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“An eye mask?” She frowns. “There are blackout blinds in the bedroom.” She tilts her head to the side. “Or are you planning on taking it up a notch—or ten—for round four with some BDSM action? I wouldn’t mind role playing the pages of?—”

“I had something else in mind.”

She shoots me a suspicious side gaze. “What?”

“If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise.” I wave the eye mask.

“I’ll bite.” She snatches it from my fingers and puts it on.

She squares her shoulders. “I’m ready for my surprise.”

I can’t help my smile.

“I’m going to get up and guide you upstairs.”

She nods.

When she’s standing, I grab hold of her hand and drag her to the stairs before sweeping her in my arms.

She yelps and she wraps her arms around my shoulders. “You should’ve given a girl a warning.”

“Demanding much?”

She giggles.

I climb each step.

“I’m already loving the surprise because it involves you treating me like I’m a princess.”

“I’m treating you the way you deserve to be treated.”

Her mouth opens and closes.

“You don’t have to say that.” She finds her voice.

“I’m not one to bullshit people. I say it like it is. I mean every word, Harley.”

She tightens her arms a little more around my shoulders.

She’s been short changed by all the men that have come before me?—

This stupid arrangement doesn’t make sense anymore.

I push the thought away.

Now isn’t the time to make things awkward between us.

We reach the top step, and I trail down the hallway until we stop in front of a door. I drop her to her feet.

“I’m not sure why, but I feel compelled to say this before even knowing what you have in store for me. You are––bar none––the best roommate I’ve ever had.”

“You say that because I don’t bring questionable people over from hookup sites.”

She laughs. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to your unexpected sense of humor.”

I boop her nose. “Ready for your surprise?”

“I’m dying with anticipation.”