Kane snorts. “Yeah, right, that’s what everyone says right before they’re done pretending.”
I nod with Kane because he’s right. I’m pretending right now that I’m okay with the no strings or expectations. But eventually, I’m going to convince Sassy that we’re meant to be together. I’m just biding my time.
CHAPTER 16
SAMANTHA
I wake up to my brother hovering over me. “Hey, sis, you want a ride home?”
Elijah walks back into the room. “She can stay here. You said you had John coming over to move some furniture at your place.”
I sit up groggily. I can’t believe I fell asleep again.
I look over at Eli, and the look he’s giving me tells me he doesn’t want me to go. “You can stay. I’d like for you to stay.”
Tomorrow is Sunday, and I would like to stay tonight. I look at my brother. “I need to finish washing my clothes. I’ll be home tomorrow.”
Kane doesn’t argue. He slides his shoes on, gives me a hug, fist-bumps Eli, and then Eli walks him to the door, locking it behind him.
I stand up as Eli comes toward me. “I’m going to go move the clothes around.”
“They’re all done. They’re hanging up in the laundry room.”
I run my hand through my hair. “Thanks, Eli. You mind if I use your shower again?”
He guides me through the house. “You don’t have to ask. Use whatever you need. I’m going to grab you another T-shirt of mine to wear.”
He grabs a towel, wash cloth, and T-shirt and puts them on the counter in the bathroom. Luckily, Kane packed underwear when he brought my clothes over, so I grab a clean pair to put on.
Eli kisses me before walking out.
I quickly tie my hair up and then wash the day off my body.
I dry off, put on the T-shirt and panties, and then clean up the bathroom.
When I walk out, I’m half expecting to find Eli waiting for me, and I’m a little disappointed that the room is empty.
I peek down the hallway, pulling the shirt down my legs.
The light is on in the spare bedroom, and I stand in the doorway. “Hey.”
He’s standing next to the bed. “Hey, honey, you need anything?”
I look between shirtless Eli and the bed. I knew he was muscled, but I didn’t realize seeing his bare skin would affect me like it is. These damn hormones. “I, uh, don’t want to take your bed again. Why don’t you sleep in there?”
He shakes his head. “No, I like the idea of you sleeping in my bed.”
I bite my lip. I turn to go but then stop myself. I may never get this chance again, and I don’t want to let it pass me by. “Eli?”
“Yeah, honey?”
I press my hands to my stomach, fitting the T-shirt over my belly. “Can I ask you something?”
He comes toward me. “You can ask me anything.”
I pull my shoulders back. “Do you—? I mean, are you attracted to me… like this?”
He coughs in surprise and stares back at me. “Are you serious?”
