Chapter 302
When Mamie stepped out of her parents’ house, she let out a breath she didn’t even realize she’d been holding. Scott was already waiting at the curb, and as soon as he saw her, he opened the car door.
“It’s still early. Want to head over to your place and get your stuff packed up p>
Packed up? Mamie froze for a second. Was she really moving in with him already? It all felt so fast. But then she thought of Garth, his sweet, chubby cheeks and big curious eyes, and she found herself nodding. “Sure. Thanks for helping p>
Scott gave her a small smile. “You don’t have to thank me, Mamie. Seriously, you don’t need to be so formal with me p>
He drove them to her apartment, a cozy place just over a thousand square feet, all decorated in soft creams and gentle lighting. Mamie kept the space spotless, and it didn’t take her long to roll out her one small suitcase.
Scott glanced at it, a little surprised. “That’s it p>
Mamie nodded. “Most of my stuff is at my parents’ place. I only keep clothes for the season here p>
She remembered moving out after breaking off her engagement with Addison. It wasn’t like she’d wanted to move a ton of things anyway.
“Alright, let’s get going,” Scott said, and they headed downstairs together.
Mamie felt jittery, nerves prickling at her skin. She wanted to ask if she could sleep in Garth’s room, but the words wouldn’t come out. What if Scott figured out she knew the truth about Garth being her son? He was so perceptive, she was afraid he’d see right through her.
Scott glanced at her, his eyes calm and knowing, but he didn’t say anything. He just let her be.
By the time they pulled up to The Stephens Estate, it was almost ten. The house was quiet, and Garth was already asleep.
Scott gave her a quick tour as they walked inside. “My dad’s room is on the first floor, along with the living and dining rooms. Garth’s bedroom, his little study, and playroom are all on the left side of the second floor. My study and bedroom are on the right, along with the walk-in closet. Latham and the others stay on the third floor, but they’re only here every once in a while p>
He rolled her suitcase into the closet without even thinking about it, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“The bathroom’s in the master bedroom. Do you want to take a shower first?” His voice was low, almost gentle.
Mamie hesitated. There was something about the way he said it that felt… intimate. Last time, she’d stayed in the guest room. She hadn’t expected to be in the master bedroom this time.
“Thanks, but you go ahead. I’ll just unpack a bit p>
Scott’s lips curved into a small smile. “Alright p>
Mamie studied the closet while he showered. All his clothes were lined up perfectly, every piece in black, è white, navy, or gray. Not a single pop of color anywhere. She tucked his things together and hang berbright dresses and tops beside them, the space instantly looking more lively.
She started looking for a place for her skincare products and noticed a vanity table set up just outside the closet. It looked brand new, like it had just been put there for her. Mamie felt her heart flutter. Scott always seemed to know what she needed before she even said a word. She couldn’t help but wonder why she’d ever let him go in the first place.
She was just finishing up when she heard the bathroom door open.
Scott stepped out, a white towel his waist, his hair, still
slung around
damp. His torso was lean and
defined, muscles standing out
against his skin. So he did work out,
even if he always looked so put together in his suits.
Mamie wasn’t usually shy, but her ears felt hot just looking at him.
“I finished unpacking. Is it alright if I set my skincare stuff here?” she asked, her voice small.
Scott’s eyes caught hers, a smirk playing at the edge of his lips. “I bought that for you, so of course. Go ahead and shower. I’ll wait for you p>
The way he said he’d wait sent a thrill of nerves and excitement through her. Was he hinting at something more? Or was she just reading too much into it?
Mamie clutched her pajamas and hurried into the bathroom, not daring to meet his eyes again. She took her time, stalling for over an hour before finally stepping out, silently hoping Scott would already be asleep.