I would have done it no matter what because I cared about what happened to Elise.
I stormed out, needing air. Space. How was I going to live with this woman?
ChapterFour
Jack
I was standingon the landing outside my apartment, attempting to clear my head, when Max sauntered down the stairs in a three-piece charcoal suit. My best friend dressed to impress every day, but he reserved the three-pieces for special clients. “Big meeting?”
He straightened his tie absently. His dark hair was combed back—a stark contrast to his light eyes. “I’m wooing a group for a project south of Market.” He paused. “What’s going on? You look stressed.”
I was normally the even-keeled type. “Elise moved in.” I tilted my head toward the apartment. “She’s taking over Sophia’s old room.”
Max’s eyes widened. “Is that a good idea?”
“Nope.”
“I see… Is she okay?”
“Presumably.”
Max nodded. “When are you going to tell Sophia?”
“I’d hoped Elise would.”
Max checked his watch. “I’m late for the meeting. Make sure you let Sophia know, or I’ll tell her. Either way, she should know.” He lifted his chin. “Catch me up later on how this all came about.”
I waved without looking and leaned my forearms against the banister. My head was about to explode. I’d been standing out here for nearly an hour and was no clearer on what I was doing.
I waited until Max disappeared down the stairs, then took a deep breath and headed back into the apartment. Elise should be showered and settled by now.
Only, she was nowhere in sight. I closed the door, and my chest loosened. Considering how Elise had handled the aftermath of our one-night stand, she was going to avoid me as much as I avoided her.
Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. We could keep our distance if I planned things right.
I headed into the kitchen, hankering for something salty. Sophia had kept the salty garbage stocked when she lived here. I suspected she did that for my benefit, as I hadn’t wanted to venture out back then. I’d been dealing with the aftermath of my ex nearly destroying the building and my ass-poor taste in women, and for a less obvious reason that I hadn’t shared with anyone yet.
With Sophia living with Max, I was forced to buy my own crap food these days, and I’d been remiss in keeping up supplies. Hence the absence of salt and my current dilemma.
I pulled out my phone and ordered groceries from a delivery app. I couldn’t miss my meeting this afternoon, but now that Elise was living here, I should make sure there was food. At least for this first week.
Until she got settled.
And had a chance to shop.
Then she was on her own.
“Shit.” It was going to be hard to not want to take care of Elise. I didn’t know why I felt protective of her, but I did.
“Why ‘shit’?” came her voice as she swept around the corner carrying the clothes she’d worn to my apartment. And wearing my boxers and T-shirt.
My mouth went dry and my eyes nearly bugged out of my head—which I promptly cleared, because controlling myself was essential to this scheme.
The boxers were loose on her waist and slightly fitting over curvy hips. She’d tied one of my holey T-shirts into a knot at the front so it didn’t drape to her thighs. Her hair was still wet, loose strands dripping water onto the thin T-shirt and leaving almost transparent patches over her chest, making it clear she’d ditched the bra.
I slammed my eyes closed. This living arrangement was going to be hell.
Elise dropped her things near the front door. When she turned and headed for the couch, I stealthily kicked the clothes outside.
