Page 18 of Only You

Jack set her pillows and book on the twin-sized bed. “At least you’ll have your own bathroom. The tub is small, but you’re welcome to use my jacuzzi tub instead.”

Suddenly, the reality of the situation struck her. It didn’t matter that they were good friends as he was still a man, and she was living with him. She couldn’t imagine feeling comfortable enough to bathe in his tub and lounge around in her pajamas.

“This TV is smaller than the one downstairs, but it works good and you have Netflix,” he said, sounding like a salesperson.

Kayla chuckled. “It’s fine, Jack. I have everything I need. What will you do now?”

“I’ll probably get in bed and watch TV until I fall asleep.”

“Do you ever read before bed?” Kayla was curious about his routine.

“Sometimes, but nothing like your book. That would only keep me awake.”

She laughed. “Or it will give you sexy dreams. You’re welcome to borrow it sometime.”

“I’d rather have sex than read about it,” he said.

Kayla blushed. Talking about sex in the privacy of his house and bedroom felt uncomfortably intimate.

Jack scratched the back of his head, his nervous tell. “Anyway, I’ll let you get ready for bed.” At the bedroom door, he turned around. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“After yoga,” she reminded him.

“Right.”

“You don’t have to hang around here for me. Do whatever you normally do on the weekend.” Kayla sounded like a broken record, but she couldn’t help it. Jack had invited her here, but that didn’t mean they had to be attached at the hip. At least, not until his parents arrived.

Jack nodded. “Goodnight, Kayla.”

“Goodnight,” she said.

He went out the door and closed it softly behind him.

Kayla let out a big breath. She hadn’t realized how tense she was until now. Relax. It’s just Jack, your work friend. The pep talk didn’t work, and her thoughts took a dark turn. What if we end up hating each other? This was a stupid idea. Why did I agree with this? Because I have a crush on him. No! Don’t go there! She shook her head, even though it was true. Kayla had been attracted to Jack since they’d first met, but she’d squashed it down and buried it in the back of her mind. She hadn’t shared her secret with anyone, for one simple reason. Kayla liked Jack way too much to jeopardize their friendship. A crush was just a crush, easily masked and contained. It didn’t matter that they’d be roommates for the next six weeks. She would keep a tight lid on her feelings, as always. As long as she kept it to herself, nothing bad would happen, right?