Page 25 of The Attraction

Forrest tops up our glasses with more wine, and as I reach the living room, I remember something Felisha once told me about him.

“Which seat is yours?” I ask.

He looks a little shy but points to the one on the end, which when you study it, you can see it has more wear than the other.

“Thank you,” he says and takes his seat as I choose one at the other end of the couch.

Felisha told me that he is a creature of habit. And my question seemed to mean a lot to him.

We both wriggle our bodies and let our muscles relax as we sag properly into the couch, before we look at each other, and I wonder where to start.

“I know I can be a dick, and living with me will be hard, but I figured if we talk about some ground rules, it will be easier,” he blurts out, and I’ve never been more thankful that he started us in the right direction.

“Well, if we are being honest, I know I will also be a bitch to live with on a good day, but if this turns into anything bigger than it is right now, I can’t guarantee I won’t become your worst nightmare. I have a flare for the dramatic.” I wave my hands in the air to accentuate the point

“No shit, Sherlock!” This time Forrest’s laugh is deep and from the bottom of his belly.

“Okay, that’s enough. Neither of us are perfect, although I’m damn close. I’m sure you agree.” Holding my glass in the air, Forrest follows. “To being perfect roomies.” I smile and all Forrest does is roll his eyes at me.

“Hmmm, I’m not sure about that, but let’s toast to roomies who get through this and are both still alive.”

“Yep, I’ll drink to that too.” I laugh. The second glass of wine is starting to take effect, and I’m feeling relaxed, which could be either good or bad, but I guess we will see the longer we talk.

“The first thing we need to agree on is that you won’t leave. I need you to promise me you will stay here so you are safe, no matter how much I piss you off,” he says.

“Bringing out the big one first. Well, since my only other choice is to live with Flynn and Felisha and have to listen to them having sex constantly, I guess you are stuck with me.” I screw my nose up at the thought of third-wheeling every night with the two lovebirds and having to wear earmuffs to bed.

“That’s not a promise.” He is always so straight down the line in these discussions.

“True, but it’s the best you are going to get.” I laugh at him looking annoyed at my answer.

We spend the next twenty minutes just talking normal logistics of how we’ll function around each other. Entering his office when he is working, sharing the workload of cooking etc. which was important to me, and of course him taking money from me for my share of the food. This one we debated for a while, and things started to get heated, but finally he understood my need to be independent and never rely on a man. It takes all my strength to be here because it goes against everything I have lived by for such a long time, so thankfully he started to see why I need to pay my own way.

He wasn’t happy but gave in anyway.

By this time, we are both onto our third glass of red wine and it’s starting to make the conversation slide to topics that aren’t as straightforward.

“I don’t want to cramp your dating life by being here, so just message me not to come home and I’ll go to Felisha’s or stay at work.” I giggle as I say the next part. “Or you know, like in university, leave a sock on the door and I won’t enter.” While I start laughing, the reaction from Forrest is the complete opposite.

“Not happening. I won’t be dating and neither will you,” he barks out at me, so stern like there is absolutely no chance of negotiation on this point.

“You don’t rule my life, you are just my landlord for a very short time, Forrest. So put the asshole back in his box.”

“No, it’s non-negotiable. It’s too dangerous. End of story.” He sits farther forward on the couch, his muscles tense like he is ready for a fight.

“Sure, just freak the shit out of me so I never look at another man again. Seriously, Forrest.” Mirroring his position on the couch, I can feel myself starting to fire up too. “You can do what you like in your boring life, but this woman has needs, you know. So, who is going to take care of them? You?” His jaw clenches at my question, and he is up and pacing his living room after slamming his wine glass down on the coffee table, with a look on his face that I can’t determine, but it’s almost one of disgust.

“That’s what I thought. You don’t do hookups, do you, Forrest. And for me, that’s all I’m interested in. So, you continue to sit here in your tower and wait for Snow White to come knocking on your door and then produce you seven little offspring. But don’t you dare look down on me for the way I live my life. You have no idea what’s inside here or here.” I point to both my head and then my heart. I’m surprised at how calm my voice stays.

I’m not letting him upset me this time. The more we argue about this, then at least it’s finally out in the open, not just an innuendo here and there.

“Let’s just leave it that our sex lives are our own business, and we agree they don’t happen here.” Placing my wine glass on the table, I too stand up and start to leave the room.

“I’m not done!” he yells after me.

“Well, I am. Good night, Forrest,” I call over my shoulder as I continue walking away.

“Why me, why do you want to fuck me!” His bold statement has me stopping in my tracks.

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