“Anyway . . .” I cough. “This has been both traumatizing and enlightening, but I don’t think I could sleep at your place knowing what you two get up to.”
“Or eat at his place.” Bones smirks, and I gawk.
“Eat? Skylar, are you a fucking animal? I’ve eaten at your place!” I roar.
“So have I,” Skylar says, wiggling his eyebrows.
Covering my face, I debate how the hell I became friends with such a lunatic as I hear Sky ask Bones, “Want to try to get pregnant again?”
Seriously, someone kill me now.
“Babe, I told you the only way I’m getting close to one of your sons is when I swallow it,” Bones growls.
“Shit, don’t say that. I’m hard?—”
“I can still hear you.” I drop my head back and look at the sky. “And I’m still traumatized.”
“Wait until you read the fanfic about you and Noah.” My head snaps up. “I sent it to Noah once, and he didn’t speak to me for a week. It was raunchy stuff.”
“Wait, what?” I ask.
“I’ll send it later. Anyway, one of my apartments is on the south side. Bones has never been in it, nor has any other man,” he says before I can speak. “I bought it to support the building since I was investing. It’s bare and basic, but it’s yours if you want it.” He grins slyly. “Or you can call Noah and be a damsel so he can save you. I bet he’s into that kind of thing.”
I groan, not wanting to call him. Besides, he would be uncomfortable with me in his house. He avoids me enough at work. I don’t think I could handle him avoiding his house because I was there.
“No, it’s okay. I don’t want to rely on anyone—” I start.
“Mackie, we are friends. Let me help you, okay? It’s empty, so you’ll be doing me a favor,” Sky insists. “If you won’t go to Noah’s, then please take it. I’ll still charge rent, so it’s not a favor or a helping hand.” He knows how much I hate that.
Bones leans over. “Just do it or he’ll kidnap you there anyway.”
“Nah, I save the kidnapping for you, angel,” Skylar teases, but he turns serious when he looks at me. “Aren’t we friends?”
“Of course,” I respond automatically.
“Then let me do this, please,” he implores as he pulls his keys outand takes a fob off. “Here, take it. I’ll text you the address.” He throws money on the table and grabs Bones. “No take backs, bye!”
I watch him go, gawking as I glance at the fob with a deep sigh, but a smile soon curls my lips. I guess that’s one problem solved, and knowing he’ll charge me rent does make me feel a little better, but I’ve seen Skylar’s tastes. I really hope it’s not some penthouse or I might turn around and leave.
I guess there’s only one way to find out. After adding a tip, I grab my bag and jump in my car, entering the address he texted me.
The building is a high-rise, like those around it. They form a triangle with a park and some vendors in the middle, but it’s all closed up at this time of night. I park in the spot with the number for the building and walk through the lobby, wincing in the elevator when I realize it’s on the top floor.
When it opens, I find more doors, which is good. Striding down the carpeted hallway, I search the numbers until I find the double door at the end. Fuck. Already regretting my choices, I scan the fob and let myself in. I drop my bag on the floor inside the door as I search for a light since it’s pitch black in here.
When I find a panel on the side, I hit it a few times until the lights turn on, bright and blinding. Glancing back at the panel, I realize it controls the apartment, and I know this is going to be bad. The floor is dark wood, and the small foyer area I’m in has a table to the left with some decorative shit on it and a mirror above it. There’s a door to the left, and I peek inside to find a closet. Shutting it carefully, I walk to the open doorway and into the living area. It’s basic, like he said, but fine hotel basic.
To the left is an alcove kitchen with a counter and chairs splitting it from the lower level, which is the living room. There are two couches and low chairs facing a fire pit in the middle and a massive TV coming down from the ceiling.
The skylight above lets in starlight, and balcony doors open out to a small seating area. I shake my head at the opulence before I notice the stairs tucked in the back corner. Heading over, I ascend them.
Luckily, there’s only one bedroom, and the stairs lead directly to it.I find a king-sized bed with another skylight above it, two side tables, and lamps with another control panel. Lights turn on under the bed as I walk closer and open the door to the right, which conceals a walk-in closet that leads to a bathroom with a tub and separate shower.
Shaking my head again, I collapse onto the bed and stare up at the skylight.
It’s more than I can afford, and I know Sky won’t charge me the full price, but I stress for a moment before deciding that’s a tomorrow problem. I need to get some sleep. I’m exhausted and need to be up early for makeup and hair for the new photos Noah texted about.
Heading downstairs, I grab my bag and leave it packed, knowing I probably won’t stay long. I turn on the shower and step inside, letting it wash away the day, but as usual, my thoughts go back to Noah.
