Same Time

twelve.

j a i m e e

+

I unlocked the door and opened it. Shayden towered over me, holding out a bag of takeout in greeting.

I backed away from the door, making room for him. He slipped past me, placing the bag down on the counter. His eyes took me in silently. Despite the warm weather, I was still in a navy blue sweatshirt and joggers. But, even after all this time, his gaze still sent a wave of heat through me.

"You still like Chinese?"

I nodded, "Obviously."

"Just checkin'." He shrugs, registering my apartment. He's not looking at me as he speaks, but I know exactly what he's implying. "You were never much of a sweatshirt person."

"I grew up." I replied bluntly, "I'd much rather wear a hoodie or sweatshirt than have to walk around in heels all day, trying my hardest to suck my stomach in with a tight dress."

That brings his stare back to me, eyebrows furrowed. "You were never an insecure person, Jai."

I shrug his comment off, opening the bag and pulling the food out as I begin to take two plates out of the bottom cupboards. "Go sit down, I'll bring it over in a minute."

Surprise flickers in his eyes, which makes sense when I see the amount he's actually bought.

Once I've rationed the food, we settle on the sofa.

It was a quiet moment between the two of us as we ate our food. I was growing sleepier by the second, but being with Shayden felt so much more inviting than my bed. Even in the darkened lighting, he looked gorgeous- when did he not?- just sat on my couch. I didn't want him to leave.

I didn't even notice when he finished his food until he takes his plate into the kitchen, rinsing it before putting it in the dishwasher. I still ate my own as I stared up at Shayden, acknowledging his black eyes and unkempt hair and annoyingly handsome face. I couldn't keep the next few words from spilling out of my mouth, "Can I stay at yours tonight?"

If I was shocked by my question, then Shayden was completely confused. His eyes widened and I heard him suck in a sharp breath, as if he couldn't believe that I'd want to do that.

When he didn't respond soon enough, I offered him the smallest of smiles. "It's fine, I don't have too. I-"

Shay instantly cut me off, "No, I'd...I'd like that. Do you want to get a bag of clothes for tomorrow and we'll go once you've finished eating?"

I push my plate towards him, "You can have the rest. I'll go get a bag."

Five minutes later, I've stuffed my duffel with my clothes to sleep in and a change for tomorrow morning. I grab my coffee and sit next to him, waiting for him to finish eating.

Feeling Shayden's gaze on me, I turn to him as he clicks his tongue. "You covered your neck up."

My breath stills at his words, fingers itching to trace the spot on my neck that I knew was covered in layers of concealer. I could've killed him for even leaving a single mark, never mind six.

"Oops." I send him a teasing smile, attempting pathetically to pretend to not be bothered by his words. But judging by his knowing gaze, I knew I'd failed the moment I attempted to act casual.

"It's fine," He shrugs, taking a sip of his coffee as his smile widened. "They'll just be bigger next time, then we'll see about covering them up."

I choke on my drink, coughing and spluttering until my face is bright red. Shayden doesn't seem bothered though as he bursts out laughing, slapping my back a few times as I tried to regulate my breathing.