A Man to Believe In. Kathleen Pickering

Secluded. Quiet.” She laid a hand on the table between them. “You’ll like it, Peter.”

      He thumbed through the photos on Brian’s phone, once again not believing his dumb luck. The house exceeded his expectations. Could he afford it? He handed the phone back to Brian. “Nice. How much are you asking for rent?”

      Brian grinned at Cassie. “I know how much nurses make. I think you’ll find it reasonable.”

      “When can I see it?”

      “I’m heading back there in about half an hour. Does that work?”

      “Sure. I’ll grab a taxi.”

      Cassie scoffed. “No need. I’ll take you.”

      “No way. You need your sleep.”

      She laughed. “I can sleep when I die. I’d like to see your face when you see this place.”

      Brian stood. “This is great. I don’t even have to advertise. Call when you’re on your way.”

      After Brian left, Peter picked up his cell phone. “Speaking of phones, can I have your number?”

      “So you can stalk me by phone?”

      He laughed. “I promise I won’t.”

      It didn’t take her long to decide. She picked up her phone. “Okay.”

      “Give me your number. I’ll call you so mine will register.”

      Once she dictated the number he called her phone. His number lit on her screen and Peter gestured to it. “Answer.”

      “No. It’s you.”

      “I know. Answer anyway.”

      Shaking her head, she picked up her phone. “Hello?”

      Peter lowered his voice. “Thank you so much for everything you’re doing for me. It means so much. I hope I can reciprocate someday.”

      She stared at him a long moment. He could see uncertainty cross her face. When she broke into a grin, he felt like he could breathe again.

      “You’re welcome, Peter. Now hang up the damned phone and let’s talk like real people.”

      * * *

      WHEN THEY ARRIVED at Brian’s, his BMW was in the driveway. Set back from the road, the white colonial house was complete with a wraparound porch and pillars supporting the overhang, which was decorated with gingerbread trim. Deep green shutters adorned the floor-to-ceiling windows on the first floor. Cassie couldn’t wait to see what Brian had done to the inside.

      Peter was eyeing the house appreciatively.

      “What do you think?” she asked him.

      He shook his head. “Looks like nothing I could possibly afford.”

      She laid a hand on his arm and didn’t miss the sinewy strength of his biceps. “Brian is not a gouger. He’s a friend.”

      Concern creased his brow. “I didn’t mean that. I know I’d have to get a fair market price if I owned a rental.”

      She opened her door. “Maybe you can negotiate a lower rent if you sign a longer lease. I’m not worried. Let’s go.”

      She knocked on the door and opened it. “Anybody home?”

      “Hey, Cassie! In here.”

      The scent of fresh paint and hewn wood still hung in the air. Clearly, Brian had been working to update the place. The old wood floors had been waxed to a soft polish and ran from the living room into the small area that looked like a dining room and kitchen opening in the back. An outdated but clean couch sat like a lone island in the empty living room on what looked like an old but plush antique rug.

      Brian’s voice came from the kitchen, but within seconds he appeared. “Hey, guys. Come in.” He gestured to the room. “Take a look around.”

      Peter let out a soft whistle. “This is really nice. So, the whole first floor is one apartment?”

      “Yes. Glad you like it. This house has always been a favorite of mine.”

      “Then why didn’t you move in?”

      Brian grinned. “Because I like my house with the water view better.”

      Cassie hooked arms with Brian and grinned. “Brian is a bit of a real estate mogul.”

      “I’m not a mogul. I own two houses.”

      “And one of them is on five acres bordering state land. I think you’re doing rather well.”

      “This one fell into my lap.”

      Peter laughed. “We should all be as lucky.”

      Passing the dining room, Cassie pointed to the antique dining table and chairs. “Are those staying?”

      Brian nodded. “Sure. Those were in the house, and I don’t have a place for a dining set. I got rid of the old stuff, but I’m glad I left the couch and rug. Peter might need something to sleep on.”

      “That will definitely work until I get a bed.”

      The kitchen windows looked like they still had the original glass. Outside, the backyard ran a good distance to the woods. Excellent privacy.

      “What a great old pantry!” Cassie opened the door. “Look, a window inside and everything. I love old architecture!”

      Peter smiled at her. “Me, too. This is a cool house.”

      “Let me show you the rest of the place,” Brian said. “Bedrooms and bath are this way.”

      The first bedroom was small, and would make a good office or guest room. Brian had renovated the bath. The small, black-and-white floor tiles and stand-alone tub reflected the era of the house. The walls were brilliant white, and a huge mirror hung over a retro counter and sink, brightening the room. A glassed-in shower had been built into what used to be a linen closet.

      Brian opened the adjoining door. “And this is the master bedroom.”

      The room was freshly painted in a soft yellow with accented white moldings. A ceiling fan slowly turned, and the wood floors gleamed. The house was not only charming, but a sense of relaxation also seemed to emanate from its walls. “What a great sanctuary after a long day at work,” Cassie said. “Do you like it, Peter?”

      Peter turned to Brian. “If we can work out a rent I can afford, I’d like to move in tomorrow.”