Page 20 of Romancing His Heart
“N-Normally, but not r-right now, obviously,” I stammer.
He narrows his eyes like he is trying to figure out if I’m telling the truth. “You know, we still have to figure out this living situation,” he states casually.
“Yup. Any idea where you’ll go when Emory gives you the all-clear?”
“Red, I own this place.”
“And I have an ironclad lease, but I’m willing to let you stay until you get back on your feet.” Stepping to my computer, I almost miss his next words.
“I don’t know if I can even stay here without endangering you all, but I guess I appreciate the offer.” He frowns, and it causes a small line to form between his eyebrows. It takes every ounce of willpower I possess not to reach over and smooth it out. “Once I sort through my situation, we can work on a long-term solution for the apartment.”
It’s cute how he says it like I’ll be going anywhere. Smiling as sweetly as I can, I adjust my ponytail. “I have another eleven months on my lease.”
Taking a seat on the chair next to my desk, Loki glares at me. Not an angry glare, more of a ‘what the fuck’ glare.
“Let’s just say my ‘situation’ gets resolved next week, then what?”
“Well, I guess you’ll have to find a new place, but you’re welcome to stay here as long as you need.”
“How hospitable of you.” Loki is trying really, really hard not to smile. He isn’t sure he likes me, but I’m a freaking fun girl, so I’ll win him over.
“I think so.” I grin.
“What if I don’t want to find a new place?”
“You can stay here, but it’s not like Preston’s palace upstairs. It’s pretty small. I’ll probably get on your nerves,” I tell him from experience.
“And it’s only one bedroom.”
I shrug my shoulders. “I’ve had roommates before. We can share.”
“What if I want to hook up?” He’s testing me, and I like his unexpected, playful side.
“Then you go to her house,” I say as casually as possible.
“What if you want to hook up?”
Deciding to mess with him a little, I say, “I always want to hook up,” and watch as he swallows his tongue.
“I’m not listening from the couch while you fuck some douche bag,” he growls.
Smiling ear to ear, I feel lighter than I have in a very long time. “Then I guess we’ll have to stay celibate. Or sleep with each other.” I add the last part to elicit a reaction because I have no self-control.
A growl escapes Loki’s throat, and he is standing a second later. We’re only six feet apart, and I’m not sure what his next move will be, but I’m excited, anxious, and so fucking turned on.
We both hear the lock engage and turn to the door. With a questioning glance, he mumbles, “You’re dangerous.”
“I’m sure the same has been said about you.”
“Hey, guys,” Preston says happily as he waltzes into the room. “Loki, man, it’s so good to see you standing up.” He leans in for a hug and jumps back about ten feet. “Jesus Christ. Did she get to you, too?” Preston looks from me to Loki’s groin and back again. “What did you ask him, sis? Please tell me you embarrassed this fucker.”
“Ugh, I didn’t ask him anything. I’ll let you guys hang out. I’m going to shower. I don’t want to bother Loki while he’s sleeping.”
* * *
It’s beenthree hours since Preston dropped off clothes for Loki.Such a shame. Gawd, that man is sexy.It’s been one hour since I last checked on him. He assured me he didn’t need anything, so I told him I would sleep on the couch, and I’m trying. Iamtrying. I wrote for a couple of hours, but my hero keeps growling like Loki, causing me to overheat every damn time.
Come on, Sloane. I have to get over this, eventually. Kicking the blankets off in an angry fit, I sit up. I can’t have roommates forever. I haven’t always been like this, but I definitely have some issues now, thanks to Jackson. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that out.
