Page 52 of With This Kiss
“Oh shit,” Baran said from behind me. “Who invited her?”
Obviously, Alani told her everyone was going to be here, and she decided to invite herself.
Rose’s eyes honed directly on me, then Jamie, who was standing close to me, her face souring. “Who’s this bitch?”
Jamie tensed at her question. “Watch your tone,” I said, my voice hard.
Rose looked at me, clearly shocked.
I shook my head. Fuck, and to think I was looking forward to having Jamie here with me like this. I was already getting a headache and was tempted to just kick everyone out, save for her. Baran, Makar, and Fabian could sleep in their cars for the night, for all I cared.
I turned to Jamie. “Come on. I’ll show you our room.”
“But I?—”
I turned to look at Rose. She shrank a little into herself, acting hurt. I wasn’t fooled. Rose’s claws were sharper than all the girls here.
“I always sleep in your room, with you.”
I looked over at the couch. “You can sleep there for the night.”
“Sleep on the couch?” Alani asked in outrage. “Are you really telling Rose to sleep there tonight while you and your wh?—”
“You might want to watch your words. I have no problem kicking you and her out if you don’t like the sleeping arrangements. There are only four bedrooms in this place. If you want, you, Fabian, and Rose can all share a room.”
“Like hell that’s happening,” Fabian chimed in.
“So it’s settled then,” I said, ushering Jamie forward. At least she wasn’t trying to argue with me in front of everyone. She was surprisingly obedient, letting me lead her straight into the primary bedroom.
I dropped our bags on the floor and closed the door behind us.
Jamie looked around the spacious room curiously. “We have our own bath,” I said, pointing to the door closest to the window.
She didn’t respond to that. I watched as she walked around the room before settling on top of the king-size bed.
“Just one bed, huh? Will I be able to convince you to take the floor?”
Like hell I was sleeping on the floor when she was on the bed. I sleep where she sleeps. I crossed my arms over my chest and looked at her.
“I didn’t think so,” she muttered to herself. “You purposely left out the fact that we would be sharing a bed.”
“You didn’t ask.”
She blew raspberries with her lips. Fucking adorable.
“So…”
I let out a small sigh and walked over to her, sitting down close. She didn’t shy away from me. I was making progress.
“Ask,” I said.
“So, you and Rose… you used to be a thing? Or are you still a thing…”
“We’re not a thing,” I said.
“Have you told her that? Because that look she shot me is not from a woman who thinks you guys are over.”
“It was obvious. But I’ll tell her again, I promise. So don’t worry.”
