Page 83 of Run To You
Thankfully I have the afternoon off from Holcroft because the teachers are having some sort of induction day before the full student body returns. Deciding it would be a good way to burn some frustration away, I slip on my running shoes and jog the short distance to Eden’s place. I didn’t miss my mom peering out the window as I went past the house. She had that look on her face. Again.
Bella opens the apartment door and grabs me by the arm. “Thank god you’re here. Eden’s gone mad.”
I laugh because no doubt she’s being dramatic. I change my mind when I walk into Eden’s room and see the state of it. She’s standing in front of her suitcase with a Slinky in one hand and a single sock in the other, looking confused.
Smothering my laugh, I step to her side and place my hand gently on the small of her back. “Hey, baby.”
Her eyes flicker like she’s coming out of a trance. “Babe! Hey,” she almost shouts. Her lips crash into mine and for a few minutes we make out. Eden still holds on to the Slinky and sock.
“What’s going on, babe?” I ask when we pull apart. Eden’s eyes survey her room, and she blushes. Her hand goes to the back of her neck.
“Um, so…I’m packing?”
Ah, there it is. The answer in the form of an unintentional question. I can’t help but giggle.
“And you’re planning on taking a Slinky?”
She looks at her hands and bursts out laughing. “I may have gone off track. I just couldn’t decide what I’d need.”
“I assure you, the Slinky isn’t necessary for a trip to the UK.” I laugh along with her.
She drops the toy and the sock, spinning to scoop me up into a hug and a delicious kiss. My feet leave the floor and my pulse races. We kiss again, but I can’t let it go any further until I voice my idea. Eden has a way of distracting me until I forget everything.
“Can you take a break from packing for a minute? I need to ask you something.”
We sit on her bed. “What’s up?” she asks. I’m happy to see she’s looking lighter than she has these past few days. I didn’t realize how much the decision of going to the UK was weighing on her.
Biting my lip, I play with her fingers because I’m suddenly feeling a little unsure. Eden wiggles my hand and gives me that look which tells me I’m safe and I can tell her anything.
“How would you feel about me taking over your room while you’re away?”
Her eyebrows reach for the sky. “Has something happened?”
I explain about my parents and how I’m feeling. Eden cups my jaw and places a gentle kiss on my lips. “My room is your room. We’ll just need to get the okay from Bella, but I can’t see her having a problem. If anything, you shouldprobably think really hard about living with her.” Eden laughs.
I smile. “Actually, it kind of excites me. I think I’d really enjoy having a roommate or two for a little while. Plus, it’s only temporary until you get back or I find a new place.”
This time, Eden bites her lip. “What if it wasn’t temporary? What if you moved in and didn’t leave when I get back?”
I look at her for a second, and let what she’s just said sink in. “You want to live together?”
She barks out a laugh. “Fuck yes I do!”
Her enthusiasm makes me laugh. “I want that too.”
“Hey!” Bella shouts from the living room. “Have you stopped her packing the kitchen sink yet?”
Eden rolls her eyes, grabs my hand and hauls me off her bed and into the living room. “Yes, she has. We need to ask you something,” she says to Bella. Becca puts her Kindle down and sits up, poking Bella to pay attention.
“How would you feel about Sloane joining the apartment?”
Becca grins. Bella narrows her eyes. “Will you complain about my nocturnal tendencies?”
Shaking my head, I roll my lips. “Never.”
“Fine with me then. How do you feel about Becca moving in too?”
Eden snorts. “Bel, she moved in months ago.”
