Page 41 of Built to Last
“Already? Rose, that’s huge!” Aria smiles widely, excitement practically seeping from her pores.
“I know it’s fast but it feels right. I don’t think I’ve ever dated anyone so… dependable. I know that doesn’t sound all that sexy but knowing he has his shit together, that he’ll be there for me, it’s actually pretty damn attractive.”
“I’m so happy for you, Rose.” She squeezes my hand, smiling softly, then takes a fortifying breath. “Listen, I didn’t want to worry you before but the rain is not letting up.” She grimaces. “The river’s overflowed and the field at the bottom of the hill has flooded. It probably won’t get bad enough to reach the houses, but the weather forecast says we’re due at least a few more days of rain, and I’m worried the road might get closed. We don’t want to be stuck here if it does, so I think we should find somewhere else to stay until the storm passes, just in case.”
“Shit, it’s that bad?” I ask, heading over to the window to take a look. I’d heard the rainfall over the past few days but hadn’t paid it much attention since I didn’t have to go out in it.
“Yeah, it’s not good. Like I said it’s just the field affected at the moment, but still. I think it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
“You’re right. Have you asked around yet?” She shakes her head.
“I wanted to talk to you first. Bel won’t mind having us with him, but since he doesn’t have a spare room it would be a tight fit. One of us would have to share his room and the other be on the couch. Neither of those options are great though.”
I grimace. “Yeah, Bel wiggles around like crazy in his sleep and his sofa is the worst. I know he’d try and offer both of us thebed but I wouldn’t feel right turfing him out of his own room, especially not when it might be for a few days.”
“Exactly. Do you think you could ask Phillip? I know it’s early, but you said yourself that the two of you are already way beyond casual dating.”
“Yeah, we are, but asking to stay with him is different and you know it.”
“I get that, but it’s not like you’d be asking to move in permanently, just until the storm blows over. Surely you’d rather stay with him than squeeze in with me at Bel’s?”
“I guess… and he does have a spare bedroom so he could still have his own space.”
“Have you seen the way that man looks at you?” She scoffs. “I doubt he’ll want his own space.” I pin Aria with a flat look but it does nothing to discourage her.
“Fine, I’ll ask.”
Not wanting an audience, I head back to my bedroom to call Phillip.
“Hey, how are you feeling?” His warm voice washes over me and I feel my shoulders relax despite the fact I’m still nervous.
“Much better, thank you. I, um, actually have a favour to ask but you can absolutely say no.”
“I’ll do it.”
“You don’t even know what I’m asking for!”
“Doesn’t matter. If it’s for you, I’ll do it,” he replies confidently.
“It’s a big favour,” I warn. His low chuckle makes heat swoop low in my stomach.
“Go on then, raincloud. Ask me.”
“Raincloud?” What in the mind-reading hell is this? How does he know I’m calling because of the storm?
“Yeah, your pyjamas had little frowning rainclouds on them. You looked cute.” Oh, that makes more sense. Wait…
“I’m not cute. I’m sexy and desirable,” I joke.
“You are absolutely both of those things.” His voice drops lower and I bite my lip. “But you’re also really fucking cute. Now tell me what you need, raincloud.”
“I wasn’t really paying attention the last few days but Aria said the rain’s been so bad that the field at the bottom of our road has flooded. We’re much further up the hill so the flat will be fine, but we’re worried the road might get closed. It probably won’t be an issue but she thinks it’s best if we find somewhere else to stay until the storm’s over. Bel would have us both but there’s not really enough room at his place…” I trail off, nerves getting the best of me.
“Do you want to stay with me?”
“If that’s… Would that be OK? Just until the storm blows over.”
“Of course. Do you want me to come and get you tonight?”
