Page 79 of Pick Six

“And apparently that works for your appetite.” Her eyes finally lift to mine and there’s accusation in them.

“Saint…”

“What appetites is she referring to?” A smug little smile plays at her lips.

“She’s bullshitting.”

“I don’t think so. She’s a lot of things, but I don’t think that’s one of them.”

“Just forget she said anything. She’s just trying to start shit.”

“Okay.”

I don’t like the way she’s agreeing with me right now.

“Why don’t you say what’s on your mind?”

“I don’t love how she just shows up here. How many other women do that?”

“It’s happened a handful of times.”

“Since we’ve been faking this?”

“No. That’s the first.”

“I don’t like that she just came over here like that. That she thought it was no big deal. That she thinks she can have you whenever she wants you and you’ll just be here waiting for her.”

“I told her no.”

“Apparently in the past, she was able to wear you down.”

“I had a moment of weakness once after I said I was done with her.”

“Mmm. And what’s to stop that from happening again?”

“You.”

“I was here tonight. I might not be the next time. Then what?”

“Then it wouldn’t change anything. But you could be here any night you want. Every night, for that matter.” Asking her to move in had crossed my mind several times already. I hate that she still lives in that shell of a house. I want her in my bed every morning. This wasn’t how I planned to do it. But fuck it, it’s as good as any.

“I think you’d get tired of me if I was here more often.” She shakes her head, her attention going back to the editing she was doing.

I reach over and put my hand on hers, bringing her eyes back to mine.

“Move in here. Get out of that house. I want you here.”

“I wasn’t implying that’s what I wanted. I just meant that you can’t exactly blame Danica and them for thinking it’s a thing they can still do if you’ve made it a thing they could do all this time.”

“Yeah. I’ve been that guy. I’m not him anymore though and part of them figuring that out, is them realizing I’m dead fucking serious when I say I have a girlfriend. So serious she lives with me.”

“I’m looking for an apartment.”

“Good news, I have an opening for a roommate in a really fucking nice place with all the amenities. The rent is cheap and there’s room for really steep discounts if you sleep with the owner. Word is you already like fucking him so…”

“Alex…” Her eyes flick up to mine in admonishment.

“I’m fucking serious. Look at me and take me seriously for a minute. Why not?”