The Arrangement

Chapter 3

I unlock my front door and walk into the house I will now share with Michael, the house I bought with my first million, not the entire million; I also bought my car and all my furniture. I still own the house I lived in with my parents but I couldn’t stay there, I was sad all the time. Just walking into the front door brings tears to my eyes because I know I will never see them again. After the car accident I was lost, I had no family. Both my parents were orphans. Harry and Sarah became my family. Shirley and Jamie were there for me too but they too had passed thankfully I still have Kelly, she’s been my best friend for years, and I don’t get to see her enough.

Michael arrives about a half an hour later and I suddenly remember I have only one bed. Dammit! The other room I use as a home office. I never have company so it didn’t seem necessary to have a guest room. He knocks on the door and I open it, I can’t expect him to sleep on the couch the whole time. I feel panicked that means he would have to sleep next to me. This is too much for my brain to handle.

“Did you change your mind?” He asks frowning.

“Yes.” I shake my head, “I mean no.” I mumble my mind spinning. I’ve never slept next to a man.

“I can leave if you want me to.” He says gently.

“No. Please come in.” I say stepping aside; he walks past me looking around. “Wow, nice place.”

“Thank you.” I reply closing the door, “The bedroom is down the hall if you want to put your things away.” He nods.

“There is only one bed.” I blurt out.

“Oh, Uhm then I should sleep on the couch.” He says stopping.

“I can’t expect you to sleep on the couch.”

“I’d say we both are feeling pretty uncomfortable right about now.” He smiles.

I giggle, he’s right but I know why we’re doing this as does he. I force myself to relax.

“We’ll figure everything out.” He says and disappears down the hall.

I’m not sure what to do with myself while he’s gone so I head into the kitchen and fill up the kettle, I kick my shoes off, it’s my favorite part of my day. Michael reappears leaning against the entrance.

“Coffee?” I ask nervously.

“Please.” He says politely. He looks slightly amused. I can’t be sure but I feel like he is enjoying my discomfort. I finish up and we head to the lounge, we watch some TV and I’m glad that he likes the same shows I do.

“So you’re an action girl?” He grins.

“I am, but I also like other things.” I say.

“Romance?”

I crinkle my nose, “Not really.”

“That’s a shame.”

“Do you?” I ask surprised.

“Sometimes.” He confesses looking deep in thought. He must be thinking about her.

It’s getting late and I think neither of us wants to suggest bedtime I curl up on the couch and the conversation is flowing while we watch. This might not be as bad as I thought it would be.