Feeling more confused than ever, Danielle studied her. “I’m lost.”
Joy smiled as she sat down and pulled out a binder from her bag that was propped up next to her chair. “Mr. Stedman has asked me to help you find an apartment.”
Not sure she was hearing Joy right, Danielle sat down on the chair next to her and then turned to really look her. “Zach thought I needed a realtor? Why? I never told him I wanted to move.”
Joy must have felt uncomfortable under Danielle’s scrutiny because she shifted as she cleared her throat. “Mr. Stedman is looking at investing in properties and wants you to pick one.” She raised her eyebrows like that was enough of an explanation for Danielle.
“Investment property,” Danielle repeated as she stared at the wood grain of the tabletop. “He wants to be my landlord?”
Joy shifted, causing Danielle to bring her attention back to her. Realizing that she was talking to herself, Danielle shook her head. For some reason, she didn’t want Joy to discover how confused she felt. What if she went back and reported to Zach?
“I’ll be right back,” Danielle said. “I, um, am going to get dressed.” She stood and made her way to her bedroom. Aftershe shut the door, she collapsed on her bed and closed her eyes. What was happening to her?
On the one hand, it would be amazing for both her and Jesse to get out of this dump. But on the other hand, this was the last thing she wanted. Not when she felt so confused about her relationship with Zach or what that meant for Jesse. If she was going to keep herself safe from Zach then she needed to keep herself as far away from Zach as she could.
She dressed quickly and after brushing her hair, she pulled it up into a messy bun. Feeling better prepared to face whatever was happening out in her kitchen, she pulled open the door and stepped out.
Muffled voices could be heard as she approached. Once she came into view, her heart stopped.
Zach was sitting at her table, looking completely relaxed. He had on a dark blue t-shirt and jeans. One of his legs was extended out while his elbow rested on the chair next to him. The thought to run and hide under her bed raced through her mind, but she pushed it out. She wasn’t a chicken. She could face him.
But when his gaze met hers as she approached, all of her resolve flew out the window. She swallowed as heat rushed to her cheeks and settled there.
Great. Nothing like walking around with a neon red sign plastered on her face.
She kept her eyes down as she settled on the chair farthest from him. Thankfully, Joy started to speak, allowing Danielle to focus her attention on the woman.
“So, here are some apartments that are available.” She shoved the binder to Danielle.
Confused, Danielle began to flip through the files. Why was she asking Danielle to choose? Wasn’t this Zach’s investment?
When no one spoke, she peered up at Zach who was watching her. The intensity in his eyes caused her heart to hammer in her chest. This was too much. All of this.
“Am I supposed to pick?” she asked. Her voice was barely a whisper as she studied the two-story condo in front of her.
“Well, I thought…” From the corner of Danielle’s eye, she saw Joy glance over at Zach.
Zach didn’t look fazed as he leaned forward. “Yes. And I want you to be my first tenant.”
Confusion filled Danielle’s mind as she studied him. What did he just say? “Excuse me?”
Zach cleared his throat as he glanced from Joy over to Danielle. “I want you to be my first tenant.” He met her gaze. “This place should be condemned. I mean, this place is months away from crumbling into oblivion.”
Even thought Danielle knew what Zach was saying was very true and something that she’d complained about more times than she could count, hearing Zach talk about her home like this made her angry. She stood up from the table, anger coursing through her veins.
“Can I speak to you?” she asked, nodding toward the door.
Zach’s eyebrows went up but he nodded. “Um, yeah. Sure.” He stood and followed her out of the apartment.
Once they were out in the hall and the door was closed behind them, she whipped around to find Zach staring at her with an equally determined expression.
“What the heck are you doing?” she asked. She let out her breath as she tried to calm her nerves.
Zach didn’t look fazed by her frustration. Instead he shoved his hands into his front pockets and glanced around. “What are you talking about?”
“This?” She waved toward her front door. “Coming to fix my house.” Out of instinct, she lowered her voice as she said, “The kiss.”
Zach’s gaze snapped to her just as the last two words left her lips. He studied her for a moment before he lowered his eyes to the carpet beneath their feet. “Danielle, I—”
