“I know, but I wanted to. And you’re welcome. You’re a working woman and I’m unemployed. It’s the least I can do. That and make sure you have a hot meal when you come home from your hard labor job.”
I laughed. “Oh yeah, I work so hard. And are you still upset about your date? You’re not unemployed!”
She smiled softly. The same smile that would get me to do anything for her. “No, I’m not upset. There will be more, I’m sure. I was just making a joke.”
I sighed. My decision became easier the longer I sat with it. Moving out was a good idea. Although I’d miss accidentally seeing her walking out of the shower in only a towel. Sometimes not even that. I’d catch only the back of her, but it was a really great back.
“Oh, for sure. Speaking of… I’ve been thinking about that. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Letting me stay here and invade your space means a lot to me, but… I’m going to start looking for a place of my own.”
Her smile fell, and it crushed me. I didn’t want to move out, but the alternative hurt too much to think about. It was only a matter of time before she found someone she wanted to settle down with, and while I’d always be there for her, I couldn’t be that close.
“You want to move out? No! I mean, if you’re unhappy here, we can talk about it. While I’d love to kidnap you, that is kind of illegal. But I love having you here.”
“I’m not unhappy, Daisy. I just know how you like your space, and?—”
She shook her head, stopping me. “I like you in my space, Kai. If you’re not unhappy here, why do you want to leave?”
Because I’m in love with you and being this close to you is killing me, but I’m too chicken shit to say anything!
I sighed. “Because eventually, one of your dates will go past horrible dinners. I know you want to find your person, and you might want to start a family someday, and I don’t want to be in the way of that. You’ll want to come home with them and not sneak around your own house because you don’t want to wake me up or whatever. It’s just easier if I move out.” That was true in more ways than one.
“Okay, calm down here. Let’s not make any hasty decisions. We can cross that bridge when we come to it. There’s no rush, and after my date last night, I’m putting dating on hold for a while. First dates are tiring, and I want to focus on work right now. Please stay, Kaia. I love living together. Please.”
Well, shit. How was I supposed to say no to that? I should’ve known it was a lost cause. I should’ve just moved out quietly and left a note or texted her or something. But she might’ve murdered me if I’d done that, so maybe not.
After a resigned internal groan, I nodded. She was right, we could talk about moving when she was actually serious with someone, which I hoped was simultaneously never and also someday.
When I wasn’t in turmoil over my feelings for her and thinking about her naked body in the shower, in the bath, in her room at night, or watching her cook breakfast in short shorts and tank top with no bra, I actually enjoyed living together.
I loved going to work with her and seeing her all day. Laughing and talking at lunch. Scrunching up our noses and smiling when Blair and Drea came out of her office a little less perfect than when they went in. Coming home together and eating dinner at the table like a cute little family. Reading together and just enjoying each other’s company. It was almost perfect.
“Okay.” I put on a small smile as she jumped up and ran over to give me a hug, kissing the side of my head all over.
“To celebrate you not moving out, how about I tag along to your yoga class tomorrow? I’d love to see what it’s all about.”
“I mean, it’s basically the same thing I do here, except without the instructor, and it’s with people and the atmosphere is just different, but sure, if you want.” I shrugged.
“Well, then I know I’m going to enjoy myself.” She winked at me and walked away, leaving me confused at the dinner table. What did that mean? I supposed I’d find out soon enough.
Chapter Sixteen
KAIA
“Why did I let you talk me into this?”Daisy hadn’t stopped yawning since we got to the yoga studio. We were setting up our mats, and I was doing some light stretching.
I shook my head. “Don’t blame me. You’re the one who invited yourself.”
She pouted. “Next time, tell me no! It’s way too early to function! And you do this before work?! I should’ve done a background check before inviting you to live with me. I fear for my life now.”
Tell her no? Tell Daisy Fletcher no? Was she new here? At this point, she could spit on my ass and I’d probably thank her. “You’ll enjoy it, like you said you would last night. What did you mean by that, by the way?”
She blushed a little, but before she could say anything, the instructor came in.
“Good morning. Welcome to Yoga 101. I’m your instructor, Fran, and I hope you’re all ready for an amazing class.” She walked to the front and got set up, and I relayed what she said to Daisy.
“I’m ready for an amazing nap, but I’m here,” Daisy said with a yawn. I smiled and shook my head. It wasn’t even that early. The sun was out… almost.
“You’re strong. You’ll power through. I believe in you,” I replied teasingly but also encouragingly.
