Page 74 of Only With You

I’m in some kind of hell, because I’m tempted to do something I shouldn’t. No one has the right to look that good in pyjamas.

“We did, but you and I don’ttalk.”

“We do. We’ve managed to talk these past few weeks.”

Her gaze coasts over the jar. “Yeah, but it always ends with an argument. Or have you forgotten that’s why that jar is filled with money?”

She’s right, but I’m always trying to keep it civil. She just gets offended when I say anything. I don’t mean to come off as abrasive, but the things I say sound right in my head. I also just don’t have patience for bullshit and never overthink my words. I just say what I feel.

Though Reid doesn’t agree with my communication skills, and has made it his mission to help me improve them.

“We made a deal. I’m not going to argue with you. I’m just trying to talk and apologise.”

She regards me with caution, then shifts her attention to the thick chocolate bar wrapped in a gold foil. “You don’t have to apologise. I overreacted. Let’s move on. I’m over it now.”

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

I step closer to her, but I’m still far enough I don’t hover. “Pretend like you’re fine.”

“I’m not pretending.”

“Yes, you are.”

“No, I’m not.”

I bite back a groan. “Then why the fake smiles? It must be exhausting forcing them all the time.”

She blows out a dejected breath and removes the foil from the chocolate. “Are you going to want hot chocolate? Or do you want something else?”

I’m tempted to push to know why, but I can tell she’s close to snapping at me. I also know I’m stepping into a territory I’ve never cared to step in before.

It pains me to admit that she enthrals me. She shouldn’t, but she does. I’ve tried to extricate her from my mind, but she’s relentless and refuses to let go.

“I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

“You’re about to have the best hot chocolate of your life.” She beams as she breaks the squares and throws them in a small pot. I bask in the genuine curve of her lips. Not because she has a pretty smile, but because she’s not forcing or pretending.

“The best hot chocolate of my life? That’s highly doubtful.”

I realise what I said before I can take it back, but she doesn’t take offence or chew me out for that comment. She softly laughs as she measures heavy cream into a cup and pours it into the pot, then sets it on the stove stop.

“I can’t wait for you to burn on your words.”

“It’schokeon your words,” I correct her, keeping a straight face, but it’s hard not to get lost in her smile and mirror it.

“Nah, I want you to burn your tongue for that little comment of yours.”

“That’s not very nice of you.”

“I never said I was nice.” She side-eyes me, her smile a little wicked. “Why don’t you make yourself useful and put some music on?”

I roll my eyes with feigned annoyance. “I assume you know how to say please?”

Now she rolls her eyes and grabs a wooden spoon from the ceramic jar that holds the utensils. “Please.”

“Yes, Hollywood.” I smirk and connect my phone to the TV’s Bluetooth.

---