Page 82 of Scandalous

Frowning, I set my phone down and turn, looking at the cabinet. In all the time we’ve lived here, I don’t think I’ve ever opened that cabinet. Walking over to the counter, I turn and jump, sitting on the marble top. Very carefully, I put a foot on the counter and stand. Leaning against the fridge, I open the cabinet.

I can’t help but laugh when I see not only an electric wine opener but several bottles of wine. Reaching forward, I pull off the sticky note on the wine opener and read it.

Say thank you, Miss Blake.

Grabbing the wine opener, I set it on the top of the fridge and shut the cabinet before carefully climbing down. Walking back to the other side, I open the wine and pour myself a glass. Taking a sip, I shut my eyes as the bubbles hit my tongue.

I don’t know how much they spent on this wine, but it’s fucking delicious. Unlocking my phone, I take a photo of the open bottle and my filled glass.

Me: Mission success. Thank you, Ezra.

Ezra: You’re welcome, Miss Blake.

Me: How did you even manage this?

Ezra: I have money and you have a roommate. Don’t question things. Just enjoy.

Drake: What are your plans for the evening?

Leaning against the counter, I text the guys while I drink wine and eat cheesecake out of the dish.

Me: Studying, cheesecake, wine, and a bath. Not necessarily in that order.

Liam: I vote for a video call while you’re in the bath.

Drake: Second.

Ezra: Can’t you give the woman a bloody break? You were just with her this week.

Liam: I’m sure she misses us as much as we miss her.

Laughing, I shake my head.

Me: Good night boys.

As I refill my glass and put the cheesecake and wine back in the fridge, my phone vibrates on the counter. Washing off the fork, I set it on the drying rack and look around the kitchen.

Everything is clean and where it belongs.

Grabbing my phone and the wine, I head toward my bathroom and start the bath. With my phone and wine on the counter, I light a few candles and shut off the light. Once naked, I pick up my wine and check the water before slipping into the tub.

Leaning back, I take a deep breath before releasing it slowly. The water is fucking hot but feels nice. Taking a drink, I sink farther into the water.

When I left my parents’ place and moved into the dorms, I could have cried over not having a tub anymore. Something about water has always calmed me, and I knew I was going to miss it. Holland knew how much I missed it, so when her parents decided to buy a place, having a tub was on her list of must-haves. I couldn’t have thanked her enough.

Switching gears, the guys come to mind.

Is it weird that I already miss them? What do they have planned this week? I can’t help but smile as I think about them and what they could be up to. As much as I want to deny it, last night, I had a hard time falling asleep without one of them next to me. This morning I missed Santi helping me make breakfast. I even missed Ezra’s verbal sparring while he watched me.

As wrong as it sounds, Australia can’t come soon enough.

I wonder if I could slip away early?

Besides, if I’m not willing to travel back home during the school year, I have no business flying off to London just to see them.

If you went though, it would be worth it,the devil on my shoulder teases.

Stop thinking about them. I chastise myself.

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