A fact that both thrilled and scared the hell out of him.
And if he didn’t focus on something else, he was going to burst and make a fool out of himself in the middle of his grandmother’s kitchen. So when they sat down to eat and she asked what his new position entailed, he gladly answered. Before long, he was asking questions, too. Personal ones. Something he’d never done with a woman before.
Kaydee was full of firsts for him.
“Where did you live before moving here?”
“In a condo near Fort Worth,” she replied, a wistful smile curving her lips. “It had two bedrooms and one and a half baths. I tried to convince my grandfather to move in with me, but he’s too independent. He didn’t want a roommate. And even if he did, and wanted to keep his apartment, I couldn’t stay with him because he only had one bedroom. So he purchased the duplex in his neighborhood and asked me to move in to the other side. Of course I broke my lease and moved in. It’s actually a good setup. He has his privacy, but I can still keep an eye on him.”
Leo frowned. Nate seemed fine to him. “Why do you need to keep an eye on him?”
“He can’t drive at night, but he won’t admit it, and he’s gotten in a few fender benders because of it,” she replied. “Plus, he has blood sugar issues. My parents are worried about him being on his own. Especially when he was living here in Dallas. It was too far from me during rush hours and stuff if there was an emergency. And he refused to move to California where my dad’s stationed until he retires in two years.”
Leo started to get the whole picture. “So you offered to look after him until they move back to Texas.”
“Yes.” She smiled, and it did funny things to his chest. “It’s only two years. And I like this area. It has some really great perks.”
Her gaze was warm and open, and a pretty blush filled her cheeks. She meant him, and surprisingly, he was all right with that. The urge to flee never materialized.
“I’m glad you moved here. I think you’re amazing,” he said. “You gave up your place and your privacy to help your grandfather out.”
Her selflessness was refreshing.
She shrugged and dropped her gaze to her empty plate. “If I was so amazing, I would’ve found a place to rent close to his apartment instead of making him move. But it was his idea. In fact, he was the one who insisted on buying the duplex and moving here.” Her gaze rounded. “I’m sorry. I can’t believe I just told you all of that.”
He smiled. “It’s okay. I’m glad you did.”
He was also glad she moved into his grandmother’s neighborhood. Kaydee clearly thought she was being selfish, but what he saw was a woman trying to please everyone. She was caring and strong, and it added to her appeal.
A hell of a lot.
The brick wall shielding his heart cracked open enough for her to reach him. Any chance he might’ve had of fighting his attraction to her just bit the dust. But it was okay. He just needed to keep things light and fun so he didn’t hurt her.
Or himself.
Because once she found out about his past, this thing between them—whatever it was—would be over. And she would find out. It was only a matter of time.
Chapter Five
Midmorning on Monday, Kaydee sat in the coffee shop next to the salon enjoying a cup with Fiona. Her friend had to work that morning, but Kaydee didn’t go in until later that afternoon, which meant she got to check out the next prospective property alone.
“You know what? I just had a great idea,” Fiona said, devious grin spreading across her face.
Kaydee’s insides cringed. “Uh-oh. Whatever it is, my answer is no.”
“But you don’t even know what it is yet.”
“Don’t need to.” She shook her head. Hard. “I’ve seen that look too many times before, and always paid the price.”
Fiona cocked her head. “Are you still sore about that surprise party?”
She frowned. “Surprise party? You told me it was a costume party.” She swiped her phone off the table, thumbed through her photos until she found the one she wanted, then shoved it front of her friend’s nose. “I showed up dressed like Wonder Woman, remember?”
“Thatwasthe surprise.” Fiona laughed. “But you looked amazing, and it got you two dates, didn’t it?”
A smile tugged Kaydee’s lips. “True.” She put her phone down. “Although I could’ve done without Mr.Groper. He had more hands than an octopus.”
“An octopus doesn’t have hands.”
