Page 114 of Lovestruck at Sundown
“Aaron lives on the second floor of our apartment building and—”
“No.”
“Please, let me finish,” I said with an exasperated laugh. She pressed her lips together, crossed her arms at her chest, and nodded with defeat. “There’s a spare room. It was Caleb’s. He was my bodyguard and one of my best friends. Aaron and him were like brothers. He took a literal bullet for me. Saved my life—and William’s.” My voice broke, but I cleared my throatand powered through. “I loved him. Still do. And I miss him every single day. If he could, he’d come down here and beg you to accept this offer and torture Aaron on his behalf.”
Naomi chuckled, then squeezed my hand and said, “I know I already said it before, but I’m so sorry for your loss.”
One of the windows flew open, and a heavy gust of wind blew inside, hitting us in the face.Caleb.I was definitely losing my mind. But I stood and closed the window with a stupid smile on my face.
“Caleb approves,” I said, giving into the madness. “Don’t ask me why. I just know.”
Naomi considered me with narrowed eyes. She wanted to say yes. I knew she did. It was an offer she couldn’t refuse. Of course, she’d have to deal with Aaron, but he was clean—anal, if you asked Caleb—and wouldn’t be around much. He’d be a well-rounded roommate, setting aside the fact that they hated each other. Although, my gut told me something else might be lurking beneath the surface. Or maybe they actually hated each other. There was no way to know for sure.
“It’s so kind of you, Billie. Seriously,” she said. “I can’t thank you enough for even considering wanting to help out. But I can’t.”
“I understand.” I smiled. “How about we start by giving you a place to stay for tonight?”
“I appreciate it.”
“You and Nina can take the room upstairs, and Liam can sleep with Aaron in the guest room.”
“Excuse me?” Liam shrieked from the dining room. He rushed over to where we sat in the living room. How on Earth did he listen to that over the music when he was all the way in there? His bionic hearing abilities never ceased to amaze me.
“Hi, ladies.” He squatted in front of us. “I was thinkingNina and I could, you know, get a room all to ourselves. So, is there a way we can discuss the sleeping arrangements, or are you both plotting to ruin my life?” He smiled.
I clapped at his dramatic performance.
“Actors,” Naomi said, rolling her eyes.
“What about Nathalie and Sivert’s bedroom?” Liam asked. “Maybe Naomi can sleep there?”
“You mean Nathalie’s bedroom,” I clarified, lowering my voice. “Ever since the divorce, she has kept the bedroom locked to keep Sivert from sleeping there. That bedroom is out of bounds. I’m sorry. You’ll survive, Liam.”
“Actually, I won’t.” He looked over his shoulder at Nina and then back at us. “You don’t understand. I’ve been waiting too long for this.Please, Naomi. Can’t we ask Aaron to sleep out here or something?”
“He’s probably asleep by now,” I said. “He’s an early riser.”
Naomi crossed her arms at her chest and observed Liam. “I’ll sleep in Aaron’s room if you ditch your publicist and let me take you as my client. Your friends are all under my wing, so wouldn’t it make sense that you crossed over to the dark side as well?” Naomi’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction. This is what she loved to do and what she was great at. Closing deals and convincing people to do her bidding.
Liam scoffed and shook his head. “Okay, I’ll do it,” he said with a shrug. “Once my contract with BME is over.”
“Deal.” Naomi extended her hand, and Liam took a few seconds before shaking on it.
“Alex is going to kill me.” He released Naomi’s hand and stood. “And then he’ll kill you.”
“I still have five lives left.” She laughed. “I’ll deal with Alex, don’t worry. It’s not like he hasn’t poached clients from me in the past.”
Liam pointed at Naomi before walking away and said, “I like you.”
Naomi nodded in a stiff, business-like way. “And I hate myself.” She laughed as Liam rejoined Nina and William. “Ah! The things I do for money.”
“Do you want me to ask William if he can sleep with Aaron so you can sleep with me?”
“And lose the opportunity to torture Aaron with my presence?” She snorted. “Besides, William is my most important client, and I’d clean his floors with a toothbrush if our contract depended on it. That means I’ll gladly sleep in Aaron’s room if it means I don’t have to inconvenience William. Look at all the clients I’ve gained after signing him.”
“Okay.” I sighed, wishing we could’ve offered her a private room. But she seemed genuinely okay with it.
“Come on.” She stood and pulled me up from the couch. “That dress is too pretty to be sitting all day. Let’s go grab a drink.”
