I rearrange the row of jars for the umpteenth time. He probably won’t notice the candles adorning the mantel, but I want everything to look perfect. Just in case. My hands tremble slightly and I shake them out. Why am I nervous?

A knock on the front door answers my silent question. Shane is here, to move in with me. He’s standing right outside, waiting for me to let him in. Oh, shoot. I’m going to vomit. My heart is a jackhammer, crushing bone into dust. Breathing is a chore, and I gasp for air. The last-minute decorating is long forgotten while I get my head in the game.

There’s no reason to freak out. Be cool, confident, and collected. He’s just my new roommate, not an extremely attractive man I want to climb like a tree. This is going to be like living with Tania. I groan and smack my forehead. There’s no comparison—Shane couldn’t be more different. There’s no use pretending.

I’ve been preparing for this moment. What am I scared of? I know Shane... kind of. I’m not intimidated by him. This just feels really... personal. He’s going to be so close all the time. My control is about to be constantly put to the test. But we’ll set boundaries and stick to them. That should help, right?

Another knock startles me out of my mental pep-talk.

“Coming,” I announce. Dirty thoughts immediately come to mind, images of a very different scene playing out between us.

Dammit, I scold myself. Not going there.

I whip open the door in a flurry and almost swallow my tongue. The sight of Shane, in all his masculine glory, makes my knees tremble. Are those angels singing? I should have stalled a few more moments.

Abort, abort, my brain screams. Mayday, mayday. Lady-bits are a lost cause. Need immediate back-up.

Looking away isn’t an option—moth, meet flame. All I can do is stare. I slowly scan his muscular body, starting at his broad shoulders cloaked in a plain white tee. His biceps strain the fabric and seem to bulge under my perusal. The cotton can’t hide the obvious sculpt of his pecs and washboard abs. Whoa, I’m in trouble.

“Hey, Addison,” Shane murmurs.

I snap my focus off those sinfully low-slung jeans. A ball cap covers his head, but I see the amusement lifting his lips. Embarrassment stings my cheeks, and I offer a finger wave. “Hi, you.”

I shiver from the intensity in his stare. Combined with a shy grin and those seductive dimples, his expression melts me into a puddle. My resolve pipes up from somewhere in the faraway distance.

No, be strong. Remember the boundaries.

I shake myself out of the horny-haze and slap on a smile. With newfound control thrumming through my veins, I open the door wider. “You’re right on time. Welcome to my—our—humble abode.”

Shane bows his head and steps inside. “Thanks.”

I glance down at his lone bag. “Need help bringing in the rest of your stuff?”

“This is it,” he says and hefts the large duffle onto his back.

“Are you a purge and pack type of mover?”

I see his brow furrow under the hat’s curved brim. “A what?”

“You know, toss more than you take,” I explain.

“Nah, I just don’t own a lot. My last place was furnished so I mostly have clothes. I’m pretty easy that way.”

I trap my inappropriate response desperate to escape. Roommates only, I remind myself for the zillionth time. “Cool, I can work with that,” I tell him with a nod.

Shane takes off his hat, exposing thick dark hair. The strands are just long enough to run my fingers through and tug. His wide chest expands with a deep inhale. He takes in the space, looking this way and that, his eyes scanning every corner. I watch Shane digest it all and wonder what he sees. How did this sex-on-a-stick slip past me for so long? Oh, yeah. He ignored me. A bitter pill hits my tongue and I look away. That’s the reminder I need. He isn’t really interested, and I shouldn’t be either.

He jerks his chin at the bay window. “You’ve got a really nice setup.” His compliment lifts my spirits and I can’t help smiling.

“Really?”

Shane’s gaze makes another slow sweep around the room and I follow his path. “Everything has a spot. It’s clear you put a lot of thought into decorating. I feel like this should be a magazine cover.” He points at the layout.

I beam at him. “Oh, stop. It’s not that fancy.”

“Just being honest,” he murmurs.

We’re caught up in one another for far too many beats. His honey eyes eat me up, and I return the favor. My ears are hot, and I fight the urge to look away. What’s happening? When Shane blinks, the trance breaks, and our focus bounces in opposite directions. A stuttering breath puffs off my lips at the loss.

“So, uh, where’s my room?” he asks.

“Oh, shit. Sorry. That’s kinda important, huh?” I laugh nervously. “It’s right down the hall, waiting for you.”

“Great, thanks.” He doesn’t move, seemingly waiting for something. I haven’t the foggiest idea as to what that might be. I peer around, searching for a distraction from the awkward. Our silence is interrupted by a knock on the door.

I lift my brow at him. “Expecting someone?”

“That’s probably my mattress.”

“Ah, good thinking.”

“Figured that’s a necessity,” Shane says and walks into the foyer.

He lets in two burly men carrying a massive monstrosity. I gawk at the large box spring, trying to wrap my mind around the size. I didn’t know beds could be so big. The guys leave and return a moment later with a king size deluxe on steroids. I bite back a laugh as they struggle to haul the thing into Shane’s room. Hopefully that’s all they’ve got because I’m not sure anything else will fit. Strings of expletives accompany the sound of things banging into unsuspecting surfaces. I hang back, not wanting to overstep or intrude. Other than the cursing, the seamless execution is fairly impressive to watch. Their entire process takes maybe five minutes, in and out.

I’m deciding between making coffee and watching Netflix when Shane reappears. He wipes his sweaty brow and moves toward me.

