Read Online Fringe Benefits by Sandy James - Free Book Online Page B

time upstairs, using her kitchen. He could cook enough to shove some meals in the freezer; then he’d be able to warm them up during the week. Maybe she’d even let him create special meals for her so they could talk some more about their favorite books. They might be able to share some mealtimes, something that bordered on intimacy.
    In his mind’s eye, he could see them now, standing side by side at the big island, cutting vegetables. She’d dip one of her long fingers in a special sauce and offer it to him. He’d lick it off before tugging her into his arms and kissing her.
    Yep.
He had it bad for her. And for the time being, he didn’t intend to let that bother him one bit.
    “I want to be able to use this kitchen,” he said. “As part of the deal, I want you to let me cook in this awesome kitchen.”
    “B-but…” Dani kept opening and closing her mouth like a kissing fish.
    “Don’t worry. I promise I’ll clean up after myself.”
    “Then you’re okay with just having a kitchenette?” she asked.
    He swept his hand out toward the six-burner gas stove. “I am if you’ll share this. And if you’ll let me cook for you from time to time.”
    “Of course!”
    “Well, then… I’m anxious to see my new place. How do we get to the basement?”
    She pointed at a door.
    “Let’s go.” Taking her hand, Nate dragged her there and then let her lead him down the stairs.
    The basement was no less dazzling than the rest of the house. Instead of being decorated in boring neutral colors, the walls popped with red and white. An enormous flat-screen TV was mounted on one wall, and a black leather sectional gave whoever was watching something a great place to kick back and get comfortable.
    Nate skipped his fingers across the back of the couch. “I won’t even need my beat-up old sofa.”
    Tucked away under the stairs was the kitchenette—a small stainless steel sink, a thigh-high fridge, and microwave. “It’s not much…”
    “Like I said, it’s better than what I’ve got now.”
    “You still want to stay here?” Her incredulous tone made him worry for a moment that she wasn’t nearly as attracted to him as he was to her.
    Then he remembered their kiss, remembered how passionately she’d melted in his arms. No way she could’ve faked that kind of attraction.
    “Gotta see the bathroom first. No stand-up shower is a deal breaker.” He peeked into the large bedroom, pleased with the size; then he poked his head in the bathroom. “Oh, yeah. This’ll do nicely.”
    A large vanity gave him plenty of room for his stuff. The subway tiles in the shower had to have taken forever to arrange into the intricate herringbone pattern. Hell, this basement would probably be the nicest place he’d ever call home, even if he lived to be ninety. At that moment, he made himself a promise that if he did decide to stay in Cloverleaf, he’d find a way to get enough money scraped together to have Robert Ashford build a house for him.
    “I’m ready to move in right now,” he announced.
    “Nate, I’m not sure—”
    “Wait. Before you say anything… there’s something important I have to do.”
    “What’s that?”
    “Time for some major league begging.”
    “Begging?” Her brows knit.
    He loved keeping her off balance. “Yeah, begging. Shameful, pitiful begging. This place is amazing. If I have to go back to that long-term hotel after having this carrot dangled in front of me, I’ll just curl up into a ball and die.”
    The confusion on her face morphed into a smile. “That bad, huh?”
    “The ninth circle of hell.”
    “The ninth? Wow. That’s pretty bad.”
    “Really bad. Have I mentioned the noise?”
    “Nate…”
    Getting down on one knee, he clasped his hands. “Or the smell?” He raised his hands as if seeking divine intervention. “Dear God, the smell!” When she laughed, he knew he had her. He clasped his hands and held them to his chest. “Do I get this gorgeous basement as my new