Instead, I run my fingers down her cheek one last time before I gently shake her shoulder.
“Lily, wake up,” I murmur, making her stir under me.
She wakes up, her beautiful eyes sleepy as I back out of her space.
Lily stretches her arms before she pushes herself upright on the sofa.
“I can’t believe I fell asleep. That is like my favourite movie.”
I stretch my legs, feeling the soreness from practice earlier today.
I may have been pushing myself a little too hard after a few days off, and now I’m feeling the ache.
“You’re probably still a little jetlagged.”
Lily stands up and gathers the empty bowl, my glass, and her soda can before venturing into the kitchen. I follow her—not wanting her to leave, but knowing it’s inevitable.
I wonder what it would be like to have her in one of the guestrooms, but I stop my train of thought.
There is a reason she got her own apartment.
Mostly for my own good and to refrain from crossing that line.
And she deserves to have her own space, not being crowded by me every second of every day.
She goes to the door, and I stand back, gripping the counter hard to distract my hands from doing something stupid, like reaching for her.
“This was fun, and Harriet is wonderful, so I’m definitely coming back up here.”
She’s right, this has been fun; and of course, Harriet is the best.
The two women will probably meet up without me, considering their fast friendship.
Having Lily in my apartment felt good.
Comfortable and natural.
“Yeah, I’d like that.”
With one last lingering look, she grabs the door and says goodnight before she’s gone.
I’m left standing, looking at the door for way too long before I eventually get ready for bed.
~
Over the next few days, we fall into our own little routine.
I do my usual morning routine: shower, open the blinds in my apartment, and drink my ice-cold glass of water.
I get ready for the day, packing my bag for the arena and the day ahead, but instead of making my own breakfast like I usually do, I take the elevator down to Lily’s apartment.
Each morning, I’m greeted by the stunning blonde, listening to music and cooking away at the stove.
I always volunteer to help and she declines every time, serving me a perfect cup of coffee before going back to cooking, whilst I watch her from the kitchen table.
Each day she’s wearing a new stylish outfit, matching perfectly to the weather outside, which is rather grey and dull, but Lily doesn’t seem to mind. Always eager for the day ahead and the plans she has.
It’s clear that Lily pays attention to nutrition when she cooks, and even though I know she’s healthy, I get the feeling she’s doing the little extra for me as well, knowing I’ll appreciate it.
