AllFreeNovel
Share Us
What the hell? She's not your girlfriend, Sam. This is you and Avery sixteen years later. Fucking be a gentleman about it and behave.
"It's huge."
The main room was a vast space with an open floor plan that included a living room leading to the kitchen with a big island in the center. There was a full bath near the kitchen. It was at the foot of the staircase that led to the bedrooms upstairs. That was the only downside of the place—one bathroom only. There was a laundry room behind the kitchen, at least.
The bedrooms were very spacious. The furniture was included in the rental and consisted of a dresser, a huge bed, and a small desk in each room.
“This place is so huge,” she said. “And so expensive. I mean, some people could afford it on their own, like you. Which reminds me...why do you need a roommate?"
"Look at this place. Like you said, it's far too big."
"Is this your only option?" she asked, playing with the pendant at the base of her neck.
It was a nervous tic. She'd always had it. I wondered how many other men knew this intimate detail about her.
Now I'm jealous of the guys she's been with in the last decade?I was toast.What the hell is happening to me?
"Yes. It's the only place with a flexible lease."
She turned to look at me from the doorway of the bedroom. "Why do you need a flexible one?"
"I'm not sure if I'm going to stay here for good."
"Oh."
Was it my imagination, or did she sound disappointed?
She licked her lips, running her hands through her thick, gorgeous hair, and then tugged at her right ear. It was another nervous tic. I had the overwhelming urge to close the distance and kiss her, find out if she'd react the same as all those years ago. She used to make the most delicious sound just before she opened up for me, granting me access to her mouth.
Exhaling sharply, I turned, pretending to inspect the windowsill, trying to regain control.
"Why did you even come back?" she asked.
“That's a long story.”
“Okay.”
Looking up at her, I saw her twiddling her thumbs. “Avery, are you feeling uncomfortable?" I asked, getting straight to the point.
She shrugged, holding her hands up. “I don't know. This feels a bit weird.”
I closed the distance again despite knowing it wasn't the best idea. The need to kiss her was back and even stronger than before.
“I don't know if moving in together is a good idea," she said. "I don't know you anymore. We're practically strangers.”
“That’s a risk you run with any roommate. Besides”—I tilted in closely until I could smell a whiff of her perfume again—“I wouldn't call us strangers.”
"What would you call us?" she murmured.
I looked down at her lips before straightening up. I was teetering in dangerous territory. “I'm struggling to find the right words. 'Acquaintances' feels like a mouthful. And it doesn't even come close to describing us." I thought for a moment. "I have an idea. Why don't I take you out for a drink tonight? We'll spill our secrets. Then we won't be strangers anymore.”
I looked her straight in the eyes, turning on my most charming smile. Her eyes rested on my mouth for a split second before she cleared her throat. I’d rattled her, which was exactly what I wanted.
“I can't. I promised I'd take Alana out.”
“You're still friends with her?”
“I'm sleeping on her couch. She offered, even though we hadn't spoken basically since graduation.”
