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4
Lyla
So, this is it. My new room, my new city—well, old city—my new life starts today. Sitting up in bed and looking around, I feel less optimistic the more my eyes wander. The room has nothing on the walls, no suitcase by the door, no furniture other than the incredibly comfortable California king bed which was heaven for the past twelve hours I’ve been in it. I know I need to get up and do something. I’m not sure what, but when I told Cole I was going to bed for the rest of my life, I didn’t really mean it. It’s a great idea, but I can’t actually do that, as easy as that would be.
Cole. My mind rushes to remember his face. His dark-brown eyes and long sandy-brown hair. He looks like all the clique surfers here except he is bigger, broader, and was wearing plaid, which is so unlike anyone here in San Diego. I can’t help the stupid smile I know is on my face as I think about the sexy way he watched me walk in. He stayed a good ten feet away with wide eyes and a boyish grin.
There was an unmistakable spark when his huge hand engulfed mine in the warmest way. I wonder if he felt it too. Holy shit, my panties are dampening just thinking about him.
Nope, not going to happen. Not only do I not date, but hooking up with my new roommate is definitely a bad idea. Marcus said so himself. He also told me Cole is more of a player and doesn’t do girlfriends. This was to let me know I wouldn’t have to deal with any “dumb bitches in my new kitchen” or so Marcus explained. I guess he didn’t think I would be interested in Cole myself ’cause the dad voice didn’t come out until Cole was shaking my hand and looking at me like he wanted to eat me. Mmmmm. No one has ever looked at me like that. I wonder what it would be like to be devoured by a man like Cole. So tall and beefy and apparently experienced. A man like that might break me.
A soft knock on the door jars me out of my fantasy. With burning red cheeks, I’m so thankful whoever it is can’t see me.
“Yeah?”
“Hey, Lyla, it’s Cole. I just wanted to let you know I have to run across town for work, and Marcus left for the studio early this morning. I left my cell number and an extra key on the table by the front door. If you need anything at all, just text me.”
I jump out of bed and rush for the door. “Um, okay, thank you. You don’t have to do anything for me or report your whereabouts to me either, you know?” I say with a raised brow as the door creaks open so I can see his amazing dark eyes. He’s even sexier in the dark hallway. He has his hands tucked into dark jeans, and he’s wearing another plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up just to his elbow, a shy grin on his face I can barely see.
“I also have clothes on, so you don’t have to stare at the ground.”
I laugh, and so does he.
“Yeah, of course. I’m just trying to be helpful,” he says with a shrug, looking up at me now. Our eyes meet and lock, just like last night. “I know you don’t know me, Lyla, but if you need me to pick anything up for you or something, I’m happy to help out. It sucks that all that happened to you. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not the guy that’s going to say how it’s all going to be okay and offers you his shoulder to cry on ’cause that’s not me, but if you want Danny’s Burritos for dinner or ice cream from Sally’s or some shit, I can do that.” He shrugs again.
“Okay, cool. For the record, I don’t cry so don’t sweat it. That’s not me. That shit’s for pansies.” I shrug, giving him back his same words. He’s still staring, and I know I can’t stop, but I don’t know what else to say. I lick my bottom lip, and his eyes follow the movement. This makes me laugh. His eyes quickly meet mine again, and he starts to take a step backwards.
“So, number’s downstairs. I’ll see ya around.” He says it like he can’t get away fast enough.
“See ya,” I practically yell down the stairs after him. Damn, I wonder how bad my bedhead is right now. Or my morning breath. Oh well, I shrug it off. It’s for the best, I remind myself. If I can’t eat the carrot, I really should try to stop thinking about it. Even though I bet he tastes like maple syrup. I laugh and roll my eyes at myself. Walking back to my bed, I grab my phone from the charger and see it’s almost noon. I swipe to unlock it and find Charlie's name and type out a text.
Lyla: “Hey, boo, where are you?”
Charlie: “Why, work, of course. Where are you?”
Lyla: “Oh, just lying in bed thinking about you.”
Charlie: “Hahaha. I’m sorry you don’t have anyone better to fantasize about.”
Lyla: “Oh, but I do. Daddy told me I can’t play with him though.”
Charlie: “What?”
Lyla: “I met Cole, my new roommate, last night, and I got an insta-lady boner, but Marcus put down his bossy foot and told us no, lol.”
Charlie: “OMG you finally found someone you actually want and M said no? WTH? I don’t know Cole very well, but Marcus speaks really highly of him. I wonder why he’s saddling you with a chastity belt when I know he likes him. I guess it wouldn’t be a very good idea though since you don’t commit, and you all live together now.”
Lyla: “Yeah, probably not. Especially since my ass is all kinds of a hot mess right now.”
Charlie: “Well, I may not have a penis to offer you, but please feel free to come and see me. It’s been way too long.”
Lyla: “Are you at the studio?”
Charlie: “Yep. Currently in the record room.”
Lyla: “Your favorite room in the whole world. Yeah, I know. ;) I’ll be there in 45. Want me to bring you lunch?”
Charlie: “Sure! Taco Stan is out on his usual perch. I’m sure he’d flip to see you. Might even score lunch for free.”
