Page 113 of Messy Strokes (Wrecked Roommates)

“I want you to be.”

“Then, let it go,” he orders. The warmth from his touch disappears as he gets to his feet and offers me his hand.

“Come on, Mads. Let’s go back to bed.”

With a sad smile, I take his hand and whisper, “Deal.”

29

Maddie

“How are you doing?” Milo asks through my cell.

I peek over my shoulder, scanning the cubicles separated by half-walls in the tattoo shop, but no one is paying attention to the new receptionist or the fact she’s taking a personal call during her first week here.

“You sure you should be calling me at work, mister?”

“Are there any customers needing your help right now?”

“Well, no, but––”

“Then, I’m allowed to call you.”

Even though he can’t see me, I roll my eyes and settle back onto the black cushioned barstool behind the small podium acting as the receptionist’s desk. “Yeah, yeah. How’s my little Peanut doing?”

“She’s good. Just finished eating. Did you already pump?”

My cheeks heat. “Yes. It wasn’t awkward at all, by the way. People knocking. Wanting to take their dinner break. It was super duper fun.”

“Did you go in the breakroom like I told you?”

“Yes, and it’s exactly why the employees were knocking and wanting their dinner break,” I explain with a laugh. “You were right, though. They’re actually pretty cool people. I like them a lot so far.”

“I’ll build you a private room over the weekend from one of the extra booths,” he decides. “Soundproof it and shit.”

“Milo––”

“It’s done.”

“You don’t have time to work on a nursing room. You need to get started on your art piece since we ruined the last one, remember?”

“I already told you. I have a backup. Me and Penny made a few tweaks to it the other day. I already submitted it to Jos’s friend.”

“You did?” My eyes widen in surprise, and I shift the phone from one ear to the other. “Seriously?”

“Yeah.”

“And? How is it?Whatis it? Did you take any pictures? I wanna see––”

“Is someone being pushy again?”

“Is someone deflecting again?” I return quickly.

His chuckle turns my insides to Jell-O. “It’s a surprise, babe. Let me have this one, yeah?”

Babe.I always hated the pet name. But not when Milo says it. When the sentiment slips past his lips, it makes me feel precious. Cared for.

I kind of love it.

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