I did finally check the mirror before I walked in, so I know exactly why the men are concerned. I look like I spent the day walking here from their house. “I … um … a tree fell on my apartment building. I haven’t been able to get in.”
“During the storm last night?” Khalil asks.
I nod.
Devin’s eyes go wide. “You didn’t have anywhere to go?”
“I got my things,” I say, lifting the bundle, avoiding his question.
“Where are you going to stay?” Shane asks abruptly.
“I … I’m staying at a motel.”
Khalil frowns even as his eyes brighten. “You don’t have to do that. Stay at our place again.”
I shake my head immediately. “No, I couldn’t do that. It’s not just a short-term thing. It could be weeks.”
“All the more reason to stay with us,” Khalil says, rubbing my arm briefly like we’re old friends. “The bedroom is still as you left it this morning. It’s all yours.”
Shaking my head again, I take a step backward. “No, I couldn't.”
Shane raises his voice; it’s practically a boom in the small hallway. “You don’t want to waste money on a hotel, Becca. You’re staying with us.”
I want to tell him to shove it and that he’s not the boss of me, but tired as I am after my long day, my reactions are slow enough for me to take the time to recognize the kindness behind his command.
Khalil steps between me and Shane. “It’s absolutely no problem at all. It was nice having you with us last night.”
I look at him for a long moment, during which I search my mind for any other options, but I come up blank. Then I think about the shower at their house. I’ll bet they have fluffy towels and amazing water pressure.
“It’ll just be one night,” I say. “Two at the most. I’ll find a new apartment.”
“Stay as long as you need,” Devin says.
When I get to the men’s house at half past midnight, it’s lit up bright, and Khalil greets me at the front door before I have a chance to knock. He immediately relieves me of my garbage bag of belongings, hefting it easily from my hand. “Hey. How was your night?” he asks.
“Tiring.” I toe off my shoes at the door and follow him inside.
“Are you hungry?” he asks. “We had chili tonight and left the pot on for you. There’s cornbread too.”
I ate the rest of my convenience store food during my break and thought I was good for the night, but chili sounds delicious. “I guess I’ll have a little. Thank you.”
As we head toward the kitchen, I see Devin and Marcos in the living room watching TV. Marcos gives a nod, while Devin smiles and says, “Hello.”
The kitchen is filled with a savory, spicy aroma that makes me glad I accepted his offer. “It was so nice of you to save food for me,” I say as he ladles chili into a bowl. “And I really appreciate your invitation to stay here.”
He stops what he’s doing and shoots me a grin that makes my belly do a little flip. “It’s no problem, really.”
“It’s just a bit awkward,” I say, “after last night, and … since I was with Shane. I’m sorry how last night turned out for you and me, but I hope you understand that I can’t sleep with you now.” I have to look down at the table to get all of the words out, because Khalil’s handsome face and gorgeous body make it hard to tell him I won’t be having sex with him. “I just … wanted to be clear about that, since you were inviting me to stay.”
When I look up, his smile has faded to a neutral expression. “Becca, I didn’t invite you here expecting anything in return. You need a place to stay, and we have room.”
“Okay. Well … thanks again.”
I sit on a barstool and eat at the kitchen island while Khalil keeps me company, telling me funny stories about some of their work projects. He asks me questions, too, but he does most of the talking while I eat.
When I’m nearly finished, he stands and says, “I’ll take your bag upstairs.”
“Are you referring to my fine luggage? Be sure to handle it carefully,” I joke.
He gives me a sympathetic look. “There’s an empty dresser and closet in your room. Make yourself at home. Also, feel free to use the washing machine if you need it.”
I want to remind him I won’t be here long, but instead I just say, “Thank you.”
After I’ve scooped up the last spoonful of chili and eaten the last bite of cornbread, I take my dishes to the sink, rinse them, and add them to the others I find in the dishwasher. When I turn around, Shane is there.