I take a tentative step into the room as Theo sets our bags down on the bed. My attention focuses on the small desk to the right of the bed. It’s cluttered with pens, pencils, and a toy airplane a cousin of mine used to have when we were kids. The sun reflects off a basketball trophy displayed on a nearby shelf, and I step closer, embarrassingly eager to read the year written on it.
“I used to play, but wasn’t good enough for any college scholarships or anything,” Theo says from the other side of the bed.
“That’s surprising, given your height.” I chuckle.
“You’d be surprised,” he shrugs, “I wouldn’t have wanted to go pro anyway.”
“No?” I ask.
“No, there’s not enough time to just chill out. I could never stick to that rigorous of a training schedule. I barely make it to half the training sessions Alex tries to put me through.”
My mind flashes back to what’s hidden beneath his shirt at that comment, and I look away from Theo, scared he can read my thoughts.
“I can always sleep on the floor if that would make you more comfortable,” he says, looking at me tentatively.
My chest tightens when the realization hits me like a freight train. There’s only one bed, and I’m going to have to share it with Theo. So much for not breaking any rules.
12
THEO
Ican see the wheels in Sienna’s mind turning as she stares at the single bed in the middle of my bedroom. She stays quiet, but the slight widening of her eyes and the lack of blinking tell me she’s panicking on the inside. I should’ve known Roman was going to pull some shit like this. He might need more convincing than I originally thought.
The urge to rush to where she stands on the other side of the bed and ease her panic overwhelms me. But I’m cautious not to scare her away. We both need this arrangement to work in our favor. I feel like an idiot for not thinking through the sleeping arrangements, especially when it breaks one of her rules.
I instantly feel like an ass when my pulse kicks up at the thought of sleeping in the same bed as her.
Sienna continues to stare at the bed as I move tentatively toward her. “Sienna, if you want me to sleep on the floor, that’s completely fine. Would that be more comfortablefor you?” Now standing in front of her, I lean a little to obstruct her eyesight from fixating on the bed.
When she finally snaps out of it and looks my way, I let out a sigh of relief. For a second there, I thought she was going to make a run for it, and I’d never see her again.
“I won’t make you sleep on the floor of your own home,” she says, finally moving her body to push past me toward the bay window seat.
Pausing a moment before sitting down, I watch as she stares out at the lake. I might have the smallest room in the house, but there’s no argument that I have the best view. As the late evening sun washes over her warm brown skin, I catch myself holding my breath. She looks as though she’s glowing. She looks angelic.
Sitting down on the window seat, Sienna grips the edge like she might fall off any minute, and the motion pulls me away from my fleeting thoughts.
“I really don’t mind. If it’ll make you more comfortable, it’s the least I can do.” Walking toward her, I take a peek at the lake myself.
I’m still standing when she looks up at me, having to crane her neck to do so as I tower over her. The image of her on her knees in front of me flashes through my mind, and my cock twitches. Shaking it off, I take a seat next to her.
She’s yourfakegirlfriend, Theo. Get it together.
“We’re both adults. I’m sure we can handle sleeping in the same bed together.” She juts up her nose a little bit as she says the words. I admire her attempt at confidence,though I can’t help but notice how her voice wavers a bit as she talks.
Nodding my head, I respond, hoping to provide her some comfort that might ease her nerves. “If you change your mind at any point, let me know, and I’ll make a bed on the floor. Or I might just curl up in this window seat.” I pat the cushion underneath me.
Sienna laughs, my chest jolting at the sound. “Yeah, like you’d fit. You’re practically a giant.” Seeing the smile spread across her face and the sparkle in her eyes, I’m overcome with the insatiable urge to make her laugh again.
Bumping my shoulder playfully against hers, I say, “Thank you again for doing this. I know you’re technically just using me to get a job”—she rolls her eyes at me, but I notice her smile doesn’t fade—“but I appreciate you helping me out in the process.”
“You’re welcome. But I’m still keeping a close eye on you,” she cocks an eyebrow. It’s my turn to smile now.
“I thought we already establishedyou’rethe one I have to worry about.” Winking at her, I lean in slightly. The smell of summer strawberries and fresh salt water mixed with something so uniquely her invades my senses. I have to concentrate not to take a noticeably deep breath in her presence.
We break into laughter as she lightly shoves me out of her personal space. Any lingering tension breaks, and when the laughter dies off, I can’t help it when my eyes dip toward her full lips. I grip the edge of the bench seat tighter, holding myself back from pulling her into my lap and kissing her until the sun sets.
We haven’t even been here for a full twenty-four hours yet, and I’ve already broken several of her rules. I’m a good man, and I’ll be damned if I break the no-kissing rule. That crosses a line I’m not sure we could come back from.
