Page 35 of Rush

“Doritos.”

“Good. ’Cause I want the Cheetos.”

“I could change my mind.”

“Too late.” I toss the bag of Doritos to him, and he chuckles.

I sit down in my chair and press play on Dexter.

“How many seasons are there of this?” Ares asks as I open my bag of chips.

“Um…eight, I think.”

“Fuck. That’s a lot of TV.” He laughs.

“Don’t worry; I’ll only make you endure this first episode.”

He glances over at me, giving me a steady look. “I’m not worried.” His voice is deep and sure.

I try to ignore the shiver I feel and fail miserably.

We don’t speak for the whole episode, both too engrossed. When the pilot ends, we both look at each other, wide-eyed, and Ares tells me to put on the next episode.

Before I do, I go for a bathroom break and grab us both a couple of sodas on the way back to the living room.

I grab the blanket I have from the back of the chair and cover myself with it before putting on the next episode.

We’re on the fourth episode, and I can feel my eyes getting heavy with sleep when I glance over at Ares and realize that he’s asleep.

He’s slouched down, head tipped back on the top of my sofa, long legs sprawled out on the floor. It does not look comfortable at all.

I look at him for a moment. He looks so much younger in sleep. Face relaxed. Dark lashes shadowing his cheekbones. His hair falling onto his forehead. I wonder if it’s as soft as it looks.

I turn the TV off midway through the episode and push my blanket aside, climbing off my chair.

“Ares?” I say softly.

“Mmhmm?” he mumbles.

“You’ve fallen asleep.”

He makes a sleepy sound. It’s actually pretty cute.

“If you’re tired…you can stay here, if you want?” I bite my lip.

“’Kay…” he mutters, eyes still closed.

I grab the blanket off my chair, and when I turn back to him, he’s shifted. Head on the arm of the sofa, long legs dangling off the other end, and he’s already snoring lightly.

I smile and then cover him with my blanket.

I make sure the front door is locked and put the chain on. I flick the light off and then head into the bathroom to brush my teeth.

When I’m done, I get changed into my pajamas and then climb into my bed, content in the knowledge that, for the first time in a long time, I’m not alone.

I wake to the sound of someone inside my apartment, and my heart stills.

Shit.