“Go on, I’m on the edge of my seat over here.” Sarcasm laces his tone.
“Is it really okay for me to spend the night with you?”
“I wouldn’t have offered it if it wasn’t.” He continues petting Truman. “Besides, you were really looking forward to sleeping ina bed tonight. Her couch won’t satisfy you the way my bed can.” My cheeks grow warm.Get a hold of yourself, Iris.
“Okay, then I will stay the night with you—just for tonight.” I reach over and pick up Truman, putting him in his plaid carrier.
“Just tonight.” He salutes with a crooked grin, offering to hold my weekender for me. I gaze at his hand. This action alone reminds me ofhim. Old memories never fail to sweep me away at unprecedented moments, whether I want them to or not.
“I’ve got it. Thanks, though!” I walk past him, leading him back outside into the brisk night. After I lock up, we head back downstairs to his car. “I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”
I hand him my bag so he can load it in his car how he sees fit, then walk over to the passenger side. “New rule: no more apologies, Iris. If you think I’m remotely upset you have to stay the night with me, then you've got it wrong. You have no control over this situation, so you don’t need to feel sorry.”
You have no control over this situation.If only he knew how heavily these words impact me. If only I could believe him.
Moments later, we arrive at his home, and to my surprise, it’s anactualhome. Like a physical house. It’s older, too. He invites me inside and encourages Truman to explore. I release Truman from his carrier, to which he happily hops out, scurrying across the hardwood floor curiously. The one-story home is immaculately clean, minimalistic, and homey, and instantly, I’m feeling embarrassed by my humble, cluttered abode full of color and nick-nacks. We both seem to share a preference for warm tones, though, as his home has mahogany, oak, and other light wood accents throughout, complete with an old-fashioned brick fireplace.
“I haven’t really had time to decorate yet,” he says, scratching his head. “Well, actually, I’ve had time, but I just haven’t yet, so here we are.”
No way. Is he embarrassed, too? Bythis?
“Your home is so nice. I’m speechless.” I gawk, trying to reign in my adoration. I’ve always wanted a home like this. My family’s home is spacious but cold and gray. His home may be minimalistic, but for what it lacks in decor, it makes up for in warmth. His lips twitch in response.
“Here, I’ll show you the spare room.” He ushers me toward a hallway lit by a single tall floor lamp. A couple of hipster prints line the hallway walls leading up to the room I’ll be staying in. The room is small, but it has more than enough space for me. He sets my weekender down on the floor as I struggle to keep my eyes open. He notices and chuckles, pulling out an extra blanket from the closet and laying it on the bed. I plop down onto the bed and glance up at him.
“You must be an angel,” I taunt. “You outdid me tonight and you weren’t even dressed up as one.” Yep, I’m definitely drowsy, and when I’m drowsy, I have a hard time filtering. Oh, well.
The corner of his lips curl upward. “Good night, Iris—my room is across the hall if you need anything.”
After he leaves the room, I sluggishly get ready for bed, changing into a huge T-shirt. Not even a flood can stop me from sleeping comfortably tonight. I set my phone on the table, turning on some indie folk music to keep me company alongside Truman, who snuck in as Jasper walked out. As I drift off, it’s nearly impossible to ignore this feeling in the air. What a whirlwind of a night. Ironically, though, as I lie awake in an unfamiliar bed under a roof that isn’t mine, I feel like I can breathe for the first time in months.
Sixteen
Jasper
Ishut my bedroom door and then get ready for bed, hoping for a peaceful night’s rest despite knowing better. As if on cue, he clears his throat. I walk by without giving him the time of day. I stroll leisurely into my bathroom, grab a towel, and wipe the paint off my face. After removing the fangs and brushing my teeth, I edge toward my bed to see him sitting there, staring blatantly at me. Again, I pay him no regard—I’m not in the mood to be lectured by an angel tonight. Well, notthisangel, at least. I’d make an exception for another who just so happens to be sleeping across the hall.
“That’s enough,” he says without a hint of humor. I continue my regimen by taking off my socks and shirt, remaining in only my pants for now.
“It’s awfully quiet in here tonight,” I taunt, hoping to get a rise out of him. To my utter shock, he lies down on the bed cozying up under the sheets with hisshoes on. I was having fun, but this? Too damn far.
“What do you want?” I grunt, shoving his feet off the bed with gusto.
“To talk,” Kai says, remaining in place, smirking. “Jasper, I want to make sure you have Iris’s best interest at heart here. You may have forgotten, but let me remind you: I’ve peered into your soul.”
“How could I forget? I nearly blacked out.”
“Soulsight is a wild gift. Because people can’t see me, typically, peering into their souls just feels like a small, brief headache for them. I reckon the sight affected you so much because you looked directly back into my eyes,” he concludes while removing the sheets and rising. He begins pacing back and forth. “My point is, I caught a small glimpse of your dating history, and I am telling you right now, Iris needs stability—not a distraction. She isn’t just another girl you can—”
“Who says a little of both wouldn’t be beneficial for her?” I chuckle, cutting him off before he can finish that sentence. “Relax, you don’t have to worry, man, I’m not planning on pursuing her.” Kai gazes off, seeming to get lost in thought.
“So, I’ve been curious,” I start. “Can you read all my thoughts at any given moment?”
“No, not all of them, and no, not all the time. I just read bits and pieces here and there—similar to how some people skim-read just for keywords, I skim-read minds. The difference is those people could technically read every word if they wanted to. I, on the other hand, mainly read the keywords. When I focusextremely hard, I can read your thoughts pretty clearly, but it takes a ton of effort. I don’t read your mind as often as you may think.”
Well, knowing Kai isn’t hanging out in my head 24/7 is comforting. I’m not sure if he’d like the thoughts I’ve had about my current roommate. I was being honest when I told him I hadn’t been planning on pursuing her. It’s clear Iris is hurting. I’d be a jackass to make any advances while simultaneously aiding herguardian angel.
“Well, if we are done with the pillow talk for tonight, I’m going to sleep.” I settle into bed, finding warmth under the silk sheets. I glance around the room, noticing I’m alone.At last.I turn off my bedside lamp. While wading into sleep, one sentence repeatedly echoes in my mind.
