Page 79 of Between Regrets and Promises

“Roommate,” Sophie quickly clarifies.

She’s much more than that. More than my friend even. But how the hell do you introduce someone as your one-time bathroom quickie fling that you’ve friend-zoned, killed her boyfriend, and who now lives with you?

Roommate it is.

“It’s so lovely to meet you.” Aunt Sylvia wraps her up in a tight hug. Yep, she definitely knows Sophie is much more than a roommate.

“Oh, you too.”

“Since Mason hasn’t visited his favorite aunt in a long time, I’d love to invite you both for dinner some night.”

Sophie glances over at me, and I quickly intervene.

“She’s just getting settled into the house and has a busy work schedule, so maybe in a couple of months,” I offer so she doesn’t push.

“Sure, that’d be great.” Aunt Sylvia winks at me, and I muffle a groan. “You two kids have fun shopping.” Then she turns her attention toward Sophie. “If he starts acting anything less than a gentleman, remind him that I have an entire baby album of him with lots of bath time pictures, and I’ll gladly show them off.”

Kill. Me. Now.

Sophie giggles, her cheeks turning bright red. “He’s been very respectful, don’t worry. This whole trip was his idea. In fact, heinsisted,” she reassures her.

Aunt Sylvia smiles proudly at me. “That’s my boy. But I might show her anyway because you weresodarn cute,” she says in a high-pitched voice, patting my cheek.

“I woulddefinitelylove to see those pictures,” Sophie adds.

“Sure, fine,” I say as if it wouldn’t bother me. “I was a cute kid, though. You might not be able to resist me once you see them.” I shoot Sophie a wink.

“Well, you call me when you kids are available for dinner, and we’ll make it happen. I better go find your uncle Frank before he wanders off.” She waves and rushes to the other side of the store as fast as she came barreling over.

“Baby bath pictures, huh?” Sophie teases as we push our carts to the front to check out.

“Shut up,” I mutter, earning a playful laugh in return.

Once I’ve paid and we’ve loaded up the truck, I drive to IKEA. “What’re we doing here?” Sophie asks, unbuckling her seat belt.

“Well, you need a dresser and nightstand, right?”

She shrugs.

“You do. Let’s go.”

“I don’t need both,” she insists as we walk inside. “I already feel like you’ve done too much.”

I frown.

“At least let me buy something so I feel like less of a freeloader!” She groans, pushing the cart we grabbed on the way in.

“Fine. You can buy the burritos.”

“Huh?” She furrows her brows.

“For lunch. You like burritos, don’t you?”

“Uh, yeah. Who doesn’t?”

“Good. Then it’s settled. You choose what you want, and you can buy us lunch.”

Sophie snorts as she follows me down an aisle. “Hardly seems fair.”

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