Page 110 of Reconciling With the Rival

For the first time tonight, she smiles at me. “Yes, actually. That would be great, asshole.”

I smirk to myself as I head to draw her a bath. My sister got me a giant welcome basket for my place, and one thing she included was this thing that makes bubbles or something. I told her I wasn't a bath guy, and she told me everyone needs a good soak every once in a while.

Since I’m not going to use it, Ella might as well. Plus, if it makes her forget a bit about tonight, my mission will be accomplished.

After making sure the water is hot, I head back out to my living room where Ella’s sitting, staring out the huge glass windows that look over the city.

“It’s a nice view, isn't it?”

She turns to look at me. “Yes, it is.”

“Come here, darling,” I say as she stares at me, those big brown eyes gleaming underneath the lights.

To my surprise, she rushes me, and I almost fall over because of how strong she runs into me. Her arms go around me, and for this moment, we’re not two people who hate one another.

We’re something different. This is uncharted territory for us, and I’m unsure how to navigate it, but I know that after tonight, neither of us are going to mention it again.

“I ruined everything,” she says into my chest.

That makes me squeeze her a little harder. “It’s okay.”

She shakes her head. “It’s not, but I appreciate what you’re doing.”

“And what am I doing?”

“Helping me through it.”

“Just because we fight and bicker all the time doesn't mean I don’t care about you, Ella.”

I swear, I feel her eyes roll as she detaches from me, her arms going around her body as if she’s feeling shy all of the sudden. Sure, the girl can walk in here and ask to fuck me no problem, but having conversations that involve emotions is where she gets shy.

“There’s a towel for you in the warmer, and a robe too.”

“Thank you,” she says, looking like there’s more about to come out of her mouth, but she spins around and heads for the bath. She stops in the doorway. “Will you join me?”

Not can I.WillI.

“Sure,” I say as I shove my hands in my pockets and head toward her.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to jump you. I just… I don’t think I can be alone right now.”

And yet, she could’ve gone to one of her friends' places, but she drove here. She drove to me. God, tonight is fucking with my head.

This girl could ruin my life if I let her, but Ella and I would never cross that line. We would never work either, not with the constant bickering between us—we would drive each other mad. But seeing her like this makes something bloom in my chest, and if I’m only able to be like this with her for one night, I’ll take it.

Because eventually, she’ll move on, and so will I. Our sex pact will end, and the two of us will go back to being coworkers who argue and threaten to kill one another.

The only difference now is that I know what she looks like naked. Not just with her clothes off, but with all her defenses down, and underneath all of the confidence and eye rolls is a girl who wants to be seen. To be wanted. To be needed.

Just like me. All I’ve ever wanted is for someone to want me for more than one night, for longer than it takes for me to getthem off. But that could never be us, because when all is said and done, Ella will warm the sheets of another person, and I’ll be alone.

But as I climb into the tub and fasten myself behind her, trying not to think too much about how perfectly she fits against me, part of me thinks maybe, if I play everything right, I can have more nights like this.

I know the hope in my heart is all for nothing.

“Is this okay?” I ask her.

“Mhm,” is all she says as she nestles against my chest, her curly hair sticking to my skin.

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