Page 26 of Fate In Fiction

Josie moves to the end door and turns back with parted lips. Her eyes widen when she realizes no other doors are left to explore. I fucking hope this isn’t going to be a problem. Stepping into the room, her folded arms flail up and back down as she turns to face me. It’s a large room with big patio doors to a balcony and a four-poster California king-size bed. Nightstands rest on each side of the bed and a dresser sits on the opposite wall with another TV I have never turned on.

“You have a one bedroom.” She pauses, attempting to form another sentence. “You couldn’t have told me this before you blabbered on about me moving in?”

“I figured we could do a pillow wall if it bugs you that much.” I shrug as guilt gnaws away at my stomach. Sharing a bed wasn’t part of this deal. “Look, I’ll get you a bed for the other room, okay?” Though only a small single will probably fit.

I trail behind her as she enters the closet room and curls up on the large cushion. “This is quite comfy. I’m small enough to fit on it.”

“Josephine.” I lean against the doorframe, crossing my arms. “I can replace this with a twin-sized bed for you.”

“Don’t worry about it.” The confidence in her voice rises, telling me how she really feels. “If friends or our family stop by, it will seem strange. I should have figured living arrangements would happen at some point.”

“I’m usually only in this place later in the evenings and gone by morning light. So please feel free to make this place feel like your own.” My stomach growls, and I walk to the kitchen. “Have you eaten lunch?” Red curls shake with her head, and I reach for two pre-made rice bowls out of the fridge. “If you have any specific groceries or meals you would like, write them on that pad of paper and they’ll be delivered.”

“I’m not very picky.” With reluctance, she pulls out the bar stool and joins me at the kitchen island.

“Did you enjoy sunny San Diego?” My attempt to make small talk is pathetic.

“The change of scenery was nice. I spent most of my time at the beach with a book.” A smirk plays on her lips as her fork pushes food around. “My nights ended at a karaoke bar.”

“That sounds like it would be fun, or very painful, if everyone is drunk and trying to sing.” Still, she makes no eye contact. “Did you sneak in?”

“Stella may have had a fake ID made for me. I’m always so nervous I will get caught.”

“I want to go with you next time. I don’t trust drunk men.” The combination of a sweet-faced Josie and men drinking isn’t a good mix.

“I don’t need a bodyguard. Plus, Stella’s cousin, Jake, was with us.” I don’t miss the way her voice chimes with an implication to make me jealous. I’m not taking the bait. I trust her to not mess this thing up.

“Isn’t your trust fund frozen?” For someone who wants to take off to Europe, flying back and forth every weekend can add up. “How can you float flying there with a yoga instructor’s salary?”

“I don’t make as much as I’d like, but I’ll do what it takes for my freedom. As for my funds, yes, most of it is tied up.” Her voice filters with a lightened tone. “Stella charges everything to her dad’s card.” She lifts her fork, pointing it at me.

“Handy to have a friend like her.” I watch her shrug and we continue to eat in silence before another question pops into my mind. “Do you work on the weekends too?”

“It depends if people book me or not. I like to take some time for myself.” She smiles, lighting up her eyes. “If you’re the type who enjoys sleeping in during the weekend, you’re missing out. You should be on a mountaintop watching the sunrise with me.”

“I tend to work weekends.” With her moving in, I’ll probably need to adjust my schedule so we can make some appearances as a couple to this community. “But maybe some morning air will start my days off right.”

“It does.” Her fork picks at her food, but she hasn’t taken a bite. “I work a lot too. One thing my father isn’t proud of.”

“I admire your will and work ethic.” Her eyes meet mine as an endearing smile forms on her pretty lips. “I mean it, Josie. You could take the easy way and appease your parents to their liking and do as they wish, but you want to be your own person.”

“Thanks.” Her tone is hushed as her eyes drift down to my pocket.

My work phone buzzes for the fifth time, even though my meetings have been canceled, and I am on a lunch break.

“You should check your phone. Sounds like it might be important.”

“They know I’m out of office for a couple of hours.” No one has left a voicemail or sent a demanding text, so I continue to ignore the calls.

She takes a bite of food, and an actual fucking moan hums through her mouth. God, my cock can’t handle that right now. “Where did you buy these?”

“I made them,” I state with a shrug. “They’re in regular household containers.”

“Seriously?” Her hand shoots over her mouth as she chews. “Emmett, this tastes like a chef made it.”

“Thank you.” Is it really that big of a deal?

“I hope you don’t expect me to have dinner tasting this good.” She shakes her head as her face falters. “Maybe on a day you don’t work into the moonlight, you can teach me.” She smiles softly. “Or I guess I could attempt a recipe. It would give me a sense of more independence.” It’s not that I’m opposed to teaching her, but cooking with Josie would mean we are confined in this kitchen. She’d probably do something cute or tempting right beside me, and I’d end up making a move. We need a counter to separate us so I don’t lay her on it.