Page 33 of That First Flight

“None of that.” Oliver shakes his head as he takes long strides around the island to close the space between us. His arms wrap around my head in a warm, comfortable, yet unfamiliar embrace, forcing my body to tense under him.

When was the last time someone just stopped and hugged me like this?

When was the last time I felt comfort the way I do in his arms?

“I want you to make yourself at home. I’ll drop to my knees andbegyouto make this feel like your home if I need to,” he jokes.

My arms wrap around him at his words, a silent answer to his statement telling him that I’ll try.

His one hand cups the back of my head, holding me to where I land on his chest. My heartbeat thunders in my ribcage while feelings I’m not used to swarm in my gut.

“I’ll be home by Wednesday night. I have to head down to Florida to help with a new product launch for one of the companies that sponsor me for a new men’s beachwear line.”

Anddd now I’m thinking about Oliver in swim trunks and the fact I can’t wait to creep on that post.

But before my body can react, he pulls away. I watch intently as he grabs a piece of scrap paper out of a junk drawer and scribbles something on it.

“Here’s my number. I figured since we’re roommates, but more importantlyfriends.” He winks. “It’s only right I give this to you. You can use it as you wish. Oh, and your interview is scheduled for next Saturday. I know it’s a weekend but that’s what worked best for him.”

He doesn’t allow me a chance to respond or even try to come up with one of our witty comments that we always give each other before he’s grabbing a glass of water off the counter and making his way to his bedroom.

I watch as Oliver walks away, stuck in the same spot he left me in the kitchen with a phone number in my hand when he pauses at the last minute and turns around, his eyes meeting mine.

“Treat this like your home, Macey.”

His words play over and over again in my head as I finally get settled into my room. I eventually fall asleep with the biggest smile on my face for the first time in years.

Home.

Unknown

Why are there bags and boxes all over the kitchen?

Who’s this?

Unknown

Funny guy.

I told you I would stock the kitchen for you, Macey Ashley Evans. If that’s who this really is.

You should probably open them all and make sure everything is good.

Macey

First of all, still not my middle name. Nice guess though.

Secondly, did you SERIOUSLY buy an All-Clad Copper Core cookware set??

Is that the wrong one?

Macey

Uhhh… It’s a crazy expensive cookware set for someone with nothing but a collection of empty takeout containers and Pop-Tarts in the pantry. Even the rats were starving.

First of all, there are no rats in the apartment. Where do you think you live? Second of all, those takeout containers are quite useful.

Macey

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