Page 210 of Power Play

“It’s both.”

His thumb moved across the inside of my wrist. “Then use this place for both.”

I studied his face.

“If Aura and Easton are doing whatever dramatic bullshit Aura and Easton do, come here.”

“That barely narrows down a time window.”

“Exactly. If your apartment is loud, come here. If Klein has you ready to set Victorian literature on fire, come here.”

“You would hate that.”

“Depends on the book.”

“If Wednesday starts making you crazy, come here before dinner,” he continued. “Study, get dressed, pace around, talk to yourself, and drink wine out of my shitty mugs.”

“The Great Lakes mug is growing on me.”

“That’s because you have taste now.”

“I don’t think that’s what happened.”

Ryan ignored me. “If you miss me, come here.”

The offer silenced every response I could have made. His expression shifted slightly when he saw what the words had done to me.

“You heard me.”

“I did.”

“Sleep in my bed if you want.” His hand remained around my wrist, warm and steady. “You don’t need me standing in the apartment for it to be yours too.”

I stared at him.

He had spent years learning how temporary home could become, yet he was standing beside his bed and telling me his apartment belonged to me even when he wasn’t inside it.

I leaned forward and kissed him before the feeling could grow too large. When I pulled back, he looked suspiciously satisfied.

“You distracted me again.”

“You started it.”

“I didn’t.”

“You touched my hat.”

“That isn’t foreplay.”

“With you, apparently it is.”

I laughed and shoved him away. “Finish packing. I’m showering.”

“Need help?”

“No.”

“You sure?”