Page 15 of Final Temptation
“How much help do you need?”
“Whatever you’d be willing to lend a hand with. Ideally, half of everything would help me stretch my savings a little further.” I’d been taking care of my own bills for the last five years. I moved out when I was old enough and independent enough to care for myself. It was a punch to my ego having to seek help. The last thing I wanted to do was put a number on things; any kind of help he’d offer would be better than how things were going right now.
“No problem. Consider it covered.”
Onto the next order of business, I mentioned, “So, um, what about alcohol?” My jaw clenched, not necessarily knowing how comfortable he was skirting around the topic.
“How about I let you know if it ends up being a problem? For now, I’ve been doing really well when it comes to my addiction. If things change, I’ll make sure to have an open line of communication with you about having it around the house.” His gaze shifted down, almost as iftrying to convince himself it wouldn’t be a big deal, like this was something he’d rehearsed a time or two.
My hand reached out, grazing his knee, only intending for it to be friendly when I spoke softly, “Seriously, Myles, I’m so proud of how far you’ve come. If it ever gets tough for you, I’d get rid of any temptations around the house in a heartbeat. Usually, there is only ever a bottle of wine and maybe some vodka lying around. I can even keep it in my room if it makes it easier on you.”
“I think alcohol will be the least of my temptations when it comes to living with you, Soph.” His voice lowered.
The iced coffee and little clothing I had on weren’t nearly enough to cool me down; I was burning red.
My hand still lingered on his knee when I snapped it back, fidgeting with a silky strand of my hair, curling it between my fingers. I cleared my throat before trying to change the subject.
“So, umm, what about bringing people home?”
“I usually keep my business outside of where I live. I’ve already been used to doing so since I’ve lived with my parents. So, I don’t see why I can’t give you the same respect.” The ability to make eye contact with the man in front of me was damn near impossible. “What about you?” he asked.
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about me. I seem to be taking care of myself for the most part these days.” I blushed at the omission that slipped out willingly.
He definitely didnotneed to know that bit of information.
“I see. I figured you were outsourcing help when it came to…taking care of yourself. Seeing as how you’re on the dating apps and whatnot.” A sly smirk curved on his lips.
“Boredom, Myles. I told you I was bored when I messaged you.” I rolled my eyes. “If you must know, you’re the only person I have talked to on that app. At least lately.”
“Well, I wouldn’t mind if you brought someone home. After all, it is your place. I’m just crashing there for a while, helping a friend take care of her bills while I do my best impression of being a responsible adult.” He pulled up his arm, slinging it around the back of the couch, getting more comfortable.
I’m not sure why but hearing him say he wouldn’t mind if I brought someone home bummed me out a bit.
“Thanks. But I do want you to feel like it’s equally your place, as it is mine. If you’re paying rent somewhere, it should at least feel like home. That’s why I wanted to talk about these things, so we could both set expectations when it comes to living with someone else—each other.”
“I’m glad we’ve touched on a few of the basics. I guess if something else comes up, on either of our ends, we can always talk about it as we go?” I nodded my head in agreement.
Our eyes shifted around the coffee shop, anywhere but on each other. My leg bounced like I was about to break out in an Irish jig or do the potty dance only a toddler would do.
The silence was awkward, to say the least.
“So, when do you want to move in?” I blurted out, my cheeks immediately warming.
A smile cracked over Myles’ handsome face, his bright white teeth on full display, laughing at my urgency. “This weekend? If that’s okay with you? I figured with it being the weekend, it would be easier for me to move in since I’ll havetime off work. It also happens to be June first—I can pay my first month’s rent.”
Before I could think twice, I stood from the cozy corner of the couch I’d slouched into, and my arms flung around his neck. My mind went back to the bills spread across my table at my apartment, trying to figure out just an hour ago how I was going to pay for everything, and here was Myles, swooping in like my knight in shining armor, agreeing to move in on the first of the month so he could help me with my rent.
The excitement overwhelmed me so much, I hadn’t realized I was practically straddling him, the feel of his strong neck burning behind my fingers. His scent was intoxicating—the warm and musky scent of leather and sandalwood surrounding me. Didn’t he say he came from the gym?How in the hell does this man smell like heaven on earth after he worked up a sweat?
His hands were all-consuming, the heat scorching through the thin fabric of my dress, the feeling of his fingertips trailing along my lower back and hips sent a wave of lust straight down to my core.
“Soph.” The way he said my name shook me out of the dizzy trance I was in. “As much as I enjoy your body on top of mine, if we stay in this position any longer, we might draw some attention.”
I tore my hands away from his neck, instantly missing how his skin felt on mine. “Sorry!” My voice came out in a high-pitched squeal, the nerves running through me. “I was just so relieved you were willing to move in so soon to help me out, and I got a little carried away.”
I snagged my purse from where I had been sitting, adjusted the cross-body bag over my shoulder, and smoothed out the skirt of my dress. “Ishould head out; I’ve got some schoolwork to get done by the end of the day. Text me and we can arrange a good time for you to start moving in this weekend?” This was my out. I had not only embarrassed myself, but the close proximity to Myles made my stomach flutter in ways I hoped wouldn’t happen.
“Sounds good, Sophie. Talk to you soon.” Once again, we were in this awkward position: him sitting, and me standing. I glanced down toward his lap—not knowing why I dared to torture myself by doing so—realizing he stayed seated for a reason.
