Page 43 of The Roommate Situation

RORY

I wake to a wet tongue on my face, and groan as I shove Oreo away, or try to, anyway. It doesn’t work and she’s climbing all over me, making the mattress sink in under her weight. It’s only when I sit up that I realize I’m on the blow up mattress snuggled against Parker. I don’t even remember getting out of my bed last night, but apparently I did. Parker has an arm around me and Oreo is now climbing over me and licking his face, ignoring my attempts to get her off the makeshift bed.

“Bad dog,” I tell her in a harsh whisper as Parker jolts. “Off.”

I scramble up when I realize that the door is open and my sisters’ voices are echoing down the hall. The mattress wobbles underneath me, and I almost topple over on my way to close the door. Oreo is still mauling Parker, demanding attention, when I turn around.

“Fuck.” I rest my head against the door and let out a breath. I would have been mortified if Addison and Ava had seen us in bed together, Parker shirtless and me cuddled up against him. I’m still trying to figure out how the door got opened, because Iswear it was closed last night when we went to bed. He’s sitting up now, scratching Oreo’s belly as she lies on her back pressed up against him, her tongue lolling out and feet in the air.

“I’m gonna go shower,” I tell him.

When I get back to the room, Oreo is gone and Parker is pulling things out of his suitcase. I close the door and move over to him. “You sleep okay?” I ask.

“Never better.” His eyes are bright and he’s smiling widely. I can’t help it. I press a kiss to his lips.

“You okay with me sharing the bed with you?”

“Of course. I was kinda hoping you would. Maybe we should lock the door tonight, though, if you’re worried about your family.”

I wince. “Sorry. It’s not you, at all. I promise. I just–”

He places a finger against my lips. “You don’t have to explain yourself, freckles. I understand. I’m not offended. Nothing until you’re ready. Remember?”

I nod. God, if he only knew how crazy I am about him. How I want to tell everyone that we’re together and that he makes me happier than I’ve ever been before. But I feel like maybe it’s too soon? Maybe I need to let them adjust to the idea of me not being with Zach before I tell them I’m head over heels for Parker. Or maybe there’s a little part of me that’s still scared, that somehow if I say something it will all come crashing down.

He kisses me again and then makes his way across the hall to the bathroom. I head downstairs and inhale the scent of Mom’s cinnamon rolls. My mouth waters and I grab one, gobbling it down as Ava and Addison come running down the hall in fairy outfits and holding wands.

They race over and hug me as soon as they see me. “Will you and Parker play with us?” Ava asks, blinking those big brown eyes at me.

“Breakfast first, and then we can. Where are Mom and Dad?”

“Daddy is in the basement and Mommy is walking Oreo. She said only one cinnamon roll, and lunch is at two.”

I look at the clock on the stove. It’s ten o’clock now.

Parker enters the room just then, in a pair of snug fitting jeans that show off his very fine ass, and a black T-shirt that clings to his body like a second skin. I bite my lip to keep from moaning at the sight of him, his hair damp and those gorgeous biceps bulging without him even trying.

“Hello, my fair fairies,” he says, bowing to Ava and Addison, making them giggle in delight.

“Rory said you’ll play with us after you eat,” Ava announces. I flush and look at Parker.

“Only if Parker is okay with it.”

He grins. “Of course. But only if I get to be a fairy, too.” He winks at them and they giggle again.

While they are off finding dress up clothes for us to wear, we eat our breakfast. The girls return with a pair of dress up wings for Parker along with a tulle skirt that I have no idea how it will fit him. Addison hands me a crown and a feather boa.

“You get to be the princess,” she says, grinning at me.

“Is this your new crown?” I ask, admiring the silver headpiece adorned with different colored jewels. She beams and nods.

Parker stands and slides into the wings and tutu, and I can’t help snorting and chuckling at the sight. It’s a good thing the tulle skirt has an elastic waistband. He’s so big everything looks tiny on him, but he’s so confident, it’s kind of sexy at the same time, and I love how he’s interacting with my sisters.

We’re in the living room when Dad comes up the stairs and spots us. Parker is prancing around with Ava and Addison and I’m sitting on my regal throne, aka, the rocking chair, as they entertain me. I do think I have the best role in this game of make believe. Dad tries to hide his amusement as he watches us but heisn’t very successful. He has his hand over his mouth but his eyes are twinkling.

When Mom returns from walking Oreo, Oreo bounds into the living room, wanting to join the fun.

Pretty soon the house smells like apples, nutmeg, and freshly baked bread, as Mom gets to work in the kitchen.

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