Page 24 of Built to Last
“That’s truly high praise coming from you,” he replies around another chuckle and I roll my eyes. “Actually,” he begins, a faint blush spreading across his cheeks as he runs a hand through his hair, something I’ve noticed he does when he’s nervous. “I was thinking about ordering pizza for dinner. Would you like to stay and eat with me?”
“Yeah, sure,” I reply, so surprised by the offer I agree without thinking.
“Great.” He grins, bringing up a delivery app on his phone. “What toppings do you want?”
“Ham and pineapple’s my favourite but I know not everyone likes it,” I answer warily. Malcolm was always a dick about my pizza preference, never letting me order it when he was around. Honestly, the more time that passes since the break-up the more I realise what an arsehole he was. Phillip perks up.
“That’s my favourite too.” He smiles, adding a large ham and pineapple pizza to the basket. “This was meant to be,” he jokes. “Sides? Oh, should I order some of those warm chocolate chip cookies?” he asks with the excitement of a schoolboy.
“Definitely get the cookies.” I nod solemnly. He places the order then sets his phone down on the coffee table.
“All done. Do you mind if I get changed real quick?”
“Go ahead.” I wave him off with a smile, forcing all thoughts of a naked Phillip from my mind.
I accepted his invitation to stay before thinking it through and it’s only just dawning on me that we’ll be spending time together outside of the set project. Alone. The food’s ordered, but I know I could still change my mind and Phillip would befine about it. But the moment I agreed to stay his face lit up and the truth is… I don’t want to be anywhere else.
Chapter Fifteen
Rose
While Phillip is upstairs changingout of his work clothes, I’m left alone in the living room, unsure of what’s happening here. Is this a date?AmI going to be testing out the couch cushions? Do I want to? The not-knowing is making me anxious. Deciding I should at leasttryto relax before he comes back, I sit down on the now-daunting sofa and take a few deep breaths.
This house is so much nicer than the bachelor-pad I’d been expecting on my first visit. The downstairs is nearly all open-plan, yet still manages to feel cosy with its warm-oak floors, forest-green accents, and carefully selected furniture. Even the barstools at the kitchen counter are inviting with matching green cushions tied to the seats and the back supports.
I won’t deny capitalising on the opportunity to do some light snooping when I’ve taken breaks out here—nothing invasive, just paying close attention to everything that’s readily on display. I’ll go to my grave before admitting to looking for signs he’s dating anyone. There’s a bookcase to the left of the TV just before the staircase that divides the space. It’s covered in plants I’m unable to name, thanks to my lack of green thumb, thrillers with well-worn spines, and family photos.
One of the photos shows a woman who can only be Phillip’s mum—they share the same warm shade of brown hair and blue eyes. She’s stood by a fireplace, smiling, and tucked under the protective arm of a slightly older, much taller man. Phillip’s dad looks down at her with pure adoration. My heart squeezes with a painful mix of hope and longing that I might find someone who looks at me like that one day.
“Do you want to watch something?” I’m so lost in my melancholy thoughts that I didn’t hear Phillip come in. He takes a seat next to me, picking up the remote from the coffee table.
“Sounds good. What were you thinking?”
“I’m in a bit of a rut with TV lately.” He shrugs. “What do you like? Introduce me to your favourite.” Warmth fills me that he’s willing to watch something just because I like it.
“Do you like crime dramas?” He bobs his head from side to side.
“I don’t usually, but I’m not against giving one a go. Have at it.” He hands me the remote with a flourish and I bring up one of my favourites on his streaming service. I recently started rewatching it for the millionth time but am more than happy to start from the first episode again if it means I might have someone to share my favourite show with.
Phillip
Our food arrives just as the first episode finishes and I’m already itching to watch the next one as I carry the boxes back through to the living room. Rose immediately helps me spread everything out across the coffee table and warmth fills my chest at howeasily we work together. It’s such a small thing but it feels important.
“Would you like a drink? I have beer, apple juice, and coke.”
“Just water, please.”
I leave to grab our drinks and a couple of plates but take my time walking back over. Rose has curled up in the corner of the couch looking far more comfortable here than when she first arrived. I can’t help but pause to enjoy the sight. Some deep primal part of me hums with satisfaction that she’s so at home in my space. While it’s way too soon to be imagining what it would be like having her here all the time, I can’t completely shut down the thought.
“What did you think?” Rose asks, taking one of the plates and flipping open the lid of the pizza box. The scent of tomato and cheese wafts towards me, making my mouth water.
“I didn’t think I’d be so into it after just one episode but I really liked it. You up for another one?” I ask hopefully, picking up the remote and going to the next episode. Rose huffs out a laugh.
“You’re hooked now,” she teases.
“Hey, this is your fault, remember. I think we can get through at least two more tonight.”
“I’ve created a monster,” Rose laments, shaking her head with a sigh but I can tell she’s secretly pleased I enjoyed it so much.
