“It is a nice smell,” E agrees. “Sort of earthy and sweet.”
“We need to figure out where everyone is sleeping tonight,” Alex says, changing the subject. “There are 5 beds and 6 of us now.”
E and Seb offer to share a bed, but Alex is quick to point out I might not be comfortable sharing the room. “I’ll sleep on the couch, guys. You sleep in your regular spots.”
“I was going to offer the master to you, Summer. The sheets are clean.” Alex is such a gentleman.
“No, absolutely not. I’m more than happy on the couch, really. End of discussion.”
Alex looks at me for a minute, then nods. “If you are sure, I will grab some extra bedding and a pillow for you.” He goes to his room and comes back out with an armful of stuff. “What side would you prefer to sleep on?”
“Um, the left side, I guess?” Alex makes up that side of the couch with sheets, a comforter, and a pillow. “Thanks, Alex,” I smile. I hop right into the bed, getting under the covers, as the guyschuckle at me. Bay sits by my feet while Seb and E take the center, and Alex and Nick take the right.
“What type of movie would you like to watch, Summer?” Alex asks.
“How about an action movie?” The guys don’t know me well yet, but I’ve always preferred a good action movie over a tear-jerker. Horror is the only genre I won’t watch.
“Thank god,” Nick mutters.
Hmm, I can’t gloss over that opening. “Maybe I should change my choice to a rom-com?” I reply, pointedly staring at Nick. He just rolls his eyes at me while Alex chooses a new action movie and we settle in.
The movie turns out to be great. Mom loved the original movie so much that I know the entire soundtrack. After I get up to take some pain meds and brush my teeth, I notice Seb is asleep leaning on E. I smile at them before heading back to the room I’ve been using. I take care of business in the bathroom and grab my bags to set them back out by the bookcases. “The room is empty,” I tell the guys. Grabbing the jar of salt, I set it on the kitchen island.
E gently shakes Seb awake and steers him to the room on the right I was using as Bay and Nick enter the left room. Alex checks in to ask if I need anything before switching off the lights, leaving the stove light on. I snuggle down into my makeshift bed and drift off quickly.
During the night, I wake and hear someone shuffling around. Luckily, I immediately remember where I am. Sitting up, I glance behind me towards the kitchen. Nick has his head in the fridge. “Hey Nick,” I call, just loud enough for himto hear.
He straightens, the fridge light creating a shadow along his form, and looks over at me. “Sorry, Shortie.” His voice is extra rumbly with the late hour.
“It’s okay. Can’t sleep?” I ask. He shakes his head no, so I ask him if he wants to watch television.
“It’ll keep you up.” Nick grabs a water bottle, closes the door, and takes a large drink. The stove light offers enough visibility to watch his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows.
“Actually, it won’t. I can sleep through the tv being on.” Nick doesn’t look convinced, so I grab the remote and turn the tv on, then hold it out to him across the back of the couch. He comes over, takes it, and sits on the far side of the sofa. With a small smile, I snuggle back under the covers. He turns on Sons of Anarchy and gets comfortable, but I fall asleep before the first episode ends.
Chapter 30
The next time I wake, it’s to several voices. I blink my eyes open, still snuggled under the blankets. Wiggling my toes, I move my legs around. The muscles are sore, but not too bad. Turning my head, I see Nick is still asleep on the far side of the couch. Sitting up, I turn to see E and Alex in the kitchen. I quietly get up and walk over to them. “Morning,” I whisper.
“Sorry we woke you. You can crash in our room if you want,” E offers.
“I’m fine, but thanks. Any chance there’s tea here?” I ask.
“Yes, there is.” Alex moves over to a cupboard by the stove, opens it and hands me a box of tea and a mug. E is already filling up a kettle for me.
“How did you get Nick to sleep?” Alex asks.
“Oh, I didn’t, really.” Nick must be a night owl or has trouble sleeping. “He was in the kitchen during the night, and I offered to let him watch tv. I turned it on and gave him the remote. He must have fallen asleep at some point,” I shrug.
“It is nice to see him sleeping still. He is usually up before we are,” Alex tells me.
Seb comes out of Alex’s room dressed in joggers and a tee and picks me up in a hug. “You’re sore body,” I scold.
“Sunshine, you’re a witch or something. My right side feels like it happened days ago, not yesterday.”
“I’m glad, but you’re still injured, and even if it seems better, it’s not healed. Put the cream on before your game and let E massage it in well.”
“Will do.” He smiles, setting me down.
