I stop reading the note and look at the clothes. A large shirt that looks extremely cozy, andhe gave me a choice of basketball shorts or sweats. I continue to read the note.
I gave you shorts and sweatpants, I wasn't sure which one you would want. They both have drawstrings on them to tighten on your waist, but in case the sweats are too long for your short legs, I figured shorts would be the better choice.
Short legs? Rude.
I look back at Rowan as he sleeps and stick my tongue out at him. Just for that, I’m going to wear the sweatpants. I read the note again.
The sweatpants will probably be too long for you, and you might trip over them, so choose wisely. Sleep tight. I’ll see you in the morning.
What great hospitality. He’s always one step ahead of me, like he knows I’m going to wake up from being uncomfortable in my restrictive clothes. Women who wear bras to bed? Godspeed.
I grab the clothes, walk into the master bathroom, and quickly change.
Much more comfortable.
Okay, so…maybe he was right, and I can’t see my feet. But I still stand by my choice. The fabric is warm and a bit fuzzy on the inside. The material is nice and breathable, a bit thin.
My legs and feet swim in his sweatpants. The fabric drags on the smooth wooden floors while I creep back into bed. One foot at a time, I’m almost there. Almost—thud.
Rowan shoots up in panic and looks at the bed. “What happened? Ellie? Are you okay? Milo, where’s Ellie?”
Milo lifts his head and spots me, and Rowan turns to where he’s looking. I’m on my back; my head turns in Rowan’s direction. I lift a hand in a lazy finger wave.
“Hello,” I say quietly in embarrassment and let my hand fall.
Rowan covers his head in his hands and rubs his palms up and down his face before looking back up at me and squinting.
“Are you okay? Why are you on the floor?” He pinches his eyebrows together and looks at my legs.
My eyes go back up to the ceiling while I let him figure that out on his own. A chuckle comes out of him; all I can do is close my eyes and accept my fate.
“I told you.”
Ignoring the comment, I get up and walk over to his bed. My knees press into the soft mattress as I crawl back into bed. Rowan continues his laughter at my pain.
It’s not until I’m situated back in my spot that I see his bare chest. Oh. Well. That’s nice.
Rowan notices where I’m looking and covers his nipples with his hands.
“Hey, this isn’t a free show, Thompson. Don’t ogle me.”
My eyes go up to his, and I raise my hands in defense. “I’m sorry if I made you feel comfortable. Can’t blame a girl for looking.”
Rowan smiles at me and shakes his head. I tuck myself in under the covers and lay down to face him. He does the same.
“Thanks for bringing me here. I appreciate it,” I tell him quietly.
“I figured you’d need a clear headspace before seeing your family.”
I rub my face out of pure exhaustion before holding my hand toward him, hoping he will take it. He doesn’t hesitate as I feel his thumb making circles along the top of my hand.
The sensation lulls me back to sleep while he continues.
I don’t remember dreaming before I woke up. But I have a feeling I will now.
eight
ELLIE
