One Summer Day (BWWM)

CHAPTER 15

Having Cléo in my apartment was not something I thought would happen for a long time. Initially, when I had asked her, it was an impulse, and I thought she would reject my offer. But here we are in front of my room door, staring into each other's eyes. I feel my cheeks getting warm and quickly remove my hand from her chin, starting to dig through my pocket to find my room key. Thank God I decided to actually clean my room today. I didn't want her to think I was a bum or anything.

Opening the door, I step aside to let her come in and watch her observe my room. There was nothing too fancy about it. I had a couple of posters and my final project from last semester, but other than that, my room was very bland. I had attempted to decorate it before, but it was an obvious fail.

"So... this is me. It's not as interesting and cool as yours, but it makes do," I say in an attempt to make conversation. She snickers and nods.

"It could definitely use some work, but this is your room, so I don't really have a say," she says, walking over to my desk and sitting on the chair.

"You can sit on my bed; I don't mind," I explain, making sure she feels comfortable.

She shakes her head in disagreement. "I would never sit on my bed in outside clothes. Why would I do that to you? That's disrespectful on so many levels," she finishes, starting to take off the boots she wore with her outfit. I didn't get to tell her how good she looked tonight. She looked really, really good. Cléo is an attractive girl; that I can say with full confidence.

"I wouldn't think it disrespectful, but if you're not comfortable with it, I won't force you to do it," I say, unlace my shoes, and offer to grab hers as well. I put them both on my shoe rack and can't help but laugh at the size difference.

"Cute," I say under my breath, hoping she didn't hear me.

"Are you hungry or anything? I can order some pizza if you want to take a shower or something," I ask, feeling a bit hungry myself. It's only about 10 right now, but I didn't really get to eat at the party due to some unforeseen circumstances.

"Yeah, I didn't realize how hungry I was until you brought it up," she replies, rubbing her stomach.

"Any preferences?" I ask. "Domino's," she blurts out quickly. There's a moment of silence before we both burst out laughing.

"Sorry," she says in between her laughter, "I just really love Domino's." And I can't help but laugh again. "It is very good," I say, nodding in agreement.

"Toppings?" I ask, dialing the number of Domino's on my phone. "I'm fine with any, as long as it's not pepperoni, olives, or mushrooms," she lists, and I chuckle.

"For someone who doesn't mind, you sure do have a lot of requests," I tease. "Oh hush it, Roman, just for that, you're paying for the pizza," she says, snickering.

"Jokes on you, I wasn't going to let you pay anyways," I admit. "What kind of man would I be if I did that?" I point out.

"You always gotta have the last say, don't you?" she quips, and I chuckle. "What a sassy man you are," she continues, and I laugh this time—like really laugh.

"Okay, okay, I know I'm funny. Now give me some clothes so I can get out of this skimpy outfit," she says, stretching her hand toward me. I smirk, speaking before I process what I say, "I don't know, I kinda like you in this dress." And I freeze; we both do. What the f*ck? That was not supposed to be said out loud. I acted impulsively without thinking, and now here I am.

I feel my face heating up, and I quickly turn toward my dresser and open the drawer to grab some clothes for her. I extend my hand toward her and hand her the clothing.