Page 8 of The House Guest
Dorian stood in the doorway. But that wasn’t the worst part.
He was with a woman.
They must’ve wanted to watch a movie.
“Oh…hey.” I waved awkwardly.
She was blonde and wearing a form-fitting dress. “Who isshe?” his date asked.
“This is Primrose. She’s…” He paused.
“I’m his…stepcousin.”Stepcousin? Really? I barely know the guy.But technically, I guessed it was true.
Dorian narrowed his eyes. “Primrose is an artist staying here at the house, I was going to say. She also happens to be the niece of my deceased father’s late wife.”
Her eyes widened. “Youlivehere?”
Apparently, she couldn’t hear very well.
“Temporarily, yes,” I told her. “My aunt invited me to stay here while I attend Orion Art Institute. Dorian was kind enough to allow me to continue the arrangement.” Picking a stray piece of popcorn off my chest, I added, “I didn’t realize you were home tonight, Dorian. I wouldn’t have come down here if I’d known.”
“We were just gonna watch a movie,” the woman said.
I stood. “I’ll get out of your way.”
“No.” Dorian held his palm out. “You were here first.”
“You’re both welcome to join me,” I offered, sitting back down. “What were you hoping to watch?”
She batted her lashes. “I was in the mood for something romantic.”
I inwardly gagged. “There’s…romance in this.” I shrugged. “If you’re open to interpretation.”
Dorian arched a brow. “When Vincent jabs a needle into Mia’s heart?”
I tilted my head, impressed that he knew what I was watching from just the paused image. “One of my favorite parts.” I grinned.
The woman looked between us with a horrified expression. “That sounds terrible.”
He turned to her. “Have you ever seen a Tarantino movie?”
“Who?” She narrowed her eyes.
Dorian chuckled. “Okay, then.”
I clutched my popcorn bowl and stood again. “Seriously. I’ll leave so you guys can watch…Titanicor something.”
“No.” He shook his head. “We’ll catch a movie another time. Enjoy your night.”
Dorian led his date out the door before I could protest. I sat in silence for several seconds before pressing play, surprised at how respectful he’d been about the whole thing. This was his house, and he had every right to kick me out and entertain his guest, if he wanted.
Eventually, I was able to put Dorian out of my mind and continue my movie night for one.Pulp Fictionwas almost finished when the theater door opened again.
I turned to find Dorian entering—alone.
“Is it over?” he asked.
My pulse raced as I paused the movie. “About ten minutes left.”
