The Roommate (Roommates, #1)

It was finally Friday, and Paige would be here in an hour. I felt like a scared teenager again, my stomach twisted into a knot, nervous over where the evening might take us and imagining it over and over. It was a little ridiculous how much I’d missed her. Since she called yesterday to say she was coming, I’d been wound tight, unable to think about anything else.

I spent the day vacuuming and cleaning my new apartment. I lived in a luxury building not far from downtown with a marble lobby and six floors. My apartment wasn’t on the top floor but it was a corner unit, which meant I had two walls of windows that let in the afternoon sun, and a nice balcony.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

After I finished tidying up, I headed to the grocery store to stock up for the weekend, since my goal was that we’d rarely leave the bed. I picked up wine and cheese and fruit for tonight, and ingredients for the French toast I wanted to make her in the morning. Forty-eight hours with my princess wouldn’t be enough. I just hoped I could convince her to stay long term.

I’d been with many women over the years, but no one like Paige. She was precious to me. Growing up with her, I watched her turn into a knockout beauty, never dreaming that I’d get a shot at something more with her. It was almost surreal to think that she was about to visit me here.

After showering, shaving, and applying a little cologne, there was nothing else to do but wait.

• • •

Finally, it was time to leave for the airport and wait for her flight to arrive. I got there way too early, of course, and the airport security patrol ushered me through the line, not letting me stop at the curb and wait for long. I circled the airport three times before she finally texted me that she had landed.

Paige looked even better than I’d remembered, wearing a light blue sweater dress, tights, and tall boots. Her honey-colored hair cascaded down over her shoulders, and she nervously tucked it behind her ear as she looked around. I realized she didn’t even know which kind of vehicle I drove now, and in my excitement, I’d forgotten to tell her. I’d sold the old sedan that had gotten me through college, not thinking it could fare the long road trip, and now drove a black sport utility vehicle. Placing my SUV into park, I climbed out and called her name.

She turned at the sound of my voice, a smile on her lips. Dropping her overnight bag on the sidewalk, she ran into my waiting arms.

Lifting her off the ground, I held her close and breathed in her scent, so thankful that she was here. I didn’t know a soul in this state, other than the people I worked with, and Paige’s presence here felt like everything.