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“You’re not serious, right?” August sounds offended, and when I turn, there is hurt in those pretty hazel eyes.
“I don’t know, we don’t … forgive me, but we don’t really know each other at all.” Parts of me would like to give in to the lustful temptations occupying them, though, and get to know her.
August clicks her tongue like she’s thinking. “I guess not, but I’ve been around your family enough to know things about you. Like the story of how you broke your arm in second grade, or the first dish that you received a national accolade on. I know that you prefer winter over summer because you like cold-weather produce better, and that you’re the one who stole that forty bucks out of Nonna’s wallet while we were in high school. I know that Jackie Reincross wanted you to take her to homecoming your senior year, but you knew she’d bullied that new kid in gym so you gave her the cold shoulder. I know things about you, Evan Ashton. And I’ve been around long enough for you to know things about me.”
She raises an eyebrow at me as she takes a long gulp from her beer bottle, and fuck if that haughtiness isn’t the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. She schooled me, plain and simple, and I’m sitting here like a blubbering fish, wondering how to recover.
“I apologize. I’m … well, I can admit that I’m kind of selfish. Becoming a chef was kind of my one and only focus from the time the idea snagged in my head, and it’s been me and my drive from that day since. I don’t notice a lot of stuff around me, and my family lets me get away with it because I’m the baby. I recognize that. I promise, I’ll try to do a better job where you’re concerned … you know, because we’re going to be roommates for the time being.”
And because I hate how she looked at me before that mask of confidence slipped over her features. As if I did something to wrong her, when for the life of me I can’t think what.
We eat in silence for a beat after she nods, and her lips tip up in a small smile.
“Do we need to have some ground rules or something? I don’t want to upset you if I take the shower first thing in the morning or if I leave my shoes on the stairs or something.” I’m trying to be courteous.
And okay, maybe I’m trying to pry a little.
“I shower at night, so you’re good there.” She chuckles, and then all I can imagine is water sluicing off her naked body. “Just don’t leave cabinet doors open or blast music when I’m trying to sleep and we should be good. Oh, and don’t complain about my candles. I’m a bit of a candle nerd and love to light them all hours, but don’t worry, I won’t burn this place down. I just don’t want to hear that they’re smelly.”
“You’re talking to a guy who sometimes inhales chili peppers for a living. I don’t think any candle is going to give me the ick.”
“All right, then those are the rules.” She sticks her hand out to shake mine, and I’m a little too desperate to slide my palm against hers.
Her skin is smooth, creamy almost, and there is a little jolt of electricity when our hands make full contact. I wonder if she feels it, too.
“How about house guests?” I ponder, gauging her reaction while I still hold her fingers in mine.
“House guests?” Her mouth tics nervously.
“Will you be inviting any friends over? Maybe a boyfriend? Because you have the right to, it’s our shared place.”
“I don’t have a boyfriend.” She stares into my eyes.
Interesting how that little tidbit has my midi going fully hard like I’m a playboy who can’t be contained.
“Well, like I said, I can’t object to you having someone stay over.” I’m baiting her, and I know it, but I can’t stop.
Hearing her moan through the wall because of another man’s hands on her, even with how little I know her, might drive me insane.
“I can assure you, I’ll be having no house guests. If you have any, I’d just ask that you do so discreetly, and that they don’t touch any of my things, like my products in the bathroom.”
August’s face is an unreadable mask as she says this, but she does pull her hand from my grasp, and I can feel the coolness settle over us.
“I won’t be having any guests, either.” I make sure to annunciate every word so she gets the point.
While we’re living together, I’m not going to make her uncomfortable in her own space. I won’t be hooking up with anyone. And I won’t be parading women in and out.
“Up to you. Thanks for the eggs, Evan. They really did hit the spot.” She polishes off her beer and stands to clear her dishes from the table.
I stay seated, watching her body move around the room in an appreciation I should probably wipe off my face. Every time I think this woman is about to say something, she surprises me with a different response.
“Sleep well, roomie,” I say to her back as she tries to exit the kitchen without a goodbye.
August turns, her blond hair flowing over one shoulder with the move and gives me a small smile. “Night.”
Listening as her feet lightly tread up the stairs, I adjust myself in my pants. Damn, it’s going to be another night wondering what she has on under those sheets across the very, very short hallway that separates us.
What’s worse is that with each interaction, I’m more attracted to her than in just a physical way.
