“You’re an idiot,” I said without heat. My lips curved up even more as we stared at each other. Was she too, thinking about last night? I wanted to lick her entire body, tasting every flavor she offered. My cock stirred the more I thought about her naked, and she cleared her throat.
“I’ll see if I can stay at her place. I really didn’t enjoy being here alone last time. Too big of a house, too many sounds.” She stretched her arms over her head, already walking backward. “I’ll let you get back to your thing.”
“Wait,” I said, not knowing what I wanted to say except I wanted more time with her. It was already eleven, and I hadn’t done any of the things I needed to, but Lorelei made my soul feel lighter.
Her fiery attitude and smiles were enticing, and I was addicted.
I pointed to the chair next to me, awkward as fuck. “Study with me.”
She rubbed her lips together before a wrinkle formed between her eyes. “Luca, you should sleep.”
“I didn’t get through everything. I need to watch film and take notes, then review them tomorrow. If I don’t—”
She shut my laptop and held out her hand. She wore a silver ring on her thumb with a tiny green gem. I wanted to know what it meant, who gave it to her? Did she like jewelry? I wasn’t sure, since she rarely wore it.
“Come on. No more tonight.”
“What are you…” I trailed off, my throat tightening. Her fingers were so soft as she tugged me away from the chair. “Are we…?”
“No.” She laughed, staring at my hand for a beat before letting go. “I’m being a good roommate and putting you to bed.” She looked around us and whispered, “Alone.”
She nudged me up the stairs, and we ascended in sync, not saying anything but also not walking far enough away so our arms kept touching. There were so many things I wanted to ask but refrained. She was being a friend.
“Now, I’m going to tuck you in your room and make sure you don’t sneak out. All your shit can wait until morning, understand me?”
I nodded, absolutely entranced with her.
Honestly, I couldn’t recall the last time a girl cared enough about me to make sure I went to bed. They wanted me for my body, for a few orgasms, or a way to say they slept with someone on the football team. They’d tell me how hot I was or how good I was on the field but this? God, it was different.
We arrived to my room, and she gently pushed me inside at the base of my back. She walked backward to her door, her eyes dancing with fire. “I mean it, Monroe. Go to sleep.”
“Can I brush my teeth at least?”
She narrowed her eyes. “Okay, smartass. Yes. Be quick, two minutes is standard so not a second longer.”
“You’re fucking cute.” I smiled, so hard, my cheeks hurt. ”Two minutes is standard?”
“My uncle is a dentist, and I listen. I have great teeth, and don’t think complimenting me will help your case.” She pointed at me.
I held up my hands before running into the bathroom and brushing my teeth as quickly as possible. It might not have been two minutes, but I used the bathroom fast too. When I walked out, she stood there, lips pursed, and I was pretty sure she owned me at that point.
“You had ten seconds before I went in there and kidnapped you. Now, in your bed.”
“Are you tucking me in?” I teased. I tossed my shirt onto my chair and sat on the side of my bed. She remained at the door, her cheeks redder than before as a serious expression crossed her face. It made my muscles rigid. “What is it?”
“You’re always taking care of everyone else, and I want to make sure you take care of you.” She walked in, no, it was more like a glide. She chewed the side of her lip as she pulled up my blanket and covered me.
She legit tucked me into my bed. I was charmed as fuck.
“Friday is important for you, so please, get rest.” She cupped my face, her fingers grazing my jaw, and I sighed.
“Lo—“ I said, my voice lost.
She nodded but didn’t say anything as she retreated from my room. The unsaid words weighed a million pounds. It would just hurt to say empty promises or say things that wouldn’t matter. It was like she read my mind and fled before we did something we’d regret.
She gave me a small, sad smile before shutting my door, leaving me alone with her scent and lingering touch on my skin.
I could lie to myself and pretend I didn’t have feelings for her all I wanted, but that woman was so far under my skin I couldn’t see a way to escape her, and that didn’t terrify me as much as it should’ve.
