Page 85 of Thirsty Bodyguard Summer

“For me.”

“That answer was almost unbearable.”

“I’ve been making progress.”

He came around the car and stopped beside me.

I used the new key to open the front door.

The porch held two chairs, a small table, and enough open space for my portable barre.

Inside, a guitar case leaned beside the sofa. A piano occupied one wall without blocking the hallway. A sturdy hook had already been installed beside the front door at the right height for my work bag. There were no framed magazine covers or display cases full of awards.

On the kitchen counter sat my preferred electrolyte packets, a bowl of citrus, and the brand of crackers Shane had served after our first night together.

I set my evening bag and keys beside them, then picked up the box.

“Aftercare crackers?”

“They’re sophisticated.”

“They came from a grocery store.”

“I selected them personally.”

I laughed and set them down.

Shane waited near the sofa while I walked through the living room.

I opened the hallway closet.

One side held his jackets. The other remained empty except for a set of wooden hangers and a folded note on the shelf.

CASSIDY’S SIDE. SHANE REQUIRES WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION.

I turned.

“You labeled the closet.”

“I respect clear boundaries.”

“You’re never getting written authorization.”

“Then I’ll remain frightened of this half forever.”

I crossed the room.

Shane met me halfway.

I slid my palms beneath his open collar and over his chest. “You bought crackers.”

“I bought an entire house, and the crackers impressed you.”

“They proved you understood the assignment.”

“I thought the assignment was making room.”

I pulled his face down to mine. “You did.”