Page 65 of I’m Dreaming of a New York Christmas

‘Do you?’ I said, taking a faux-casual bite of sandwich.

‘Yeah, and I get it – this is intense and puts you in a really weird position. So, just to address the elephant in the room in terms of sleeping arrangements, I think it’d be for the best if you take the bed, I take the couch and we hit pause on… anything else.’

Huh.

On the face of it, I was disappointed that the prospect of more top-tier kissing – and its not-too-distant relatives – had been removed from the table. But I couldn’t help notice that the uneasy sensation that had spread through my cells just seconds ago had completely dissipated as soon as he’d shared his intentions – or, in this case, his lack of them.

‘Yeah, that sounds sensible to me.’

‘Nice. Right then, I’m gonna jump in the shower and you make yourself at home. You should already be on the Wi-Fi, right?’

I checked my phone. ‘Yep, all good.’

I curled up on the sofa, noticing my clothes had been neatly hung over a portable clothes horse attached to a heater between the two windows. I stretched out my legs on the coffee table and tapped out a message to Anneka.

Flora:

Hey, this wasn’t the plan, but the snowstorm means I’m kind of… stranded in Brooklyn for the night.

Anneka replied straight away.

Anneka:

Snowstorm?

Flora:

Look outside!

Anneka:

It’s not exactly a room with a view. Hang on…

Anneka:

Shit! That’s really coming down!

Flora:

Yeah, so the subway isn’t running, the roads are dicey and Ethan said I could stay here for the night.

Anneka:

The mystery man has a name! At least I can make a start on tracking him down online now.

Flora:

Don’t you dare!

Anneka:

I’m kidding. Well, I’m kind of not, since I’ve got nothing else to do while Mum sleeps. I’m so boooorrred.

Flora:

Is she doing OK?

Anneka: