Page 33 of Trust Me

Chapter 10

Oliver

I woke to the sound of footsteps.

Sucking in a breath, I sat up straight and looked around the apartment. My eyes paused on the front door, which was locked. Flipping around, I checked the back door. Also locked.

The sound came again, and I instinctively gripped the blanket tighter. When I registered that the steps were coming from the bedroom, I set my feet on the floor, readying to head for the patio. It was closer.

The door opened, revealing a sleepy-looking Dean. My shoulders slumped, and I drew in a long breath.

That was something I’d have to get used to.

“You good?” he asked.

“Yup.”

Apparently satisfied with that, he headed into the kitchen. I laid back, staring at the ceiling. Dean opened and closed a cabinet, then I heard something crinkle. A few taps. Water running. A button. A beep. Then coffee brewing. He must’ve brought those things from his dorm.

“You want any?” he offered. “Wait, you don’t drink it.”

Sitting up, the blanket fell into my lap. I leaned back on my hands and smiled at him. “You remembered.”

“Well, you just said it last night.”

“Still.”

“Why don’t you drink caffeine?”

“You know caffeine’s a drug?”

“I mean, sure, but not really.”

“I’m not knocking it,” I said quickly. “I just don’t take anything that causes dependency.”

“So, no alcohol.”

“Never tried it.”

“That’s impressive.”

My head cocked. “I’m surprised you didn’t say that’s weird. Most people think it is. They assume I’m an addict—which I’m not, by the way—or they want me to try it.”

“I think it’s weirder to act like it’s a necessary part of life.”

Great. My intrigue level just kicked up a notch.

Getting to my feet, I stretched my arms above my head. My hip popped, then my shoulder. If this was twenty-four, I couldn’t imagine the soundtrack I’d create at forty.

I walked into the kitchen, then leaned my elbows on the counter. The scent of coffee was strong as it brewed, and I wrinkled my nose a little. I’d never tasted it, and going by the smell alone, I didn’t think I’d like it.

Feeling eyes on me, I looked at Dean. He was gloriously bare-chested, but I didn’t stare. I met his eyes and offered him my best smile.

“Any plans today?” I asked.

“Nothing exciting.”

“I didn’t ask about exciting plans.”