Page 41 of Entwined

“Ben?”

“Ah, well, now… it’s actually Lord Benjamin Cross the eighth, Earl of Eastwick to be exact.”

“Holy shit.”

“If you say so… and there’s plenty of room. Come in, I’ll have Claire fix you breakfast and a room.”

“Who’s Claire?”

“Oh, just the head maid.”

I swallow hard, “This is just until I find a suitable place to live. And I’m paying you rent.”

“How about a kiss instead?”

I sigh, reaching up to plant a big one on his cheek.

He groans, “I’ll settle for a Scrabble rematch instead, I guess.”

“Deal.” I throw my arms around him tight. “Thank you so very much.”

I follow him inside, walking immediately into the drawing room to warm my hands in front of the crackling fire.

“I don’t mean to be rude Ben, but why are you at King’s? Surely, you should be at a more prestigious college?”

“I should, I was…” he trails off. “I was a real punter my freshman and sophomore year. I was in Scotland at St. Andrews.”

“What’s a punter?”

“I believe the American version is ‘player’.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Yes, well. Here I am now. Things worked out.”

I smile, as Claire comes into the room to see that I have a “proper bath and breakfast.”

I turn, squeezing his hand, “Thank you, Sir Ben.”

“Anytime, my fair maiden.”

“I’m working at the barn tonight. Can I text you when I’m done?”

“Please do. I’d be honored to drive you to pack up your dorm room.”

“She’s going to think she won again; scaring off another roommate.”

“You’re the winner by leaving her behind.”

“I know.”

I follow Claire, falling in love with the charming room she shows me to. It’s cheery with gold and yellow birds prints. A soft white rug and four-poster bed made up in a mountain of white linens.

I sigh, spotting a claw-foot tub full of hot water steaming up from it. I’m fine with sleeping in a barn but living in luxury is something I missed.

I undress, letting the warm water soak all the knots in my muscles away. I need to find a flat, one with a roommate. It will be tight but with my leftover money and my new job, I could make something work. I just need to find the right opportunity.

I can’t sleep.

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