There was a thrift store across the street from the motel, and Janie had Dean stay put at the motel while she popped in to find him an outfit. It was bizarrely domestic feeling to walk into a store with the goal of finding an outfit for Dean, and she couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like if they actually were together. She certainly wouldn’t be buying a billionaire clothes from a thrift store. The absurdity of it all made her laugh out loud, causing cashiers to glance at her with a pensive eyebrow. Were they concerned that she might be a little bit crazy? Who knew what kind of people they had coming through there on a regular basis.
Still, it just made her laugh even more, and she strolled through the aisles until she came upon a pair of blue swim shorts and a white t-shirt that looked like they would fit Dean. It would have to do.
“Hm…” Dean said when she walked through the door a few minutes later, holding her prize out to him. “They smell like thirty different people.”
She raised an eyebrow at him and he smirked, putting the clothes on sheepishly.
“How do I look?” he dared to ask, flashing Janie a charming grin.
“Bizarre!” Janie said, laughing despite herself. “I’ve only ever seen you depicted in fancy business suits.”
“I look good, though, right?” Dean said very seriously, looking down at himself. Janie blushed. Of course, he looked good. He could be wearing a paper bag over his body and he would still look amazing. That was probably why he had been voted one of the sexiest men in the world.
“You do,” Janie said, catching his eye. Their gazes lingered for a moment before Janie looked away, her face hot as she attempted to swat away the longing she kept inadvertently feeling in Dean’s presence. His eyes flashed at her as if he seemed to sense her desire, and she gritted her teeth, the fire in her loins growing.
Thankfully, he turned away quickly and changed the subject.
“Where’s that storage unit of yours?” he asked, pulling out his cell phone. “I’m going to have a truck meet us there.”
“You really don’t have to-”
But by the time the words were out, Dean was already on the phone, looking at her impatiently. He was waiting for the information.
“It’s the storage facility on First Street,” she said, having to force herself to accept this man’s kindness. “Unit 203.”
“Got it,” he said. Suddenly, he was conversing animatedly with a person on the other end of the line, and he was whisking her out of the motel.
“We’re taking your car, I assume?” he said when she frowned in confusion.
“Right,” she said quietly. She got into the driver’s seat and Dean got in the passenger’s side as if he belonged there, and soon, they were on their way to the storage unit.
“Do you need to call the landlord to let him know you’re picking up the keys today?” Dean asked. It was kind of nice, in a way, having an older, more experienced man to help her to stay on the ball. Everything could feel so overwhelming sometimes, especially never having anybody there to help her out.
“Oh, probably,” Janie said, still unable to accept that she would be out of the uncomfortable little motel and into her own apartment so soon.
“Do it when we get to the unit, I’ll help the boys start to pack everything up while you go pick up the keys and unlock the house.”
Well, apparently, Dean had everything all figured out. As comforting as it was, it was also a huge surprise. And she was used to being the one in charge of things. Being a doormat had never suited her. Still, it was nice to be able to surrender control about something that had been weighing heavily on her mind since she’d arrived.
“But job security…” Janie managed to mumble.
Dean paused as if surprised at the thought.
“I won’t fire you,” he said decidedly. “It’s time to stick with an intern. The others were short-lived, but that was their own problem. I think I can work with you.”
Janie wasn’t sure whether she should be flattered or insulted, and decided to opt for both. She drove to the storage facility, shocked to find that there was already a moving van parked outside her unit.
“Are you ready, boys?” Dean asked, clapping his hands together. Janie’s eyes wandered secretly over the roundness of Dean’s biceps and her heart fluttered involuntarily. This man was unbelievable.
“Yes, sir!”
“Janie, go ahead and give the landlord a call. If he doesn’t pick up, let me know and I’ll call him myself.”
“You know him?”
“Presumably. I grew up here. And there are only a few real estate people in the game around here, so like I said…just let me know if you have a problem with this guy. Now or later.”
Dean looked at her meaningfully, and she felt a warmth course through her. He certainly was protective of her. It felt surprisingly nice. She wished she always had someone around who made her feel so safe.
“Mr. Douglas?”
“Ahhh, Janie, hi!”
“Is it all right if I come sign the lease and pick the keys up now?” Janie asked into the phone nervously. She normally didn’t do things on such short notice, but Dean was looking at her encouragingly. “I think I’m about ready to move in.”
“Ah, it’s about time. I was beginning to worry you would never take the plunge!” Mr. Douglas exclaimed. “Please, come by any time today or tomorrow, I will be here. And if not, I will leave the keys and lease with my wife.”
“Oh, thank you!” Janie said. She was honestly surprised. It wasn’t often that things seemed to go so smoothly. Especially not without at least several weeks or months of planning.
Dean grinned at her and she felt her cheeks flush.
“Go on!” he said, nodding to Janie’s car. “Go and get your keys!”
“All right,” Janie said, smiling. She couldn’t help it. The unexpected reality of having a home of her own was exciting, and she beamed at Dean. “Thank you.”
Dean smiled at her and again, she felt her heart surge with warmth. He was something else, that was for sure.