Page 102 of If Ever

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The next morning, I return from the kitchen with bowls and spoons in one hand, a jug of milk in the other, and a box of Fruit Loops under my arm.

Chelsea takes the bowls as I climb back into bed. "Seriously?" She eyes the cereal box. "I don't think I've seen you eat one unhealthy thing until now."

"Fruit Loops are healthy, just read the box. Vitamin Fortified... blah, blah, blah." Her mussed hair proves she's spent a wild night in my bed. I say nothing or she'll smooth it down.

"Breakfast of champions is it?" She smirks.

"Only way to start the day after a night of debauchery. You are an excellent shag, my dear." I flash my eyebrows at her.

Her face pinks up. Chelsea is sexy as hell and the way she blushes makes me want to toss her back into the pillows and start again.

I pour a bowl and hand it to her, but she shakes her head regretfully. "I'd love to stay, but I've got to get back to my hotel."

"Why? It's not going anywhere."

"The show only paid for one night. They also gave me a one-way airline ticket home. For today." She looks away, avoiding my eyes.

I set the bowl on my nightstand. "You’re not using it." She can’t leave yet, but she’s quiet and doesn’t immediately respond. I wish I could read her mind and know how to play this.

“No. I’m not using it today, but I’m moving to a cheaper hotel. Four hundred dollars a night is ridiculous. I found an Airbnb that’s a lot less.”

I relax. “Why don’t you bring your stuff here instead?” Breakfast forgotten, I stand and pull on my jeans.

"And stay with you?"

"That's the general idea." This is a snap decision, but the easiest I've made in a long time.

"You barely know me, we've hardly spent any time together, and I don't want to ruin it." She sits on my bed, hugging her shapely legs.

I grin. "You're kidding, right? We've been doing this long distance thing for well over a month. Now that I've got you here, in my city, and in my flat, I don't exactly plan on letting you go." And then I back pedal. "Unless, of course, you don't want to stay."

She's flustered for a moment, but recovers. "Of course, I want to be with you, but I don't want to impose. Plus, you have a roommate."

"Who's rarely here," I add, pulling a shirt on.

"But what if you get sick of me and change your mind? Which, as far as I'm concerned, is likely."

"Bollocks. Not going to happen." I stand my ground with arms crossed.

"You don't know that." She's stubbornly trying to win this battle of wills, but she won't.

"Actually, I'm pretty sure I do, but that's a conversation for another time. Would you feel better if we call this a trial basis?"

She hesitates. "That would be better, but I really don't want you to feel obligated."

"Trust me, I won't." I lean over and kiss her. She tastes minty.

"What if we try it for a couple days and then regroup."

I shake my head. "Nothing less than a week. That's my final offer." I can tell she wants to stay, but she hesitates.

"What'll I do while you're at your show?"

"Whatever you'd be doing if you were staying somewhere else. Sightsee, hang out, read."

She bites her lip. "You're really sure?"

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