Page 16 of Room One Hundred and Twenty Nine

“You read romance?”

I nod. “Yeah, it’s fun and sexy and romantic. What’s not to love?”

“Nothing!” she says, laughing a little. “I like romcoms too. Friends to lovers is my favourite trope.”

“I like enemies to lovers. Love me some good banter.”

She laughs again and I wish more than anything I could take her into my arms and hug her, then go into her house and read herone of her favourite books while in bed with no clothes on and sipping hot chocolate.

Fuck, that would be so good.

Sorry Chad, you missed out.

Though I guess I’m in the same boat since it won’t happen for me either.

“Hey, why are you dressed so fancy?” she asks, waving her finger at my body.

“Oh, we’re going out.” I nod to where Nick is still standing on the porch.

“Oh, my God. I’m so sorry to interrupt you.” She stands and walks to her door.

“You didn’t. I came over here. I asked you what was wrong and offered to lend you an ear. It’s fine. In fact, do you want to come with us?”

The offer comes out of my mouth before I think it through. Which I really should have.

“Where are you going?” She asks.

And that’s why you think before you speak.

“Um, well… it’s a club. An adult club here in the city where people hang out and do adult things.” I draw my words out and she seems to catch my drift because her eyes widen and her cheeks blush.

I wonder how low that blush goes.

“An adult club? That sounds… fun. Don’t you need a membership to get into one of those?”

“We have one and we can bring guests. You’ll have to sign an NDA, but other than that, it’s no issue.”

“I’m not sure I can afford that—”

“It won’t cost you anything.” I step closer and take her hand in mine, saying softly, “Please come with us. It’s a good time and who knows? You might find someone who can make you forget about your shitty date. It’s a magical place. No judgement at all. You don’t have to come, but I’d like you to. It’s up to you. Your call.”

She pulls her bottom lip between her teeth as she considers my offer.

I don’t think I’ve ever wanted something more in my whole life. It’s a rush for sure. Even in that club we’re still her bosses, but I have a feeling in my gut that this is a good idea. Not sure where it’s coming from. Probably somewhere with no morals or survival instincts, because Elijah is going to kick my ass if she comes at my request.

She nods her head and I feel a smile pull at my lips.

“Yeah, sure. Do I need to bring anything?”

“Just some ID. You can bring other stuff too, like your phone, but you can’t use it inside.”

“Okay.” She chuckles as if she can’t believe she said yes.

I can’t either.

“I’ll just put my stuff away and get my ID. One sec.” She opens the door to her house and slips inside as I head to our house next door, where Elijah is now standing.

“What did you do?” Elijah asks in his scary voice. Well, it scares others. I’m pretty used to it by now. It’s the voice he uses when he’s pissed.

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