Page 68 of Sweet Shots

“Don’t worry, Mikah. I’m not going to encroach on your territory or force you to move in. Outside of checking on you and getting you fresh clothes, that is.” He winks, then heads out the door. “Come on, I made you breakfast.”

Okay… maybe I could get used to this.

I head back to my place late afternoon. I’d almost run over like my ass was on fire during breakfast when I remembered I have a cat who needs to eat. He’ll tear up my house if I don’t feed him. Last time I forgot, he destroyed a pillow and peed on my floor. But Dominic told me he fed CP when he went over to get me clothes, which is just another thing that blows my mind.

The more I think about it all, the more I’m starting to understand my feelings for him. I get the dynamic between us. I see, from the outside, how it works. Of course I would have feelings for him while he’s doing everything for me, making me realize all these things about myself that aren’t easy to face but needed.He’s taking care of me, like he said he would. Aside from that, just as a person… I like him. Everything about him that I used to find annoying, I now enjoy. Like his jokes and his smiles. Especially the way I feel when I’m with him.

But what do I have to offer him? I don’t take care of him the same way. I’m grumpy most of the time we’re together. All I do is fight him tooth and nail. What’s to like about that? I don’t get it.

Once home, I spend a long time in the shower, not only cleaning, but using the hot water as therapy. When I’m done, I pop some painkillers, because I’m more sore now than earlier, and make some tea. When it’s done, I take it with me to sit on the couch and turn on the TV. But I keep finding myself glancing at the window, hoping to get a view of Dominic in his house. What is he doing? Is he thinking about me too? Does he not care that I left? Is he glad I did? I recall what he said to me in his bathroom.

You could move in right now, and I’d love the fuck out of it.

That’s crazy, right? I mean, who says that after only a few days of dating? I can’t deny it has my body all warm and fuzzy, but really thinking about it? It’s nuts, right?

Right?

My head isn’t always the best place to take advice from, though. And I know that’s even more nuts, because hello, it’s my brain. But I can’t trust that thing. It’s always assuming the worst, whispering stupid, mean things to me. I’ve always felt like I have two people living in my body. Me andhim. The voicethat makes everything worse. And though he’s been quiet lately, thanks to Dominic drowning him out with his presence, he’s still there, lingering.

My gaze goes to the window again.

What is he doing over there?

“This is pathetic,” I mutter, getting to my feet to find my phone. I need to call Zach.

The second my phone is in my hand, it dings with a text.

Asshole Neighbor: What are you doing?

I stare at the text, unable to stop the smile that crosses my face.

Should I change his contact name?

Probably, but also, this is funny so I leave it. I think he’ll get a kick out of it when he realizes.

I type out a response, then delete it. Type something else out. Delete that too.

There are so many ways to respond to what he asked. Do I go with honesty or flirty?

Why do I have to overthink every single thing in my life?Damn, this is tiring.

I scrub a hand down my face.

Fuck it.

Me: Missing you.

I send it and hold my breath as I wait for a response.

Only it doesn’t come, and I have to release the air from my lungs so I can breathe beforeI pass out.

Maybe he put his phone down. Maybe he fell asleep? Maybe—my doorbell rings. I turn to face it, frowning at it, until a warm feeling settles in my chest.

Is that…

I put my phone down and walk to my door, carefully pulling it open.

“I’m here to fix your problem,” Dominic says, holding his arms out wide and grinning.

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