“Once is enough,” I gasp, unlocking my door.
Arya lets out another nervous giggle. “I mean, notbeat off,obviously. But I chased him away with pepper spray.”
“You shouldn’t have had to do that at all.”
Her shoulders lift in a stiff shrug. “Yeah, well. Seattle initiation, right? I mean, Salt Lake City has its own crime, but compared to here, home feels… smaller.”
Finally opening my door, I usher Arya inside and step back only once she’s safely across the threshold. “What brought on the move?”
My apartment is dim, illuminated only by a lamp near the couch and the glow of the city lights filtering in through the windows. The rain has picked up again, streaking softly down the glass. Everything in the space is cool, neutral tones of grey and beige, right down to the modern upholstered stools beneath the island in my kitchen.
Arya slowly spins in place, shivering slightly. “Just needed a change. Like I said earlier, things weren't good. And I always wanted to visit this place, so now seemed as good a time as any.”
I kick off my heels and set down my bag before adjusting the temperature on the thermostat. “I'm not from here, either. Not originally. The company I owned had been based out of New Jersey and when CalTek acquired it, I moved. It's a bit of a culture shock for sure.”
“It hasn't been all bad.” Arya runs her fingers over my white granite countertops. “I mean, okay mostly. But so far, I really like my new job and my new friends. KC is hilarious.”
“That's one word for him,” I huff, but my smile drops when Arya shivers again. Approaching her from the side I try to rub some heat back into her arms. “Would you like a shower?”
Her green eyes widen, lips parting, and I stammer over myself at the realization of what I’d just offered. “I-I mean, nottogether, obviously. I have a guest bathroom. You can wash off and warm up under the steam if you'd like.”
Warmth of another kind floods my system when she licks her pretty lips. “You just want me wet again, don't you?”
My pulse quickens, and despite how much I know I need to behave, the corner of my mouth lifts wickedly. “It's become my new obsession.”
We gaze at each other for a few heavy moments before Arya snorts and dissolves into a fit of giggles. “A shower sounds amazing, thank you.”
Releasing an amused breath, I gesture toward the guest bathroom in the hallway. It's one I rarely use, so the double vanity is a little dusty when I turn on the lights. I quickly wipe it away with my sleeve before turning toward her. “Should have everything you need, and I'll bring you some clean towels and a robe.”
She nods, still smiling tenderly. “You’re very sweet, you know that?”
Not as sweet as you.
“I try,” is all I respond.
She giggles again when I step past her, grabbing a stack of clean towels and a spare pink robe from the linen closet. Hesitating just a moment, I decide to grab a pair of fuzzy socks from my dresser as well.
When I return, she’s standing in front of the mirror, studying her reflection. The hollow look on her face stops me in my tracks, but it disappears as soon as she catches sight of me. “Okay, this might be the nicest guest bathroom I’ve ever seen,” she says, plastering her smile back into place.
“That’s not a high bar. But thank you.”
Her fingers brush mine as she takes the towels. “I won’t be long. Promise.”
“There’s no rush. Take your time.”
She gives me a small smile before closing the door behind her.
A moment later, the shower turns on. The sound of running water fills the apartment, echoing faintly down the hall.
I collapse against the wall and drop my head into my hands.
What are you doing, Olive?
Father's voice again. Not in a bad way, just… in athis wasn’t part of the planway. And hell if I even know what the damn plan is at this point.
After throwing on some dry leggings and a loose T- shirt, I busy myself in the kitchen with tea. Steam begins to curl from the kettle as it heats, fogging the air slightly.
From down the hall, I hear Arya humming softly. The sound settles somewhere deep in my chest, activating a deep and familiar longing. I've grown used to my solitude, actually gotten comfortable with it. But what I wouldn't give to come home to something like this after a long day. Tosomeonelike this.
