Pay Off

One conversation wouldn’t hurt right?

I returned to my apartment from my impromptu breakfast in the park around 10am. I figured Cole would be out by that time doing whatever his plan for the day was. I was in a world of my own looking at my phone entering the apartment when…

“Hey Roomie, You’re back!” Cole excitedly shouted as his head peeked up from on the couch

“Ahhh, Christ Cole!! Don’t do that to me” I held my hand to my heart to try to slow it back down and focused on my breathing!

Cole didn’t even try to disguise the laughter that rumbled out. Deep laughter echoed around the room and it was still the most beautiful sound I had ever heard. Once he got himself under control, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and said, “Sorry Lia, I didn’t realise you didn’t know I was here- or that you scared so easily I’ll bare it in mind for next time”

“What so you won’t jump out or you’ll do it more often now you know how easy it is to get me?” I smiled

“I’m sorry but I think it may be the latter” he laughed again

I pretended to roll my eyes at him as I made my way to my room.

“Wait Lia - if we’re going to be roomies we should know some basics about each other, maybe even surnames? “ he faked a shocked expression as he scooted over on the couch, “here come sit and TV binge with me”

I looked at the spot he moved from on the couch and weighed up my options. It really wouldn’t hurt to chat to him once right? So he doesn’t think I’m a complete weirdo? Besides Travis wouldn’t know about one little conversation would he? It’s not like he’s bugged the place, has he? I quickly looked around to check when I heard Cole’s laugh.

“What on earth are you looking for Lia? The couch is here? You couldn’t be contemplating sitting on the ceiling right?”

Oh Amelia, you’re making him think you are a weirdo without even trying! Act quick and save yourself! “What show are you bingeing?”

“I hadn’t decided, so I’ll watch whatever show will get your bottom on this couch getting to know your new roomie”

I smiled more in his company than I could ever remember smiling in the past year. “How about walking dead? I’ve never seen it and it has been on my list a while?”

Cole just stared at me like he was thinking.

“What?” I tucked my hair behind my ear, suddenly feeling very nervous.

Cole shook his head slightly, “nothing, you’re just full of surprises is all. But I would love nothing more than to watch Walking Dead with you today. You know the rules though right? When you start a new series with someone you can only watch that series with that person or never watch again? You picked a mighty long series there to watch with me Lia, you better be prepared to spend a lot of time on this couch with me”

My mouth dropped open involuntarily. “I…” I was cut off by Cole’s laugh as he threw a cushion at me.

“Sit down doofus, come on let’s get this started”

I walked over and plonked myself down on the couch. As far away from Cole as I could possibly get without sitting on the arm of the couch and faced straight towards the TV. God, I was being so awkward I needed to save this so spoke softly, “Wyatt.”

Cole looked at me in confusion, “sorry, what?”

“Amelia Wyatt. My surnames Wyatt”

His smile was back again. “Talbot. Cole Talbot it’s nice to meet you Amelia Wyatt. You know I never heard my father mention any Wyatt he was doing business with, what business is it your family are in”

And then the shoe dropped. That’s why Travis doesn’t want me talking to his son. There are too many lies to tread that I’d almost definitely trip up. Just saying my surname has already dragged up questions. I had to change the subject, “I’m sorry, do you mind if we don’t talk business and your father. It’s a hard subject for me. He got me this apartment and I am grateful, I honestly am but other than that I don’t have many good stories there I wish to share, especially with you being his son.”

For once, Cole’s face turned serious “Say no more, trust me when it comes to my father, I know first hand better than anyone how he can be. Consider any conversation of my father banned from this home”

Home. Why did that word from Cole fill me with such warmth? I gestured to the TV “Shall we?”. Changing the subject seemed the safest option at this point.

“We shall, my lady” His smile was back. For the first time I noticed he was wearing his grey sweats that hugged his torso tightly so I could clearly make out his biceps and abs and hugged his hips just right. I looked down to my jeans and shirt and felt a little out of place.

“Actually do you mind if I have five minutes to change into something more comfortable” I stood as he nodded and walked as quickly to my room as I could without looking like I was running. As soon as I got in my room I shut my door and leant my back against it. “Breathe Amelia, you can do this” I could, couldn’t I?