Page 33 of Love You From Afar

“Yes?” I say over my shoulder.

“As you’ve probably noticed, our central heating system isn't the best. Each room has a small space heater until we get it fixed. You’ll find yours in the closet. If you use it, just don’t put it next to anything that could catch fire.”

What in the actual fuck?Did I hear her right? Because if I did, she’s completely ignoring the fact that space heaters in a motel are a major fucking fire hazard.

Jesus Christ…just one night, I tell myself. We just have to make it through one night in this godforsaken place.

“Got it, thanks.” I smile as I reach for the door, deciding to keep my opinions to myself. We’re lucky to even have a place to sleep tonight.

Five minutes later, Skylar and I are standing outside of room forty as we anxiously anticipate what’s waiting for us on the other side of the door.

“Are you going to unlock the door or are we going to stand out here and get frostbite?” She asks. Her teeth chatter as she bundles her arms around her chest.

I don’t know why I’m still staring at the door like I’m immobile. I guess I’m just in denial that we’re in this situation right now.

Never in a million years would I have imagined this happening. I’m about to spend the night with Skylar Wood.My brother’s fiancé. My fondest memory. The bane of my existence.

“Everett!Open the damn door,” she demands, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“I can’t help it, I like to watch you squirm,” I smirk. I attempt to keep my cool as I unlock the door, trying my best to hide the fact that I’m scared shitless about sharing a room with her.

The door creaks open as I get my first glimpse inside the room. A lump forms in my throat, and I feel like I might actually pass out. Scratch that, I’m pretty sure I might fall over and die right here on the stained, forest-green carpet.

I quickly come to the realization that we’re sharing much more than a room tonight because there’s onlyone bed. One fucking bed that doesn’t even look big enough for a queen-sized mattress.

I shake my head, closing my eyes as I brace my hands on my hips.

No…absolutely not. I refuse to sleep in the same bed as Skylar.Not fucking happening.I’ll sleep on the roach-infested floor or in my truck before I share a bed with her.

When I slowly turn to look at Skylar, it’s evident that she’s thinking the exact same thoughts as me. Her eyebrows lift in shock as her bag thumps against the floor, falling from her grip. Her mouth is hanging wide open like she wants to speak but can’t find the words.

Yeah, me neither.

“Well, looks like I’m sleeping on the floor tonight,” I exhale, attempting to address the elephant in the room. I close the door behind us before striding into the room and setting the keys on top of a dusty dresser.

“Everett… Are you out of your mind?” She gasps. “You’re not sleeping on the freaking floor. Look at this place.” Her eyes roam around the room, her cute nose scrunching up in disgust.

The seventies-style room looks like it hasn't been properly cleaned in months. Dust settles on top of every surface, and the mirror hanging behind the bed has fresh fingerprints on it.I don’t even want to know how they got there.

There’s an old wooden dresser in front of the bed paired with a television I’m sure is too ancient to function. Two nightstands are conveniently placed on each side of the small bed, both equipped with lamps casting a yellow glow in the room. I spot a white door across the room that looks like it’s been painted over a million times. I automatically assume it’s the bathroom.

I’ve been needing to take a piss for that last hour, so I don’t even think twice before walking into the bathroom and closing the door behind me. To my surprise, it’s the cleanest space in the entire room. Hell, maybe I’ll just toss a couple of pillows in the bathtub and sleep in here.On second thought… there’s no way I’d fit in that bathtub.

After I finish taking care of business, I wash my hands and walk back out into the room.

“Well, at least the bathroom looks like it’s been cleaned in the last six months, so that’s a good sign,” I scoff, trying to make light of our situation.

Skylar’s sitting on the bed with her hands resting in her lap, looking around like she’s in complete shock. It’s silent for a moment before she speaks.

“I’m serious, Everett,” she turns her blue gaze to me.

“You’re not sleeping on the floor,” she sighs. “We may not get along, but I don’t hate you enough to have you sleep on the damn floor and catch whatever disease this carpet holds. Even worse, I don’t want to rush you to the emergency room in the middle of the night because a cockroach burrowed in your ear.”

“Oh God,Skylar. Did you have to go there?” I shake my head, running a hand through my hair.

“It happens all the time!” She retorts. “Look it up.”

“I’d rather not.” I grab the keys from the dresser as I make my way towards the door.

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