Read A Beautiful Thought (The Beautiful Series) for Free Online Page B

get settled. Please let me know if you need anything.”
    “Okay.” I smiled, turning my head to watch her. “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome,” she replied, taking a backward step. “I’ll make some lunch in about an hour or so, if you want to join me.”
    “Count me in,” I answered.
    With that, she walked off. I rotated back to face my new room. It was fairly small with a king-sized bed placed against the left wall, a built-in closet against another wall, and a built-in radiant heater on the opposing side.
    I strode over to a tall mahogany dresser and set my bag down next to me. Then, I opened the top drawer and started dividing my clothing into each one.

    It only took a few trips down to my truck to unload the rest of my belongings. I was a simple kind of guy, and I usually traveled light. Most of my stuff was still back in Colorado. I was giving myself time to make sure relocating to California would be right for me.
    I finished hanging my dress clothes in the closet when I smelled bacon. My nose led me out to the kitchen, and I saw Gail standing at the stove. She was humming softly to herself while flipping the pieces in a pan. Her hair was wet from a shower and clinging to her light-blue T-shirt. She had changed into a pair of jeans that hugged those delicious curves of hers. I forced my eyes to focus back on her face.
    She must have heard me enter the room because she tilted her head over her shoulder, gazing at me. “You’re just in time.”
    “I could smell the food from the bedroom,” I replied, walking closer. I saw eggs and hash browns each cooking in separate skillets. “If you cook like this all the time, you might become my new best friend,” I teased.
    Gail unleashed a sexy grin. “I do cook a lot.” She lifted the utensil in her hand. “But it’s going to cost you.”
    Her playfulness surprised me, and I enjoyed seeing this fun side of her.
    “Oh, yeah?” I asked. I would do anything not to have to eat hotel or restaurant food anymore. “And what’s that?”
    She looked to be deliberating her response, and then she gave a hopeful laugh. “Dishes?”
    “You got it.” I winked.
    “Then, this friend thing might work,” she joked.
    “I think so, too.” I chuckled. “Do you need help with anything in the meantime?” I glanced around. “Plates? Cups?”
    She cocked her head to the side. “That cabinet on the top left there,” she responded before going back to stirring the food in front of her.
    I grabbed enough glass dishes and silverware before carrying it all over to set the table. Gail finished up the food and brought it over to our place setting. We filled our plates and started to eat, and I was amazed at how at ease I felt around her.
    “So, do you have any plans for tonight?” she asked in between bites.
    I swallowed my food and gazed over at her. “No. You?”
    “Abbey called earlier and invited us over to Kyle and Lily’s house for a bonfire. Would you like to go with me?” Her beautiful brown eyes widened briefly. “I mean, as friends.”
    I bit back a smile. She was adorable when she was nervous.
    “Of course,” I answered.
    “All right.” She nodded as though convincing herself it was okay to go with me, like there was a boundary between our roommate status. “It starts at seven.”

    I exited my truck and shut the door. Gail had already hopped down from the other side before I could help her. I walked over to her, and then we strolled up Kyle and Lily’s sidewalk. The sun was already beginning to set, and the temperature was perfect for a hoodie-and-jeans kind of night. I was looking forward to kicking back with everyone while enjoying cold beer.
    Lily opened the door before Gail or I even had the chance to knock. Her bright blue eyes beamed when she saw me. “Damon!” she cried as she stepped forward to hug me.
    “Hey,” I said, embracing her tightly. “How’s my favorite cousin?” I asked, drawing back.
    “I’m wonderful,” she replied