I decide to get back to my design. That should stop my brain from thinking about Keith and his sexy smile.
Crap! I left my notebook in Mere’s bedroom.
I know Keith didn’t mind me spending the day downstairs, but after last week, I don’t want to give him too many reasons to be short with me.
I tiptoe down the stairs and find Mere and Keith sitting at the dining table with opened pizza boxes.
“I forgot my notebook in Mere’s room,” I say softly when they both look at me.
I dash into Mere’s room, and with my notebook tucked under my arm, I reenter the living space.
“Clementine, wait,” Keith calls as I’m about to take the first step of the stairs. “Thank you for today.” He subtly nods his head toward Merida, who is pulling a piece of pizza from the cardboard box.
My breath hitches at his sweet words.
What’s wrong with me? I like him when he’s being a jerk, but I’m mesmerized when he’s nice.
“Would you like to join us?” Mere asks around her full mouth.
I take a deep breath. “I had something,” I lie, not wanting Keith to think that I’ve forgotten our last conversation. I would never do anything to hurt Mere, even if it means missing a chance to spend time with my broody landlord.
“What?” Mere’s eyebrows furrow in genuine confusion. “You have no food.”
“You have no food?” This time Keith’s voice rises, taking the same frustrated pitch I’ve heard so often. “Why?”
My toes curl up in embarrassment. “I have crackers.” They don’t look convinced with my answer. “I didn’t have much time to set up the kitchen.”
He shakes his head and gets up to get a plate for me. “Sit.”
I think for a minute. Crackers or the tempting pizza?
“I’ll stay. Thanks.”
“How’s Snowy?” Mere whispers as Keith brings me a glass and can of soda.
“Good. She’s sleeping.” I nod, ending our hushed conversation.
Last week, every day before Keith returned from work, Mere popped in and played with Snowy in the loft for an hour. I’m sure they’re both missing each other today.
Once done with the food, I rinse my glass before putting it in the dishwasher and throw the paper napkin in the trash can under the sink.
“I’m going to head upstairs now. Good night.”
Keith looks at me over his shoulder as he’s pushing the folded pizza boxes in the garbage bin.
My stomach flips, watching his handsome face. His eyebrows rise as I stare at him for a minute too long, making me sweat in the cool kitchen.
Why is he becoming more and more attractive with each passing minute?
Sketchbook in hand, I’m about to leave, when he waves toward the kitchen.
“You can make your cinnamon coffee or whatever in the morning. I didn’t know your kitchen wasn’t up and running.” My wide eyes rivet to his face when he adds, “But wear some freaking pants.”
Mere splutters her water on the table and holding her stomach, bursts into laughter. “Dad! You didn’t just say that.”
He grabs a rag and starts wiping the table. “Why the hell not? She’s roaming around the house in the dark, without pants.”
What the hell? I didn’t even know he noticed my clothes.