The house was quiet, except for the low hum of the city outside. Lauren sat cross-legged on the bed, her hair damp from a shower, Larry’s hoodie drowning her frame. Across from her, Larry lay on his side, propped up on one elbow, watching her.
Not just watching—studying.
His expression was unreadable, but there was something in his eyes—something deep, something sure.
Lauren felt her stomach flip. “What?”
Larry’s lips twitched, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on the blanket. “Marry me.”
Lauren choked on air. “What?”
Larry didn’t laugh. Didn’t smirk. Didn’t do any of his usual playful teasing.
He just looked at her, steady, certain, waiting.
Her pulse was a wildfire in her veins.
“Larry.” She barely managed to get his name out. “You can’t just—”
“Why not?” he cut in. “We both kn
