Page 46 of Wild About You
“I’m sorry. Of course. I’ll tell Beatrix to find somewhere else to crash.”
“No,” I say. “Don’t do that. I can ask Chris if I can stay with him while she’s here.”
She arches a brow. “At his parents’ house?”
“He has the entire basement.”
“Uh-huh. Whatever you say.” Her grin gets wide. “Why stay in a mansion with your hottie NHL ex-boyfriend when you can shack up with Chris and his family? Tell me, does his grandpa still wear those really short shorts that let his balls snake down the leg hole?”
I toss the pillow at her. “I hate you.”
As I get ready, I look around the cramped apartment. I was never supposed to be here as long as I have. I pay the utilities so I’m not exactly freeloading, but I know it’s time for me to find my own place. It’s just that everything is so expensive and finding a roommate you trust is scary.
I text Chris as I get ready.Hey. Any chance I can crash with you while Heather’s sister is in town?
His response comes as I’m slipping on my shoes.Sorry! Aunt B just had hip surgery and is staying with us while she gets back on her feet.
Of course. I understand, I fire back.
Crap.I could reach out to some of my other college friends, but none come to mind that have the space. I pour a cup of coffee and then scroll through my contacts looking for someone that I can stay with. I make it all the way to Tyler’s name and sigh.
On my way to pick up Everly. Can we chat this morning?
He’s waiting in the garage when I pull up.
He has a rag in hand and a spray bottle in the other, cleaning the windows on his car. He sets both on top of the car and walks out to meet me.
“Hey.” A concerned expression mars his face, and I realize he thought my request to talk meant I was quitting, or something had happened with Everly. Oops.
“Hi,” I say more brightly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you.”
“How can you tell I’m worried?”
“You get this little line right here.” I run a hand over the spot on myself.
His face relaxes. “What’s up?”
“I was wondering if it’s okay that I stay here temporarily. Like a week or two. My roommate’s sister is visiting and since I’m already going to be sleeping over the nights you’re away…” I trail off, staring at everything but him. “I will help out more, cook, clean, whatever you need.”
He doesn’t say anything until I give in and look up. “Yeah, Pipes. It’s more than okay. No extra help required. Stay as long as you want.”
“It’ll just be until Heather’s sister leaves.”
“You know, if you let me pay you—”
“Everly!” I cut Tyler off with a dismissive smile when his sister steps outside. She looks between us.
“Am I riding to school with you today?”
I nod. “Yep. Ready?”
Tyler smirks as I get in my car. I hold his gaze through the windshield and mouth “thank you.”
* * *
I don’t see Tyler much that night. He and Ash get home late, eat, and go to bed. Regardless, I have a hard time falling asleep. I feel his presence everywhere. Even the smell of his soap lingering in the bathroom brings back an onslaught of emotions and memories.
The next morning, he’s in the kitchen when I drag myself downstairs.