“Wanna check it out?” Excitement shines from his megawatt smile and sparkling eyes. He reminds me of a kid on their birthday, and the feeling is infectious. I soak it in, my own mouth stretching wide. I’ve never seen this side of him, and that gives this moment some sort of special meaning. Delving further into the why seems like a bad idea so I nod and follow behind him.

A gasp escapes me when I turn the corner. The enormous fluffy cloud practically extends from wall to wall and takes my breath away. The pristine white glows, popping out against the boring beige carpet and paint. I immediately imagine diving onto the middle of that cushy memory-foam padding, letting it swallow me up. Talk about a dream. But really, this is a bit excessive.

I let out a low whistle. “You planning a slumber party? This sucker is big enough for five.” I gesture at the newest item on my wish list.

Shane laughs. “That an invitation?”

“Nope.” That’s all I say. I’m done fueling the crazy-train.

His smile dims, and I feel like a brat for stealing the sunshine surrounding us. But I reinforce my decision by remembering his radio silence a few months ago. Shane’s fists stab into the back pockets of his jeans, gaze darting around his new digs. “I’ve never splurged on anything. This seemed like a good treat,” he explains.

“I’d say. Very nicely done.”

He smirks at me. “Jealous?”

“Insanely. But I buy crap for myself all the time. I’ve never considered the largest bed ever made.” I mirror his pose, adding a little sway to my hips.

A flush races up Shane’s neck. “I might have gone overboard.”

“You’ll be comfortable, that’s for sure.”

He quickly glances at me. “Already feels that way.”

Tiny bubbles fizz in my belly, and I twist to hide my grin. We’re so not going there. I fiddle with the hem of my shirt, which gets me thinking. “Where’s your comforter and stuff?” Shane’s sheepish cringe keeps me talking. “I can loan you a pillow and blanket, free of charge.”

He peeks over at me. “I’d appreciate that. Guess I forgot some essentials.”

I shrug. “What are roommates for, right?”

He visibly freezes at my words, eyes locking on mine. It’s only a few seconds, but I catch his reaction. Weird. Shane exhales heavily. “That’s right. I’ll have to get used to this.”

“Me too. I have a feeling your habits are the opposite of mine.”

“What makes you say that?”

I give a meaningful glance to the bare mattress in front of us, then swing my gaze to his single piece of luggage. “Just a hunch.”

“I’ll gladly learn a thing or two from you.”

My cheeks burn, and I press a palm against the blaze. “We’ll see about that,” I manage to choke out.

His warm honey eyes reel me in. “I look forward to it.”

“Uh, right.” I purposely glance away, concentrating on the blank walls. “Feel free to decorate however you’d like. I left it plain so you can add whatever. It’ll be fun to see your style.”

“I didn’t think about any of this.”

“Don’t worry. It unfolds pretty easily. One step at a time. You’ve got a bed. Check. What’s next on the list?”

“I better start one,” he chuckles.

“Maybe groceries? Or something for storage? The closets are pretty small,” I say.

Shane nods. “Yeah, sure. I suppose that makes sense.”

I shake my head. “You’re such a guy.”

“Are you calling me forgetful?”

“Not necessarily,” I defend.

He laughs. “Because you’d be right. All those extra options don’t cross my mind. I’m very basic. Find something to sleep on, go to work, eat at Dagos. Wash, rinse, repeat.”

“Now your constant presence at the bar makes more sense.”

He starts to say something but stops himself. “Yeah, I guess so.”

“You’ll be busy for a while. Moving is an undertaking, but it can be fun.”

“For you, maybe.” Shane’s tongue drags along his lower lip, and I’m locked on the movement. “I have a feeling you’ll be helping me a lot.”

I take a step back, and the pressure in my chest eases. Time to get this show on the road. “So, maybe start with ordering custom sheets. No way you’ll find this size at Sew Lovely. Bet you’d even strike out at Target.”

Shane scratches the scruff on his jaw. “That’s a really good point.”

I edge further away, almost to the hall. “I have a laptop if you want to use it. Although I’m sure your phone works just as well.” Unless he’s using it to call someone—that seems to be an issue. I hook a thumb over my shoulder and say, “I’ll just be in the kitchen doing, uh, something. Holler if you need me.”

“I’m terrible at this shit,” he complains. “I should have planned things better.” Shane’s somber tone halts my retreat.

I swallow roughly and offer an easy smile. “Impulse buys are the best. It’ll all come together. Only thing that matters is you’re happy and have no regrets.”

His stare is suddenly searing into me, and I feel his heat racing along my skin. Is his effect on me obvious? I sure hope not.

“I’m very satisfied so far,” he rumbles. My thighs clench at his sexy timbre. Pretty sure we aren’t talking about the mattress. He licks his bottom lip and asks, “Are you?”

And now I’m certain.

I blink quickly, attempting to get my raging hormones under control. “It’s a bit early to tell.”

His eyes flare, and the temperature in this tiny square has suddenly skyrocketed. I practically leap out of the room with the need for fresh air clawing at me.

“Would you like some iced tea? I’m parched.” My voice is all squeak, but my main concern at this point is to keep my clothes on. I dart away before waiting for his answer.

The tension between us is suffocating, and it’s been less than an hour. How am I going to manage living with him, being surrounded by nonstop temptation? I whip open the fridge and stick my flaming face inside. Just as I’m getting my control corralled, his sultry voice comes from right behind me.

“So, what happens next?”