Page 14 of Ms Perfectly Fine
Heather pulled up to the curb. Autumn’s stomach dropped when she saw that all the lights were on.He’s still there.
“You leave the lights on? You should conserve energy. It’s not good for the environment,” Heather said with a hint of passive-aggression.
“They’re on a timer. Better not to come home to a dark house,” Autumn lied, not wanting to tell her about her new living situation. She worried that if Heather knew she was living with a guy, everyone would find out. She didn’t want to have to explain that she was living with a stranger she knew little to nothing about.
“Suppose you can never be too careful when you live alone.”
“Thanks again for the lift. I really appreciate it. See you tomorrow.” Autumn opened the car door, and Heather handed over her bag.
“Night,” was all she said before Autumn closed the door, afraid Heather would hear the music radiating from her house.
I can explain the lights, but not the metal music!she thought, rushing up the path. Reaching the door, she realised Heather hadn’t left. Autumn waved. What was she waiting for? Heather waved back and drove away.
Autumn opened her front gate, using her cardigan to protect herself from the rain.Does he want the whole street to know his taste in music?She guessed it was a pathetic attempt at claiming his space. However, she was too cold to care about his motives; she just wanted to get out of the rain.
Placing her key in the lock, she frowned when it wouldn’t budge. What the fuck?She tried to twist it again, only to curse as her bag slipped from her shoulder and its contents scattered over her front step.
For the love of….She crouched to pick up her belongings, banging on the door with her other hand.He’d better answer the damn door.
The music stopped, and once everything was back in her bag, she rose to see Elijah standing by the door in low-hanging jeans and an open shirt. His hands were in his pockets while he watched her get drenched.Not a care in the freaking world. He’s clearly making himself comfortable in my home. Who just struts around someone else’s home half-naked?
“My key won’t work—let me in!” she shouted, dropping her cardigan from over her head. It was growing heavy, and she was already soaked; there was no point in trying to protect herself.
“I know,” he called back, smiling devilishly.
For a second, Autumn forgot about the rain, unable to stop her gaze from travelling from his defined chest to the trail of hair where his hips met his jeans. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen a guy naked in person, and not one who looked so… Her train of thought was cut off when he waved at her, and she diverted her gaze, trying not to blush. Without a word, he left her to continue banging. Seconds later, he reappeared in the front window and slid it open.At least I don’t have to shout through the door, but he could have done the decent thing and let me in.She tried to remain calm.
He offered her the umbrella she had forgotten to bring with her that morning.
“I don’t need an umbrella. I need you to let me in,” she hissed, snatching it from him.
“Changing the locks. How could you be so petty?” she asked, clutching her folder to her chest, afraid her sheet music would get wet.
“Me, petty? I wasn’t the one who strutted out of here without giving me the alarm code,” he replied, a glint of mischief in his rich brown eyes as they raked over the dress clinging to her curves.
“I don’t strut,” she bit back as his eyes settled on her hips.
“Yes,” he said, tilting his head. “You do.”
She could see how much he was enjoying her distress. She had never met anyone who could infuriate her so much.
“If you’re done looking at me like I’m a piece of meat, can youopenthe door?” she hissed, afraid her neighbours would call the police if she shouted.
His deep laugh only made her resent him all the more. Elijah leant out the window, unfazed by the rain catching his hair.
“Apologise for not giving me the alarm code and causing me to miss an important meeting. Then I’ll let you in.” He sighed, crossing his strong arms over his body.
“Are you serious? You invaded my home and you want an apology?!” Autumn demanded, wrapping her arm around herself.
Elijah nodded, and she noticed his stubble from the day.I prefer him without it,she thought, then she told her subconscious to shut it.
“Just open the door,” she pleaded.I can’t afford to get sick before the performance.
“Tim told me he talked with you,” Elijah countered, and she hated that he was acting like the voice of reason.
“A text doesn’t count as talking to me,” she snapped. “You should be the one apologising to me for ruining my morning and now my evening.”
“I’m sorry for intruding on you this morning. Now it’s your turn,” Elijah called over the rain.
