Page 14 of My Grumpy Sweetheart
Personally, I loved the open floor plan, the brightness of the room, the big windows, and the red-brownish leather seating arrangement. I loved the macrame-art hanging on the wall, the fresh sun and cornflowers sitting in small vases all over the room. However, I suspected that it was too open for Dakota — especially since I got the feeling he was someone who was used to being alone. Being in the company of a virtual stranger without reprieve for more than forty-eight-hours straight… yeah, that could be challenging.
While I was still admiring the décor, I heard Dakota’s heavy footsteps behind me, walking through the bedroom. I heard the telltale creaking of a door being opened, heard a gasp, a little huffing, then the footsteps again.
“Looks like you’ll have to go through the bedroom every time you want to use the bath… wait.” I turned just in time to see him stop dead in his tracks, staring at the leather sitting group. “Uhm… where’s the couch?”
I bit my lip but couldn’t hide a giggle, though it might have been a slightly desperate one. “Surprise,” I said, throwing my hands in the air. “The honeymoon suite comes with a gorgeous, giant, comfortable looking bed but without any big couches.” There were two leather armchairs and one leather two-seater arranged around a wooden coffee table that had a giant gift basket on it. I wanted to have a look at the monstrosity of sweets and goodies, but this was not the right moment.
Because I had to agree. There was no couch for me to sleep on. Even if I would be fine sleeping on a stylish but kind of hard looking leather sofa, the two-seater wasn’t big enough for me to lay on — if I didn’t want to sleep curled up in a fetal position, that is. Which I didn’t.
Dakota rubbed a hand over his face, stroking his beard. I wanted this beard to rub against my face. I bet it’d feel amazing. “Fuck. I mean, you’re pretty much pocket-sized, but that sofa is too small even for you.”
“Thank you,” I said, smiling at him. Some men had a problem with being small, but I’d learned to embrace it. Eighth grade me would be so proud.
“Soo…” Dakota sighed again.
“So, the good thing is since I’mpocket-sized, I won’t take up much space in the bed at all. You probably won’t even know I’m there.”
“Yeah… not gonna happen.”
I shrugged. “It’ll be fine; you’ll see. Anyway, I want to explore a little… do you want to come with me or stay here?” I already knew he’d want to stay here, but asking was the polite thing to do. I really did want to explore, and after being cooped up in the car for four hours, I really needed to move, but I also wanted to give Dakota the space he obviously needed.
Maybe he’d be less of a grump after a little time to himself to decompress. Though… I didn’t really mind his grumpy way. It was oddly charming.
“Nah, I’m good,” he said, just like I’d expected him to.
“Okay, see you later.” I gave him a small wave, grabbed one of the room keys, and turned to walk out of the door.
I already had my hand on the doorknob when I heard him clear his throat. Looking over my shoulder, I saw him rubbing his neck, a weird expression that I couldn’t read yet on his face. “Have… have fun, okay?”
Grinning, I winked at him. “Oh, trust me, I’m good at entertaining myself.”
* * *
I made it outside the B’n’B and to a bench standing beneath a big oak — not apple — tree. Plopping down, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and searched for my text conversation with Parker.
Bailey: Just wanted to let you know we’re here – and I’m still alive.
Bailey: Barely.
I snapped a photo of the big white house surrounded by a million shades of green and sent it to Parker. Leaning my head back, I closed my eyes and let the light breeze wash over me while sunrays danced over my face whenever they found a way through the thick canopy.
To my amazement, it only took about a minute until my phone buzzed in my lap.
Parker: What do you mean barely? Do I need to come get you… or send Pierce to get you? You know you don’t have to stay.
I laughed, shaking my head.
Bailey: It’s fine… I expected us to get along better, but it looks like I got myself a grump.
Parker: Grump or asshole?
I bit my lip and thought back to his conversation with the receptionist. He’d been toeing the line, but… he’d acknowledged that it wasn’t her fault and apologized. Granted, I’d prompted him to, but if he really was an asshole at heart, he’d have seen no fault in his behavior.
Bailey: Grump.
Parker: If he crosses into asshole-territory let me know. Pierce was in the military; he knows how to get you out of there.
Giggling, I pulled my knees up on the bench, resting my head on them before texting Parker back.
