“I just want to remind you that as your friend, you can confide in me, Josie. Talk to me about whatever you want. I’m here for you.”
Friend.Right.
He’s just a big flirt, too friendly by default. He’d never like me like that.
“Thanks.” I go to climb off him but feel him tighten around me. I’m sure it’s my brain messing with me because when I do it again, his arms fall to his side. As if him running away Monday wasn’t an indication that he’s not at all remotely interested in me. He’s being nice; I shouldn’t mistake that for anything else.
For a moment neither one of us says anything. We sit next to each other until I finally break the silence.
“The reason I texted you was because I wanted to talk about our living arrangement.”
He tenses next to me and winces. “Yeah, I know, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to overstay my welcome. I promise to get all my stuff and?—”
“No, that’s not it.” I twist my ring, feeling anxious about what I’m going to say. Maybe I should think it through some more but that would do nothing because I know what I want.
“No?”
“No. I wanted to ask—and you don’t have to and don’t feel obligated—if you wanted to move in?” I know it’s too soon, he’s only been here for a week, but he’s slept over since Monday. “I know you have your house and bills and you’d have to find someone to take over and whatnot, but if you want to, you can move in.”
For a long moment, he’s silent. Did I rush this? It’s only been a week? What the hell was I thinking?
It just feels nice having someone here. Sure, when he’s not, it’s quiet, but it’s not the same silence as before. It’s a different kind of silence, like the kind you know is temporary. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I look forward to hearing his alarm in the morning. It’s not any different than mine, but it’s nice knowing it’s someone else’s. That someone else is here, filling the silence I’ve been struggling to fill.
“Forget I said anything.” I go to stand, but his words stop me.
“I was actually thinking about asking you the same thing.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it all week. I almost chickened out because I thought maybe it’s too quick and maybe you want your space back. But I see I was wrong because you like having me here as much as I like seeing you, even if it’s not much.”
I almost smile but force my lips to remain still until my cheeks betray me, and I know he notices.
“It’s not that I like having you here, but you cook. So don’t get it twisted. That’s the only reason why I want you here.”
“Mm-hmm, right. I’m going to pretend you don’t enjoy my presence as much as I enjoy yours.” He grins.
“You enjoy my presence?” I make it sound playful but really, I’m a little desperate to hear him say yes. Because as stupid as it’s going to sound, I want to hear someone say it again. Someone to say how much they like being around me.
“Yes.” He doesn’t miss a beat when he answers. “I love being around you and doing things with you. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”
This time, I smile and his eyes don’t miss it. They never do. “So…you really want to move in?”
“How much would you judge me if I told you my car is sort of packed?”
My lips part in surprise. “You have stuff in your car?”
“Just a few necessary things.”
I tuck my hair behind my ear.Dammit. Don’t do that.He’snotinto me. “Oh, I’m judging you, but also, do you need help getting your stuff out?”
He offers me a crooked grin, his gaze coasting down to my lips. I’m not smiling but now I want to. They stay there, then he blinks and looks away.
“No, Josie, I don’t need your help but thank you.” His gaze dips to my lips again.I need him to stop doing that. I watch his Adam’s apple bob, but his grumbling stomach makes the hot atmosphere cool.
“Hungry?” I tease, pretending like I don’t want to kiss him again.
He’s not into me.
