Page 51 of Little Sunshine

“Sorry.” I only half meant it. “Not used to someone waking me.”

“Not even your roommate?” he shot back with an infuriating smirk.

Maybe it’s not too late for that punch…

I really thought the doctor would let me go once I’d mentioned a roommate. I hadn’t expected him to care enough to confirm his existence. I’d even made my fictitious roommate male so they’d misogynistically think I had someone to protect me.

Glaring up at Ash, I ignored his outstretched hands and carefully stood. Despite my efforts to stay awake, I was pretty sure I’d fallen asleep before we’d even left the garage. I wasn’t sure how long we’d driven, but my bones and body ached like I’d been in the same position for centuries, not minutes.

He didn’t back away as he studied me closely. “You okay?”

“Not as bad as I expected,” I shared honestly. “I really think the doctor snuck me something magical in those shots.”

“Yeah. Needed vitamins and nutrients.”

Ash hovered close as we walked, and I could barely see anything around his massive frame. From my small glimpse, it was the cleanest garage I’d ever seen. There were labeled storage cabinets, typical yard equipment, and a tarp-covered car that was on cinder blocks.

That explains why he’s using his boss’ car. His must be broken down.

Having a usable garage put him in fancy house territory, but the busted car was somehow comforting.

Familiar.

I mean, sure, it wasn’t parked in the front yard and surrounded by uncut weeds, but still.

Maybe we’re not so diff?—

My thoughts didn’t trail off. They froze.

And so did I.

Because when Ash turned on the light in the kitchen, I saw I was so very wrong.

The one room was triple the size of my entire apartment. Not only was it that expansive, but it was also nicer than any room I’d ever seen in person.

No chips or chunks were missing from the dark cabinets. No scuffs on the gleaming counters. No bong water stains from the previous tenant, faded linoleum flooring, or outdated appliances that looked like fire hazards.

The gorgeous space was something out of a magazine or a display from one of the ritzy home remodeling conventions that came to the city every year.

“Little girl, I asked you a question.”

I scowled up at Ash. “I told you not to call me that.”

“Tried using your name, but you weren’t answering.” He didn’t look apologetic about the annoying nickname, but he did seem concerned. “What’s wrong?”

“Just tired.” It wasn’t technically a lie. “What did you ask?”

“Are you hungry for some of those vitamins and nutrients in food form?”

I was.

Starving, actually.

But the time on the clock said it was nearing two in the morning. Ash had dealt with my hoopla all night and must’ve been exhausted. I didn’t want to keep him awake any longer.

It wouldn’t be the first time I’d gone to bed on an empty stomach.

“No, I’m good. If you want to show me to the guest room or couch?—”

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