And how much I want it to be like that again.
A light bulb flashes in my mind, and I can’t help but grin.
Chris eyes me suspiciously. “Why are you smiling like that?” he asks. “Nothing good ever follows that kind of smile.”
“I just had an amazing idea,” I tell him, unable to stop smiling like an idiot.
He pauses mid-chew, clearly intrigued. “Which is…?”
“Why don’t you stay here?”
He furrows his brow, clearly confused. “What do you mean?”
“I mean…Why don’t you stay with me,” I say. “In my apartment.”
He stops chewing, his eyes widening in surprise. “You mean…move in with you?”
“Why not?” I ask with a shrug. “We practically slept in the same bed every night.” Chris shifts uncomfortably, and I’m quick to add, “Of course we won’t be doing that anymore.” I let out a little laugh. “But, Madi moved in with her boyfriend and left me all alone,” I say with an eye roll. “And you know I hate being alone.” He smiles a little, maybe remembering all the times he stayed with me. “And you don’t have a place to stay.” I shrug again. “It sounds like a perfect solution to me.”
Chris sighs. “I don’t know, Gabi.”
“Are you scared, Chris?” I ask, wagging my brows.
He smirks, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Of what, exactly?”
I lift my shoulder in a playful shrug. “That I’ll turn all your clothes pink.”
He chuckles, flashing me a smile. “I wouldn’t even be surprised if you did.”
Hope builds in my chest and I grin. “So, is that a yes?”
He exhales slowly, his expression thoughtful. “You’re really sure about this?”
“I am,” I affirm, nodding. “You came here for me, so why not live with me until you need to go back?”
He seems to mull it over, and a smile slowly spreads across his face, shaking his head in disbelief. “We’re really going to live together?”
“We’re living together,” I confirm with a grin. “This is going to be so much fun. I’m a genius. Best idea ever.”
Chapter 6
Late night pancakes
This is the worst idea I’ve ever had.
What the hell was I thinking, asking Chris to move in?
Sure, he’s my best friend, and I’d love to spend more time with him, but did I really think it would beeasy? It was hard enough dealing with my feelings for Chris when he was miles away in London. Now that he’s here, it’s going to be a million times harder.
I can’t sleep. And that’s a huge issue. Usually, I’m the first to fall asleep. I love sleep. I don’t even have to try; I just close my eyes and drift off. But tonight is different.
I can’t stop thinking about Chris being just a room away from me. Right. Next. Door.
It’s driving me crazy. I haven’t been this close to him since high school, and the old feelings are flooding back, stronger than ever. I roll over, staring at the ceiling, willing myself to relax, but my mind keeps replaying every smile, every touch, every moment we’ve shared.
I let out a breath, my mind wandering back to those nights when I’d lie like this, my head resting on his chest. It feels like a lifetime ago.
Everything has changed between us, even if I never wanted it to. I never expected him to be back, and now he is.
