Page 107 of Stick Side
Melody:It really does. Despite Penny’s enthusiasm, all I can really see is the way you’re looking at me. It looks like you can’t take your eyes off me. *blushing emoji
Ben:You’ve had my attention since the very beginning. Now, there’s simply photographic evidence.
Melody:I don’t even know what to say to that. *blushing emoji
Ben:You don’t have to say anything, sweetheart. Just know it.
Melody:. . .
Ben:Did I scare you?
Melody:No. I was just gathering my thoughts.
Ben:Take all the time you need. I’ll be here when you’re ready.
Melody:. . .
Melody:Do you think it would be strange if I asked Shawna for a set of our escape room photos?
Ben:Funny you should ask that.
Melody:Why?
Ben:Because I already asked her. :-)
Melody:Really? <3
Ben:You better believe I did. These are our first pictures together. You can bet I want my own copies. *camera emoji*book emoji(That’s to represent the photo album I plan to start with these.)
Melody:How is it that you always know exactly what to say?
Ben:I don’t know that I do. Maybe we just fit. *lock & key emoji
Melody:Maybe we do. *blushing emoji <3
Chapter 53
Melody
Melodygazedoutthewindow as her taxi sped through Lakeview toward Ben’s home in Lincoln Park. When she moved to Chicago last year, she didn’t even bother looking at real estate in Lincoln Park. It was a picturesque neighborhood that appealed to her nature-loving heart with its manicured gardens, hidden lily pond, historic indoor botanical garden, and tons of lakefront green space, but it was far beyond her price range. She did well for herself professionally, but she was no millionaire. And one would have to be to live in this neighborhood.
It sure was a lovely area to come visit, though. And, thanks to the speed and efficiency of the “L,” she was able to make it across town from her Wicker Park home in record time. It was only on occasions like this, when she had a bunch of things to carry, that she opted to hail a cab rather than ride the rails.
In what felt like no time at all, the taxi was pulling up outside the grand edifice that Ben called home. She didn’t know enough about architecture to say much about its design beyond the fact it stood out among its neighbors on account of the ivy-covered trellis climbing its gray stone facade. There also appeared to be asolarium poking out from the back of the house, which wasn’t a feature she’d seen in many Chicago homes.
Ben’s home was a stately corner lot house, but there was a cozy quality to it that mitigated its grandeur. Maybe Ben’s hints about marriage were starting to sink in because Melody couldn’t help but think it looked like the type of place a family might live.
Initial inspection done, Melody unbuckled her seatbelt and paid her fare before collecting her things and thanking the driver.
She took in more subtle details about Ben’s home as she walked up the front path. Natural stone pavers added beauty and character to the already stunning home. The potted plants flanking the front steps enhanced the overall appeal. Either Ben had employed a top-notch landscaping company, or he was one heck of a landscape gardener himself.
When Melody reached his front door, she needed to shift the bags she was carrying in order to ring the doorbell.
Ben didn’t keep her waiting. She’d barely pulled her hand back before the door was opened to reveal an image she knew she would never tire of. If his damp hair was any indication, Ben was fresh out of the shower and clad in a yummy form-fitting shirt and the type of athletic pants she thought more suitable for lounging than actual athletics. It was the perfect outfit for a comfortable night in, which was exactly what they were planning.
“Hi, beautiful,” Ben greeted in that heart-stopping voice of his. Or maybe she should call it a heart-accelerating voice since everything about him—his voice, his touch, his taste, his smell, and the way he looked at her with such undisguised yearning—sent her pulses racing.
“Hi,” Melody returned simply, a contented smile on her lips.
