Page 12 of The October Arrangement

Chapter Seven

Simon

After I showered and got dressed, I walked into my study and grabbed the paper I’d printed off the printer. I figured Bella was still asleep and would stay that way as long as possible to buy herself more time here. I was ready to go into her bedroom and wake her up, until I walked into the kitchen and saw her sitting at the island drinking a cup of coffee.

I stood on the other side of the island and set down the paper in front of her.

“What is this?” she asked, looking as beautiful today as she did yesterday.

“Rules,” I said, taking a mug from the cabinet.

“I’m sorry. What?” she asked.

“If you’re going to stay here for the month of October, there are rules you have to follow. I’ve agreed to let you stay here until October 31st.”

“How incredibly gracious of you,” she said.

“Do you want to stay or not?” My brow arched.

“Yes. I do.”

“Then read them.” I pointed.

She picked up the paper. “Okay. RULES. I can’t believe you titled it.”

“Keep reading.” I tipped the mug to my lips.

“Rule number one. My bedroom is off-limits.”

“Completely,” I said.

“I haven’t even seen your bedroom since I’ve been here, and I plan to keep it that way,” she said.

“Good. Then that rule shouldn’t be a problem.”

She continued. “Rule number two. My office is also off-limits.”

“One hundred percent,” I said.

“What’s in there?” she had the audacity to ask.

“My office.”

“That answer makes me want to go in there,” she smirked.

“Do it, and you’re out.” My eyes narrowed.

“Wow. Grumpy much.”

“I’m dead serious.”

She raised one hand. “I won’t go into your precious office, Simon. Rule number three. Do not touch or move my things.”

“I mean that,” I said. “You are not to touch or move anything.”

“Rule number four. No guests. Period.”

“Correct. No guests,” I said.