Making Himself at Home

Avery

When we arrived at my apartment building, Declan insisted on carrying my mother's bags despite her protests.

"I've been carrying my own luggage since before you were born, young man," she argued.

"Which is precisely why you should allow me the courtesy now," he countered smoothly.

She relented with a smile. "Well, when you put it that way."

The elevator ride to my floor was mercifully brief.