Page 145 of Stay With Me

“I’m not payin’ rent,” I say firmly.

He matches my stance. “Wouldn’t accept it even if you tried.”

“Don’t expect me to cook for you.”

“Considering I’ve never seen you cook a day in my life, I’ll be the one cookin’.”

“I’m not sleepin’ in your bed.”

“Didn’t ask you to.”

“This doesn’t mean we’re together.”

This time he visibly disagrees. “Wearetogether.”

Shaking my head, I step back. “This is why it won’t work. You don’t respect my boundaries. I tell you it’s over and you saynoas if it were a multiple-choice question.”

He closes the gap between us and tilts my chin. “Fine, let me rephrase. I amyours. I will always be yours. Whether or not you accept that, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here to support you in any way you allow. If you want to return to being only friends, then okay, but in terms of a relationship, I’m taken.” He tenderly grabs my hand and flattens my palm over his chest where his Billy and sunflower tattoos are inked. “I will always belong to you.”

He’s hell-bent on not making this easy for me. My brain and heart are fighting each other as it is.

“How are we supposed to live together when you wantmorethan I can give you?” I ask softly, trying hard not to get emotional.

“I think you forget I spent the past seven years wantin’ you while you dated Travis and my brother, and I survived, didn’t I?”

“Okay, I didn’tdateyour brother,” I say, then turn to my father to explain because I know he’s hearing all of this. “It was one date.”

Dad stays silent, but the faint smirk on his lips tells me he’s enjoying the show.

“Either way, I’ll respect your wishes, Sunny. I’m not gonna force anything on you. We’ll be roommates, and I’ll help you with whatever you need.Please. Stay with me.”

I blow out a defeated breath at this disaster in the making, but living here by myself would creep me out. Not that they need to know that part.

I turn toward Noah and scowl. “This is just temporary,” I say to them both. “Once the criminal is caught, I’m findin’ a new apartment. Should probably get one with two bedrooms anyway.”

“And when that time comes, we’ll help you move again. Won’t we, Tripp?” Noah shoots him a look.

Tripp shrugs. “Sure.”

“Great!” Noah beams. “Now that it’s all settled, let’s get this place cleaned up, pack your bags, and then move you into Tripp’s guest room.”

I force a smile. “Perfect.”

I’ll have to let the landlord know and will probably lose out on my deposit, but oh well. Not having to pay rent for a few months will be nice.

“I’ll grab trash bags and start on the kitchen and living room. You and Tripp work on your bedroom and bathroom. If I notice anything missin’, I’ll let ya know,” Noah says.

“I’ll take out the broken furniture and put it in the dumpster,” Dad offers.

“Okay, please take pictures first,” I remind them.

“Will do!” Noah singsongs, and if she weren’t my best friend, I’d disown her for blindsiding me.

When Tripp and Noah walk away, Dad leans down and whispers, “I like him.”

I groan. “Of course you do.”

“Vowin’ to keep my daughter safe and expecting nothin’ in return? He’s got my vote.”