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"Mind if I come in, kitten?"
Holly glanced up from her iPad. Eli stood in the doorway of her bedroom, smiling at her. "Yeah, sure."
Miss gave a sleepy yawn from her position at Holly's feet, then let out a mew.
"Guess I had to get permission from both of you," he joked, sitting down on the edge of the bed and scratching the calico's head.
"Of course." She set her iPad on the nightstand. "What's up?"
"I just wanted to see if you were feeling better," He rubbed her leg, a concerned look on his face. "You left the party so early."
"Sorry," she murmured, unable to meet his eyes. "I just felt weak and exhausted."
"It's been a hell of a few days. I can see why you're wiped, babe."
Guilt stole through her, and she nodded. "True."
"You know, this bedroom is a formality at this point. My room is your room."
Holly frowned. "No, it's not. I don't live here, Eli."
"You've been here for how long? I don't mind making things official."
"No," she blurted, panic stealing through her. "It's one thing to tell each other how we feel. But moving in together is a whole different animal. Besides, I'm due to move into Penn's old apartment. Her other tenant moved out a few days ago."
"You don't need to go somewhere else. I want you here with me."
"And I said no." She crossed her arms. "I'm not ready for that, okay?"
He stared at her, both eyebrows raised. "You're serious."
"Very."
"Okay, if that's what you want." He let out a heavy sigh. "But you better prepare for a lot of sleepovers."
Miss stood and stretched, then climbed on Eli's lap.
"What's up, fuzzball?" Eli wrapped an arm around the cat. "Making yourself comfortable, I see."
Holly stifled a groan. Even her cat had fallen in love with Eli. She hoped Miss would adjust to the new apartment quickly. It was a lot of moving in a short period, and she didn't want her to have an IBD flare.
"Are you ready for the parade tomorrow?" he asked. "I want you on my float."
"I don't know," she hedged. "Maybe you should reserve that for your family."
"Holly, don't be silly. You've been there for me more than anyone, and it would mean a lot to me." He flashed a grin. "I'll beg if I have to. I've got zero shame."
She chewed on her lower lip, then nodded. "Okay, I'll do it. But on one condition."
"Name it."
"You let me turn the feature over to Lyla."
Eli's mouth dropped open. "What?"
Miss jumped off his lap and began cleaning herself, giving him the stink eye between licks.
"You scared her," Holly said, patting the bed. "Come here, Moo."
