Page 61 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
Constantine left. I took a deep breath, my belly in knots, and walked into the hall where Clark leaned against the wall on his phone, a worried look on his face.
“Clark, can I stay in your guest room, maybe house sit for the rest of the off-season?” I blurted. “To be honest, I can’t pay rent and I don’t know when I’ll move out, even after classes start, because things are fucked right now. But the closet is uncomfortable and, well, I can’t stay there anymore, and it doesn’t have room for my things, anyway.”
I braced myself for him to be mad or to say no, but I had to lay it all out there.
“Of course you can stay in my guest room. House sitting would be great. I don’t need you to pay rent or anything. You don’t need to worry about it. Stay as long as you need, even after the season starts.” He pulled me to him and I rested my head on his shoulder, which felt so natural.
“What if I need you to keep my broke ass all school year for free?” I couldn’t look up at him. I was asking a lot.
But I needed it so badly. If he’d actually let me stay there, I had a huge chance of figuring out paying off tuition, and still being able to not have to overwork myself when classes started.
“Then I keep your broke ass all school year,” he soothed. “I pay for a second bedroom regardless of whether anyone lives in it. Right now, the whole place is sitting empty. It might as well get used. I’msoproud of you for asking me, Gweny, and I’m sorry if you didn’t feel comfortable asking me sooner. When I offered it to you before, I meant it. I should’ve followed up. I was going to check in with you while I was here and see what you needed.”
Wow. I’d never heard an alpha speak like that before.
“I don’t really need a mini cow.” I looked up at him. The way he was holding me was comfortable. The thing I missed most about being in a relationship was cuddles.
“I know. It’s been fun designing a cow-house though. I wanted to bring you a kitten, but Ma wouldn’t let me.” He grinned, revealing a dimple.
“Your cow-house is amazing. I feel you could sell those plans on the internet or something. Does your building allow cats?” I laughed. “I’d love a kitten. Arealone.”
“They’re real.” He gave me a dopey grin. “We don’t have to tell. Come on, let’s get your stuff moved into my place. Are we telling Carlos and Dimitri about all this?”
“I… I don’t know.” I didn’t want anyone to be mad or disappointed. “You’re going to let me move in. Just like that?”
“Yes. We’ve been friends for a year, and I trust you. You need help, and I want to help you, and I meant it when I offered.” He gave me an earnest expression.
I looked away. “I… I don’t want to be a bother.”
While I didn’t really know him to take people home, I didn’t want to get in his way.
“Why would you be?” He gave me an earnest, puzzled look. “You’re not a bother, Gwen. Your needs are valid.”
They were? Tears pricked my eyes.
“Hey, I’ve got you.” Clark pulled me to him as I cried all over his T-shirt.
My needs were valid. Shit.
“We’ll get you all set up in your new room tonight. Tomorrow, you’ll go shopping with Valya and get your new hair. On Sunday we’ll go to Swoop and you can fill a cart with whatever you need. If you feel bad about it, I can give you a time limit and you can race through the store like you’re on a game show.”
He stroked my hair as he continued to hold me.
“Oh, I can? I always wanted to be on that show when I was a kid. Thank you for being kind.” I sniffed. There was so much to love about Clark and I was happy he was in my life.
“Me, too. I’m not good at guessing, and I don’t always remember to ask, so please tell me if you need help, Gweny.” His scent grew concerned.
“It’s hard.” I gulped. “But I’ll try.”
“Good girl.” He beamed.
Him calling me agood girldid something to me.
Dimitri joined us, frowning. “What’s wrong?”
“Things aren’t going as planned. She’s going to stay with me for a while. Also, she’s been storing her things in closets here, but has to move them out. I’m going to help her with that now. Maybe we can meet up at Tito’s for dinner?” Clark gave me a look that clearly said,I hope that’s okay.
“Good. You’ll be safer at Clark’s.” Dimitri gave a nod of approval.
