Rm W/a Vu by A. D. Ryan Page A

his cheeks that turn a bright shade of crimson, and he chuckles nervously, tousling his hair and looking at his feet. “Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for suggesting this meeting. I had a really great time tonight.”
    It’s hard to hide my disappointment that the night is coming to an end, so I look down at the towel as I dry my hands. “Good,” I tell him, trying to mask the sadness in my voice with a forced smile. “I’m glad you had a good time. I think my parents really liked you. Thanks for agreeing to this.” I hang the dishtowel on the oven handle and look up at Greyston.
    Silence hangs heavy and awkward between us before he glances at his watch. “Well, I guess I should head out. I have to be up early for a few errands. If I’m late, Callie will have my head.”
    It doesn’t seem to matter that I just met him and I’m fresh out of a relationship, my stomach clenches and my heart aches when I’m reminded that Greyston is in a serious relationship. I must be hiding it well, though. “Of course. I’ll walk you to the door.”
    After he puts his jacket on, I open the door for him. “I’ll see you this weekend?” I remind him.
    He nods once. “Definitely. Remember to call if you need a hand moving…or anything else.”
    Anything? I wonder silently before slapping my presumptuous inner-monologue into submission. “I will. Thanks.” Greyston turns and takes the first couple of steps away from me. “Greyston?” He faces me once more, curious. “Have a good night.”
    His smile widens. “You, too, Juliette.”
    After standing in the doorway and watching Greyston drive away for a change, I close and lock the door before retiring to my room for the night.
     

Chapter 9

    T he sunlight streams through the windows, drawing me from a content sleep. Slowly, I open my eyes, squinting against the bright light that bathes my room. At first, I find myself confused by the pale blue walls and fluffy white duvet I’m nestled under, but then I smile and prop myself up on my elbows as I look around my new digs. Even from my bed, I can see a portion of the desert through my balcony doors, and I still can’t believe this will be what I get to wake up to every morning.
    Kicking my blankets off, I twist and climb out of bed, stretching tall as I make my way past the three boxes I decided not to unpack last night in favor of sleep after a long day. I open the French doors, letting the warmth of the morning sun wash over me as I step out onto the stone balcony and breathe in the fresh air. Just as it was the last time I was standing in this very spot, the desert is breathtaking.
    Of course, then I look down, and I truly understand the meaning of that expression.
    Greyston is swimming lengths in the pool, his sinewy muscles move with each stroke of his arms. Unable to look away, I lean on the railing and continue to ogle him from afar.
    I’m not naïve enough to think that our arrangement won’t be a little awkward in the beginning. Not necessarily for him, but for me. I’ve got a huge crush on him, and I can’t do anything about it except maybe wait to see if it passes.
    Until the day that happens, though, I’m going to enjoy the view my new room comes with to its fullest extent.
    I straighten up quickly when he reaches the side of the pool and looks up to find me gawking. I’m hoping he can’t see just how hard I was staring. However, considering the second level isn’t that far up, I’m extremely doubtful.
    “Hey!” he calls up, offering me a wave. “There’s coffee downstairs. Why don’t you grab a cup and come on out?”
    I dash back into my room and pull on a pair of jeans and a fitted tee before brushing my teeth and hair and washing my face. I grab the check for first and last month’s rent from my dresser and head downstairs. Down in the kitchen, I find a fresh pot of coffee and pour myself a cup while I read and sign the rental agreement Greyston had left on the counter. After placing the