Making the Rent the Hard Way - 31

 

"This will work, won't it?" Luca asked.

"It had better. We both want our old lives back."

"Yeah." He said it, but he didn't look as if he really meant it.   

"You didn't like what you were doing?" I asked, collapsing onto one of the chairs.

"I did. I do. It's something I'm good at."

"Then why don't you sound more…enthusiastic?"

It seemed as if he was going to say something then thought better of it. Instead, he replied, "I'm stressed and worn out is all. If you don't mind, I'm going to get some sleep." He smiled tiredly. "Since there's only one bed, feel free to join me when you're ready. I'm a heavy sleeper, so I doubt I'll wake up."

"I… Sure. No problem." I watched as he went into the bedroom, wondering what was up with him. Probably exactly what he'd said, but there was an undertone I couldn't decipher, so I didn't try. I was tired, too, but still wound up enough I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep for a while. There was a small bookshelf along one wall. I checked it out, found a book I hadn't read, so I settled down with it.

I was a few pages in when it suddenly hit me, or at least I thought I had an idea what was bothering Luca. If I was wrong, I'd sound like an idiot, but I needed to know.

He was just getting into bed when I came into the room. He looked at me guardedly when I sat on the edge of the bed.

"If you're worried we'll go our separate ways once we've dealt with Farnham..." I hesitated, "we don't have to."

He stared at me for a long moment. "You might want to, though."

"You might, too. If that's the case… Well, what happens…happens."

"Would you seriously want me to stick around?"

I nodded. "Why not? I like you."

"But do you like me?" he replied.

"I'm beginning to think I do. It's still early on and—"

"If you say it could just be the situation," he grumbled.

"I won't, but it might be. Time will tell, I guess."

"You're willing to find out?"

"Yes." I grimaced. "If we make it through this in one piece, I am."

"So am I." He rubbed his knuckles over my jaw, sending a frisson of desire through me.

I caught his hand, kissing the palm. Obviously, that wasn't enough for him. He cupped the nape of my neck, urging me close enough to kiss my lips. I returned it—gently, at first. The kiss deepened. After that, it didn't take long for me to get undressed and crawl into bed with him—and not to sleep. At least, not for a while.