Unexpected

Home

Henry was thrilled that Mia had agreed to redecorate his house. Everything in it was brand new. The furniture, however, was not.

"Wow, nice place," Mia said, exiting the car, clearly in awe. "I've never done anything so big," she mused.

Henry chuckled. Mia shook her head and blushed.

"There's a first time for everything," he said.

Rolling her eyes, she walked down the path that led from the driveway to the front door. It was a simple dark grey door that matched the shingles on the roof and stood out against the white stucco of the house. The curb appeal was impressive.

"What do you think so far," Henry asked causing Mia to jump at how close he was.

She nodded. "So far, so good."

Henry unlocked the door and disarmed the alarm. Ushering Mia inside, they stood in the foyer. The floor was classic white tile and there was a stairway that curved up to the second floor.

"Huh," Mia said with her hands on her hips.

Henry started to get nervous that she wouldn't like it.

What  is wrong with me? I don't have to please her.

That thought brought up images of physically pleasing her. He had been thinking about that a lot and wasn't sure why.

It has been awhile.

"So," he said clearing his throat. "What do you think?"

Mia looked around. "It's surprising. I thought it would be all dark wood and crazy dark paneling. This is very open and bright. So again, so far so good."

Henry took her through to the open concept first floor which contained his living room, kitchen and dining room.

"Oh Henry," she admonished.

"What?"

Mia laughed. "I think the style you have here would be called eclectic bachelor pad."

Henry rubbed the back of his neck.

"Yeah, I just took everything from the old house and brought it here."

Mia put her hands on her hips again. He watched as she walked around and saw the moment inspiration hit.

"Mind if I sit?" she asked, pointing to his well worn brown leather sofa.

"Please," he said sweeping his hand toward the couch.

After she sat, he sat next to her. She scooted over a bit.

Is she afraid of me?

He didn't want to to think that way.

"What's the verdict judge?" he asked.

Mia still wasn't looking at him. Instead she pulled out her tablet.

"You have a great canvas to work with. White walls, light wood, but it's sorely lacking in personality. Specifically yours."

When she finally looked at him his breath caught. Mia may be the girl next door type, but that didn't make her any less stunning, especially with the gleam she currently had in her eyes.

"Henry?" she asked, quirking her eyebrow above her emerald green eyes.

"Sorry, what was that luv?"

He had lost focus.

"Luv? That's a new one," she said but waved it off.  "I asked what feeling you'd like to invoke in the space?"

"Um, I'm not sure what my options are exactly."