Page 68 of Roommate Wars

I rubbed the back of my neck. “She helped me out one day after the person I’d hired to help with my dad couldn’t make it.”

Sophia smiled softly. “I’d love to meet him, and hopefully soon.” She poked me in the side with a look that said she was serious. “Don’t forget to keep us posted from now on.”

Max tilted his chin up toward the living room. “You okay with Lizzie?”

Lizzie had curled into the fetal position as the party was breaking up and passed out on the floor. “I’ll move her to the couch. I’d rather she stayed here. Don’t want her going home this late.”

“You know,” Max said, “if everything works out, she’ll become our neighbor. With Elise here now too, we’ll have no reason to leave the building to socialize.”

I nodded. “It’ll be easier to get together. No more mass texting. Not sure there will ever be privacy, though, with us all in each other’s business.”

“Was there ever privacy?”

“Nope. Though Elise won’t be here forever…” Her month was almost up, and I hated thinking about it.

Max’s brow furrowed. “I thought she was your new roommate?”

“It’s temporary, but maybe… I don’t know.” I glanced behind me, but Elise had gone into her bedroom. “She’s stubborn, you know?”

Max chuckled. “Runs in the family.” He slapped my back. “Good luck with that.”

* * *

I changedand got ready for bed. I hadn’t seen Elise since Max and Sophia were getting ready to leave. She must be tired. I should give her space.

I didn’t want to give her space. Was getting used to sleeping with her after only two nights of back-to-back crashing together. Decisions…

Maybe she wouldn’t mind if I crawled intoherbed? If Lizzie caught me, the jig would be up, but that woman was passed out hard on the couch and barely stirred when I covered her with a blanket.

I sat on the edge of my bed for a full ten minutes, considering what to do. One thing was sure: no fucking way were we sleeping in separate beds the last few nights we had together.

Decision made, I quietly exited my bedroom, careful to close the door to make it look like I was in there in case Lizzie woke, then crossed the hall to Elise’s bedroom. I knocked lightly.

No sound.

I opened the door a crack. “Elise?”

Still nothing.

If she wanted me to leave, she could tell me and I would. As of right now, I’d assume she wanted me there.

I crawled into her bed, spooning her small frame. She had her hands tucked under her chin again, looking cute as ever. I buried my face in her thick hair, breathing in the scent of buttercream and strawberries.

She made a small sound, like a cross between a moan and a squeak. “Jack?”

“It’s me.”

“What are you doing?”

I tucked her closer. “About to doze off.”

“In my bed? What about Lizzie?”

So she didn’t care that I was here, only that Lizzie might find out? “I’ll leave before dawn, promise. Lizzie passes out hard. She won’t notice a thing.”

“Mmm, okay.” She wiggled her ass, scooting closer.

I encircled her waist with my arm, happier than I could ever remember being.