I wasn’t sure, but that last comment sounded like it was laced with threat. Was he concerned that I wouldn’t do what he told me to?
I couldn’t help the words as they flew out of my mouth, “So if I don’t do as I’m told, you’ll punish me for it?”
His head shot up and he regarded me. Shit. I was trying to be playful with it. I tried to smile, but I felt my face twist awkwardly. He narrowed his eyes and gave a small smile back, but it looked just slightly more sinister than his usual smirk.
Clyde brought over a small dish of ice cream with a hot kind of chocolate sauce on top. I couldn’t remember the last time I had a treat like this and quickly dug in. It didn’t take long before I had demolished it. When I was finished, I wiped my mouth with the napkin and sighed contentedly.
Mr. Crawford smiled at me. “Would you like to take that tour, now?”
“Sure.” I placed my spoon in the empty bowl.
He pushed back from the table and rose from his chair. It was so different to see him in such casual attire. It was obvious from the way his shirt hugged his chest that he worked out. I also couldn’t help but notice a slight bulge in the front of his pants. He led me through the entrance and to a large open room at the back of the house.
He motioned to his left. “This is the living room.”
Studded leather armchairs and sofas were placed strategically throughout. There was an oriental area rug spread in front of a ceiling high fireplace and cherry wood furnishings. There were a lot more warmer colors, kind of like his office.
“Did you decorate the house?”
He shook his head. “No. The décor would be courtesy my sister. I let her have her fun in small ways that benefit me as well. And it keeps her off my back.” He winked.
My heart stopped at the small gesture. Holy Hell was he sexy. The breakfast was between the living room and the kitchen. He led me back to the foyer and stopped on the way to show me a half bathroom and the coat closet. We took the stairs up to a small landing where there was a set of double doors to the left and a single door in front of us.
He gestured to the double doors. “These are my private apartments. You’ll have to excuse me for my reluctance in sharing them. It’s my space for peace and to get away. The only person allowed in is Amy, the housekeeper, and even that is quite limited.”
I nodded, feeling only slightly offended. “I understand.”
But now I was curious. How big was his bed? Did he like his room completely dark or did he allow the morning light to seep in? What kind of sheets did he sleep in? Were they soft? What would they feel like against naked skin? What would his bed feel like with him in it on top of me? I got the image of him holding himself over me, bending his face to mine in the dark.
“Avery?” He was standing in front of a different single door on the landing, waiting.
I shook my head to clear it. “Sorry, it’s been a long day.” I forced a smile.
With a nod, he took me through the single door, and we walked into a hallway.
“There are three bedrooms on this side of the house. I would prefer if you stayed in one of them. I reserve the rooms downstairs for guests. This one,” he took a door to the right, “has its own bathroom and a walk-in closet.”
He stopped at the door as I looked around. The bedroom was easily three times the size of the room I shared with Jess. It was already fully furnished with wood furniture, the sheets and duvet burgundy. There was a chest of drawers in a nook, a sitting area by the large picture window, and a desk. I walked through one of the doors into a closet half the size of my old bedroom.
“Of course, we can change out the furniture. We can bring whatever you like into your space and make it your own. You need only ask.”
I walked out of the closet and entered the bathroom next. It was modern with a single vanity granite countertop and a walk-in shower.
“I don’t have a whole lot, honestly. The room by the University was furnished when I signed my lease.” I rejoined him by the door.
“I understand. Well, if you would like a different style bed or dresser, I will have Amanda take you shopping. There is an furniture outlet not too far away.”
I sighed. “That’s a really nice offer, but I need to save my money for tuition. I can’t be blowing it on expensive furniture.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “I’ll take care of it. We can get you new furniture if you don’t like what is already here. I’ll gladly pay for it.”
I frowned and turned around to look at the room. “What’s here is just fine. It’s all very beautiful and nicer than anything I’ve ever had in my life. No need to buy new stuff.”
With a small nod he cleared his throat and walked out the door. “Let’s look at the rest of the house, shall we?”
I followed him out of the room and down the hall to the next bedroom. It was about the same size as the first with similar furnishings, only this one didn’t have a private bathroom. The last bedroom was as big as the living room downstairs without a closet or a bathroom. To get to it, you needed to walk down a hallway with windows on both sides. It felt a bit like the walkway to a tower in a castle.
“This room sits above the garage. I’ve been told that it can get a little cold, but it is definitely roomy. I haven’t made any modifications to it, but if you wanted to make it your space, I’m open to renovations.”
“Renovations?”
“Yes. We can add a bathroom and a closet. An office would also be nice if you so wished. Maybe a fireplace to help keep it warm in the winter.”
“So you’re saying that you would completely remodel a room in your house if I wanted it?”