“It’s only for today. I’ll be back tomorrow.”
Sam reaches toward the handle, turning on the water for the shower. “It’ll be a cold night in bed without you.” He turns toward me. “You don’t mind if I sleep here tonight, do you? It's much better than my old room at my dad’s house.”
His question takes me off guard. He already has his own key.Why does he think it wouldn’t be ok to stay here while I’m gone?“Of course, you can stay here. Do you feel like you can’t?”
“No. I just know I’ve been spending a lot of time here, and I don’t want to assume it’s ok to stay when you aren’t here.” He turns back to the shower, adjusting the temperature. “I don’t want to make assumptions.”
“I appreciate that, but you don’t have to ask. Of course, you can stay.” I kiss his bare back right in between his shoulder blades and wrap my arms around him. He wraps his arms around mine in front of his body.
He turns around to face me and pulls me into him. My body tingles in all of the places he’s touching me, and I melt into him.
“I love you.”
“Mmmm. I love you, too,” he whispers as he kisses the column of myneck.
Imade it to Columbia and feel giddy as I pull into the parking space at Liv and Talia’s place. I walk up to the familiar front door and knock.
It feels strange to be on this side of the door, knocking, waiting to be let in. I also don't know if I can or should just walk in. While I'm waiting, I send Sam a quick message letting him know I've arrived.
I made it to Columbia. Have fun with the guys.
I hope you have a great day. I can't wait to see what you choose.
You'll be waiting a long time cause I'm not showing you until the day of the event.
Rude!
I love you.
I love you, too.
I’msmiling at myself as Talia opens the door and pulls me into the house. “Why are you knocking?” she teases me.
“I didn’t want to walk in on you and Liv—well, you know.” I look awkwardly at anything but her. She laughs at my discomfort.
“We keep the door locked when thoseactivitiesare taking place, Kat. You have nothing to worry about there.”
“What a relief! But I think I’ll continue to knock.” I give her a half smile and make my way into the kitchen. “Mind if I get a glass of water?” I call over my shoulder.
“Of course not. Get whatever you want. Liv is almost ready and should be out in a minute. Are you ok out here? I need to finish up some work.”
“You aren’t shopping with us?”
“No. I have this project I need to finish.”
“But it's Saturday! You can’t play hooky?”
“Wish I could. But I’ll meet you for dinner and drinks later.”
I huff out an overdramatic breath, “Fine. Be responsible.”
She laughs as she walks towards the bedrooms. I grab a glass of water and make my way back into the living room.
Everything looks just like I remember, except now there are obvious signs of Talia—a painting here, books there. I can’t hold back my smile at how seamless Liv and Talia seem to be.
“God! Finally, you’re here and ready to go! Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you?” I look over to see Liv walking down the hallway. She’s wearing dark skinny jeans and a cute top that hangs off one shoulder, exposing a tank top underneath.
“I’m so sorry you had to wait to start getting ready until I got here after my two-hour drive.” The sarcasm drips from my words.
