."
"Oh my God! You think he'd be able to recommend someone to me?"
"I'm sure he can."
I smiled. "That would be great. Thanks so much. Wow, you are so thoughtful."
"I'll talk to him. When do you plan on moving?"
"As soon as it's done. I've wanted to own a house for years. It's almost like a dream that I thought might never happen." I held my breath, biting the inside of my cheek. This was an intimate part of me that I didn't often reveal.
"I'm guessing it’s making you feel safe after everything you've been through."
"Yes, exactly." But the weird part was, I felt safe with him, and it wasn't a feeling I was used to.
"What are you doing tomorrow?" he asked.
"Well, I'm going to be at the office all day, going through a lot of admin stuff that I couldn't do while I was away. You?"
"Management wants to talk to me."
I sat up straighter. "Oh, why?"
"They didn't say, so it could go either way."
