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“Do you want me to head out? I could go to yoga or brunch with the girls to give you two space.”
“Is that what you would do if you’d moved in here for real?” I asked her, genuinely curious how that would be.
Everly gestured around at my bedroom. “I’m moved in. It’s for real.”
“You know what I mean.” For the first time, I took in my dark wood furniture and gray sheets. It was a masculine room. I needed to tell her she was welcome to spruce it up with her things.
Everly was quiet for a few seconds, and then said, “I’d enjoy the time with you.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do.” I scooted so I was sitting against the pillows next to her.
Her nose scrunched. “I don’t want to take up your time with Wren.”
“You’re not. Besides, all of this is to prove to everyone we’re a couple. It won’t look right if you’re out with your girlfriends your first morning in my house.”
“True.” Then she shook her head. “I never thought it would be this complicated.”
Unfortunately, I had a feeling this was just the start. We were bound to be in situations that were awkward or uncomfortable, or when we got tripped up on the story of our origins. We were bound to make mistakes, but we had our existing friendship to fall back on, at least. We were comfortable with each other.
“Are we going to need to hold each other’s hands or kiss in public?” Everly asked tentatively.
“We’re already affectionate.” I’d always felt free to hug Everly or kiss her cheek or her temple. I told everyone I loved her; I just wasn’tinlove with her. How many times had I said that? Too many. Looking back, I wondered if I’d pushed back a little too hard on the idea of Everly and me together.
On paper, we made sense. We were childhood friends. We depended on each other. It was only natural we were close, given her background and my situation with Lola. “But you’re right. We’ll need to show everyone we’re more. They won’t be convinced otherwise.”
Everly sighed. “That’s what I figured.”
I waggled my brows. “What? You don’t think you can handle all of this?” I ran a hand over my bare chest. “Or kissing me? Afraid you’ll want more?”
I was teasing, but there was a part of me that wanted to put it out there. Was she as worried as I was? Because after waking up to find myself wrapped around her body and seeing her in a way I never had before, I wasn’t so sure I could resist her.
She rolled her eyes. “I can handle it.”
I couldn’t help but notice that her cheeks were flush. A part of me wanted to lean over and kiss her to test the waters. I could always say it was good practice for when we were in public. But I hadn’t brushed my teeth yet.
Then the door burst open, and Wren ran in. That moment was over.
“How many times have I told you to knock?” I asked her.
Wren landed on the bed on her knees and gave me a dubious look. “Um, never.”
I leaned over to pull her into my arms, tickling her. “You’re a brat.”
I never minded when she burst into my room before, but what if she’d seen us in an embrace like we’d been when I was sleeping? Would she be confused? Letting her go, I said, “With Everly living here, you should probably knock. She’s not used to being woken by eight-year-olds.”
Wren frowned and glanced at the clock on my nightstand. “I waited until seven like I’m supposed to.”
“We have a rule that she can’t watch cartoons until seven,” I explained to Everly. Wren usually woke me first, not wanting to be downstairs by herself.
“I’m hoping I learn all of the ins and outs soon,” Everly said to Wren.
“Don’t worry. I’ll teach you. Come watch cartoons with me?” Wren asked Everly.
“I’d love to. But let me get dressed first.” Everly pulled some clothes out of her drawer and headed into the bathroom.
When the door closed, Wren snuggled up in Everly’s spot. “I like having her here.”
I thought about not getting any sleep last night but waking wrapped around Everly. “I do too.”
