Page 33 of Stuck On Them

She looked around and grabbed a t-shirt that was over the arm of the couch, pulling it over her head. “Ready.”

“I’m a little surprised you aren’t fighting more with me about leaving.” I opened the door and stepped into the hall, immediately getting hit with the smell of marijuana. “Jesus, do Cheech and Chong live here?”

“It’s not that bad. I’ve gotten used to the aroma. I’m not arguing with you because I wouldn’t have been able to sleep here tonight anyway. That night I met you was the first time I encountered a rat.” She slipped on a pair of Crocs and locked her door. “So you should be thanking them.”

I did indeed need to thank them. As I walked toward the stairs with her at my side, I couldn’t help but notice how right it felt.

* * *

For once, I didn’t feel a twinge of guilt at the added expense of using a private car service. It was a luxury that had taken me a long time to even consider, but as life had gotten busier, I couldn’t deny the convenience.

The ride was silent at first and I rested my head against the cool window. I was fucking exhausted from all of the emotions that had been swirling through me all day. I didn’t know how I’d make it through the rest of the week if I kept it up.

I was just about to nod off for a power nap when Paige broke the silence. “You were pretty impressive with that rat. What are you? A rat whisperer?”

I kept my eyes shut. I needed to give her some kind of explanation; if not for my exceptional rat-catching abilities, then for my attitude toward her. “I caught a lot when I was younger.”

She made a gagging noise. “For fun?”

“No, not for fun.” I sighed, opening my eyes and looking over at her. “I grew up in a pretty rough neighborhood. Rats were just a fact of life. It was either catch and get rid of them or let them take over.”

“But you had to catch them? What about a pest control service or a trap?” She shuddered, probably imagining the scenario.

“You have to be able to pay for those things. We couldn’t.”

Paige shook her head, a thoughtful expression on her face. “That’s insane. My family didn’t have a lot growing up, but it was never that bad.”

“It’s not something I like to talk about.” I leaned my head back against the headrest, feeling the weight of the memories settling on my shoulders.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I didn’t mean to pry.”

“Don’t be. What’s in the past is in the past.” I only wished that were true. Despite Luca reminding me earlier that I’m never going back to that situation again, the fear crept up now and again.

Paige’s hand reached for mine and gently squeezed it, surprising me. “You don’t have to be ashamed of where you came from, Ryker. It’s a part of you and it made you who you are today.”

I turned my head to look at her and our eyes met. It was like she could see right through me, removing the bricks I had spent years building up to protect myself. “Thank you,” I whispered, surprised at the lump in my throat. “No one’s ever said that to me before, especially when I’ve been such an ass to them.”

“I mean it,” she replied, her thumb rubbing circles over the back of my hand. “Asshole or not.”

It was strange how someone I hadn’t known for very long could have such an effect on me. But there was something about Paige that made me want to let her in. Maybe it was the way she looked at me like I was worth something. Or maybe it was her unwillingness to back down, even when I was being difficult.

I cleared my throat, pulling my hand away from hers before I lifted it to my lips. “We’re here.”

“Where is here exactly?” She was behind the driver’s seat and couldn’t see the building out of the passenger side.

“My place. You’ll stay with me until we figure out your living situation.”

“That’s not a good idea.”

“Why is that?” I unhooked my belt and opened my door. “I promise it’s rat free.”

Paige gripped the handle on her door, eyes focused on her lap. “It’s just that we, um… well, we slept together, and you’ve been pretty adamant you never want to see me again. And now I’m crashing at your place?”

I paused midway through getting out of the car. “Would you prefer I take you to a hotel?”

“It’s just you’ve been allrawrand now you’re going to let me stay with you? Why the change of heart? I’m still not signing anything.” She’d made that very clear, and her reasons were all valid. They made me feel a bit guilty for how I’d handled the whole situation.

“I’ve been inside you, the least I could do is let you stay in my guest room.” I got out, leaving the door open for her.

---