Isolation , Jones, Nathan [top 20 books to read TXT] 📗

and when you'll get started. If you need anything else, you have my number.”

She bustled out, leaving them to explore their new apartment.

Nick's first impression that it was a nice place was only confirmed as they looked around the roomy bedrooms with plenty of closet space, the well-appointed bathrooms, and the kitchen and living area. Especially compared to their previous living conditions in Stanberry, it was downright luxurious.

Gen seemed to agree, because she was bubbly and enthusiastic during the entire tour. She actually shouted for joy when she tried the sinks and water came out of the faucets, and shouted again when she discovered the hot water worked, too. She stood in front of the air conditioner for almost a minute with her eyes shut and a huge grin on her face, and almost cried when she found the washer and dryer.

“I never want to wash clothes by hand again!” she said, grabbing Nick's hands and pulling him into dancing in a circle. He went along gamely, happier to see her so excited than he was about the nice apartment itself.

After relying on her to speak on his behalf to Billy's grandparents when he and his kids first arrived in Stanberry, an unbelievably huge ask, and basically living like a squatter in their backyard with little to offer, it felt good to be able to provide her and Billy with the lives they deserved.

He just wished he could do the same for Ricky and Tallie; hopefully once things settled down a bit he could discuss it with Ellie again.

Once the rush of looking around the new apartment had faded, Nick glanced at their meager pile of belongings by the door, feeling suddenly awkward. “Well, I guess we should get moved in.”

“Oh,” Gen said, coming to the same realization he had.

In all the rush of having to leave Stanberry, then being processed through the FARR system along with all the other new arrivals, and assigned their new home, they hadn't given much thought to what came next. Gen had insisted they request a shared living space, afraid they might be separated, but they hadn't really discussed what that meant.

Nick loved Gen more than he'd ever thought possible after the pain of his divorce, and he was resolved to ask her to marry him when the time was right.

But they hadn't done more than make out a little before now, taking things slow, and he didn't want to make things uncomfortable now. Which was a serious consideration now that they were suddenly living in the same apartment.

So he decided to head the issue off at the pass. “I'll take the first bedroom, if you want to take the master bedroom. And Billy can have the room next to yours. How does that sound?”

“Okay,” she said, looking relieved but also a little disappointed. She checked to make sure her son was still busy exploring the apartment, then stepped a bit closer and lowered her voice. “I mean, I'd assumed we'd eventually be sharing that bedroom.”

Nick could admit he felt a rush of happiness when he heard that. “I didn't want to get ahead of myself,” he said quickly, “although I certainly hope so too.” Smiling, he took her hand and ran his thumb over her ring finger. “I figured there were some steps we might take before reaching that point.”

Gen raised an eyebrow, eyes dancing. “I didn't realize you were that old fashioned. I mean, I definitely don't mind the idea, but to be honest I wouldn't mind taking things a little faster than that, either.”

Nick felt his cheeks heat. “You know how things ended with my parents. I guess I want to try to do things right, give us the best chance possible.”

Her eyes softened, and she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his for a few warm, enjoyable seconds. “That's fine. And thank you for being so considerate. It means a lot to know how much what we have means to you.”

She stepped back, briefly squeezing his hand. “Although I hope that doesn't include not cuddling . . . doing this the right way is a good idea, especially since we both have our kids to think of, but I'd go crazy if I had to live like a Puritan until you got around to popping the question.” She paused. “Sooner rather than later, hint hint.”

He couldn't help but laugh. “Well, we'll take things as they come. Nothing's set in stone.”

“Except the stovetop,” Gen said lightly, starting over to grab her things. “Have you seen the counters here?”

Billy abruptly burst into the living area, bouncing with excitement. “Mom, Nick, two of the rooms have balconies! You can see the entire city!” He motioned eagerly for them to follow and disappeared back down the hallway without waiting to see if they did.

Sharing grins at the boy's enthusiasm, they followed him into the master bedroom, where he was busy tugging at a glass sliding door. It was locked, though, and Nick had to help him get it open.

Then they all filed outside to take in the view.

“Wow!” Gen breathed, stepping up to the railing. “It's beautiful.”

On the surface it looked like any city, but Nick understood what she meant. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and rested his cheek against her head, joining her in staring out at their new home.

The streets of Houston actually had people on them. In fact, they were practically bustling with activity, nobody showing the slightest hint of wariness about the people they passed. Zolos was no longer hanging over their heads, and it looked as if here at least, people were already getting back to normal.

Humanity was great like that, picking themselves up after a disaster and continuing on with their lives; it was a surprisingly heartening sight.

He felt a sudden sharp pang, missing his children. Ricky and Tallie would really love it here, and it would be a return to what they'd been used to before the world ended.

He knew things still weren't