#10 b

“That’s good to know. Safety is always important.” You said distractedly, looking around at the artwork that hung on the walls leading to the elevator.

“That’s what I always say.” Steve smiled down at you. He ushered you into the elevator and you tried to hide your surprise when he pressed the highest floor in the building. The ride was quiet, but the buzzing that was in your ear felt like it was 1000 decibels loud.

After the elevator dinged, signaling your arrival to his floor, Steve placed a gentle hand on your back and ushered you into the hallway. His hand stayed there as he guided you down the hall to the last door on the left.

10 B

“Home sweet home.”

As soon as he opened the door you were greeted by a bark and a wet nose shoved into your crotch.

“Oh shit. Dodger.” Steve scolded, pushing the snout of the pup away from you. “Sorry.”

“No worries.” You laughed, hoping your cheeks weren’t as red as they felt. You ruffled Dodger’s head and bent down to his level. “Buy me dinner first, pal.”

Steve laughed and shut the door behind you. You gave Dodger one last rub before standing up and fully taking in the apartment.

It was everything you expected Steve’s apartment to look like and more. It was an open concept, the living room bleeding into the dining area that opened into the kitchen. Neutral tones of tan, black and wood covered the apartment. There were books everywhere; some littered across almost every flat surface and the rest in the two bookshelves that pillared the mounted plasma.

You fought every instinct to go and run and dive into the couch. It was the fancy Restoration Hardware couch that you had been dying to get but definitely could not afford. You tossed a glance back towards Steve who was watching you closely, his eyes bright.

“You have a beautiful home.”

“Thank you. Took some time to come together, but I’m pretty happy with the result.” He crossed his arms over his broad chest and started walking further into the apartment.

“So basically I would just require you to stay here and watch this guy,” He grinned down at Dodger who was following his steps closely, “keep the place from burning down and just basic cleaning stuff. I have a guest room so you can set it up for your liking.”

“You’re talking like I already have the job.” You laughed but stopped when Steve didn’t join in. “Wait, are you saying I have the job?”

Steve shrugged. “It just feels right. You seem like a good person, Dodger likes you and your background check cleared.”

You were stunned. Yes, you wanted this job but you didn’t expect to be offered it on the spot when you arrived today.

“Anyway. I have to leave for LA this coming Friday. I’ll be gone for three months, like the ad said, but there might be some weekends that I’ll be able to come back. You obviously don’t need to stay here then.”

You frowned, thinking about your situation and how by the time Friday rolls around you weren’t going to have anywhere else to stay but here.

“Would it-I mean, would you care if I stayed on those weekends you came back? It’s just..” you trailed off, not sure if you wanted to air your dirty laundry to the man you just met thirty minutes ago.

“Just what, sweetheart?” Steve’s brows furrowed as he looked down at you, his hand reaching out and gripping your forearm. Your eyes all but burned a hole into his hand as you stared at his hand on your skin and your stomach fluttered at how easily the term of endearment flowed from his lips.

Clearing your throat, you tore your gaze away from his hand and back to his eyes, the true concern there causing you to share.

“I just broke up with my boyfriend. Caught him banging his secretary-so cliche, I know. But uh, we lived together at his place but now I’m basically homeless since I can’t afford to have my own place yet and I’m definitely not going to be staying with him and Stacey. And yeah…” You turned away, embarrassed. “But I can always stay at a hotel too if you’re uncomfortable with it.”

Steve was quiet and after a moment too long passed you looked back up at him. His once kind eyes were now blazing and the hand on your arm tensed. When he caught you looking at him again he softened and gave you a small smile.

“Of course it’s fine. Now I’m even more content with my decision. When the three months is over and you still need a place to stay we can maybe discuss you staying here.”

You were taken aback by his kindness but shook your head. “No. Thank you. But no. This job is just what I need to save some extra money while I find a place. I’ll be out of your hair when the three months are up.”

You plastered on a smile and Steve returned it but it felt forced.

