Page 66 of Roommate's Guide to Love

“Why?”

Her eyes are darting around the room like she’s looking for an answer. “Because I’m tired? And it’s where I live?”

Panic races through me. She can’t leave. Not now. Not ever…

“Stay. Please.”

I know I sound desperate, but that’s what I am right now, and I’m not afraid to play the tired new-dad card.

And if it comes down to it, the “I’ll never give her another orgasm” card.

“Fine,” she says with an exaggerated exhale. “I’ll stay another night. But I’m going to need clothes again. These fucking stink.”

“No,” I say hurriedly, now pulling her back to the couch with me.

“No, I can’t have a T-shirt and shorts? Come on, Porter. I’m not the girl who’s going to steal your hoodies.”

“No. Take them all. I don’t care. I just…move in with me.”

There have been a few times in the course of our…history…that I’ve scared Quinn Banks speechless. Until now, the most frightened I’ve ever seen her was the first time I asked her to stay the night. The immediate panic that flooded her eyes would’ve been laughable if it didn’t stab me straight in the heart.

However, that night has been replaced by this. Because I’m pretty sure Quinn is as white as a ghost, and I’m not sure if she’s breathing.

“Quinn?”

“Yeah?”

“Can I explain my reasoning?”

She starts nodding like a bobblehead—all while still not breathing or blinking.

“You know way more than I do. And when I’m thinking clearly, which might not happen again until she turns eighteen, I’m going to be playing behind the eight-ball. You know more than I do. You can help me curve this gap. I need you, Quinn. Grace needs you.”

“Porter, I can be here?—”

“Yes, I know you can be here when I ask. But what if I take the asking out of it? Move in. Please.”

She doesn’t respond right away, which I’m glad for. Because while she’s coming up with a million reasons why she can’t, I’m coming up with a million reasons why she can.

“You know I don’t know how long I’m staying in Rolling Hills,” she begins.

“That’s fine. For as long as you’re here, or I actually get a grasp on this, will be the timeline. Whichever event happens first can be your out.”

Judging by the look on her face, she wasn’t planning on me having a comeback that quick. And honestly, I’m kind of proud for being this on top of it with the lack of sleep I’m currently operating on.

“If I come, it’s with Turtle.”

She has a turtle? “When did you get a turtle?”

“No, Turtle is my cat.”

“Your cat’s name is Turtle?”

“That’s what I said.”

“You couldn’t have named it Whiskers or Baxter?”

She narrows her eyes. “First of all, do not talk about my son like that. Second, is this really the time to bash the name of my pride and joy, considering what you’re asking of me?”

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