“Alrighty then.”

For the next hour, Steve gave you an in-depth tour of the place; showing you where all the cleaning supplies were, the dog treats and toys and any other basic household necessities that you would need.

Over the last hour you also laughed and smiled more than you did in your entire relationship with your ex. Conversation with Steve was easy and on-going. For knowing him for all of two hours, you felt like he was one of your oldest friends. He told you everything ranging from embarrassing childhood stories, dating mishaps and feel good moments from all throughout his life.

You talked about jobs; your lack there of and Steve’s position as VP of a marketing firm in the city. And even though Steve was successful in almost everything that he did, he never once made you feel inferior or small. He was simply the perfect gentleman.

“I hope you don’t mind talking on the phone or FaceTiming occasionally so I can see my boy.” Steve said as he handed you back your phone after exchanging numbers.

“Of course not.” You shook your head, a strand of your hair falling in your face. Raising your hand to wipe it away you were shocked when Steve’s much larger one beat you to it. The tension was palpable as he brushed the piece behind your ear, his fingers ghosting across your jaw before he lowered his hand.

“Good.” His voice was low and you could feel it reverberate through your chest. Gently, he ushered you out the door.

As soon as you both stepped out into the hallway, the neighbor across the hall opened his door as well. You watched as the man, a tall, burly, gorgeous man, shouldered the door open as he carried two trash bags clearly on his way to take it out.

“Buck!” Steve called towards the man.

The neighbor looked up and you almost stumbled back against Steve’s chest. Like Steve, he had the most gorgeous blue eyes you had ever seen. They were encased by the darkest lashes that fluttered in surprise in Steve’s outburst. The scowl that was on his face lessened as he gave a nod to Steve.

“Hey.” His deep voice reverberated against the walls of the hallway.

“Y/N, this is Bucky. Bucky, Y/N. She’s going to be house sitting for me while I’m out west.” Steve explained, his hand falling lightly on your shoulder and you instinctively leaned into his touch. Steve’s grip tightened slightly at your movement and you noticed Bucky’s eyes watching his hand. His gaze snapped to yours and you did your best to not break eye contact.

This guy is fucking intimidating.

Bucky grunted in response, shifting to lift the trash bags so they weren’t dragging on the floor.

“Bucky’s one of the best guys I know. And I’ve known him longer than he would like to admit.” Steve joked and Bucky let out another grunt but a small smirk fell on his lips.

“Cool.” You said pathetically. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Same.”

A man of few words apparently.

“Buck will be around so if you need anything don’t hesitate to get him. He’s pretty handy.” Steve assured you, his hand squeezing your shoulder before falling back down to his side.

“That’s good to know.” You smiled over at Bucky and he gave you another nod. He looked over your head towards Steve and it seemed like they were having a silent conversation. You shifted on your feet, suddenly feeling very small in between these two men.

“I should go. Got a lot of stuff to get organized and sorted before moving in.” You finally said, causing both men to break from their non verbal communication.

“Right.” Steve cleared his throat. “Did you want me to call you a car?”

“Unnecessary, but thank you. If I,” you looked down at your phone. “Hurry now I’ll be able to take the bus. I'll see you at the end of the week.”

“Of course. Let me know when you get back safely. And if you need to move in earlier because of your situation, let me know. I’m flexible.” Steve said seriously.

“What situation?”

Ooh look at that. Two words.

“Just a dumb ex boyfriend.” You waved your hand dismissively, not yet wanting to get into it with another stranger. “I’ll be good, but thank you. And thank you again for the job.”

Steve just nodded and gave you one last megawatt smile “Get home safe, sweetheart. I’ll talk to you soon.”

You smiled back and gave a small wave to him and turned to give one to Bucky too, but he was back to being a brooding giant. Your hand froze in the air for a second before you waved and turned on your heel quickly walking towards the elevator.

You didn’t know what these next three months were going to bring, but you couldn’t tell if the butterflies in your stomach were because you were nervous or downright excited.