Chapter 425
With just a door between them, Aria and Owen could hear Derek’s voice loud and clear.
They were neighbors, even friends, so Owen being at Aria’s place wasn’t suspicious.
The real problem? Owen’s lip was bitten by her.
Two adults, alone, behind closed doors–anyone with eyes would know exactly what just happened.
Outside, Derek was still muttering, “Weird, why isn’t Owen answering? And Aria’s not picking up either…”
Snapping back to reality, Aria grabbed Owen’s arm, dragging him toward the bedroom, whispering, “Go hide somewhere, quick.”
She shoved him inside and doubled back toward the front door.
Just before she opened it, she glanced over her shoulder. Owen was slipping into her room, turning to ask, “Should I close the door?”
There were other bedrooms on the first floor, and even more upstairs, but he went straight for hers.
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Derek was still muttering outside, half talking to himself and half complaining, “Don’t tell me they went on a date without telling me? Great, just great. Looks like I’m sleeping on the street tonight.”
Inside, Aria stiffly gave Owen a quick nod.
Owen closed the door and only then realized which room he’d chosen.
The other rooms were empty and locked, and hers was the only one slightly open.
He thought, ‘Would she think I did this on purpose?‘ Feeling a little sheepish, Owen pressed his lips together–only to feel a sharp sting where she’d
bitten him.
He touched his mouth, couldn’t help himself, and broke into a quiet, helpless laugh.
He pulled up a chair, determined not to look around, but couldn’t stop his eyes from wandering.
The room was simple, warm tones, spotless vanity–no unnecessary decorations except a single teddy bear on the bed.
He figured Julia must have given it to her.
Sunlight poured through the curtains, lighting up the floor.
On the balcony, there were several pots–most just dirt, except for one lonely cactus.
Outside, Aria ran a hand through her hair, smoothed her face, and opened the door.
Derek was still calling, but when he saw her, he jumped. “Aria! There you are! Why didn’t you pick up?”
Completely unfazed, Aria said, “I was busy–left my phone on the couch. What’s up?”
Derek stepped inside like he owned the place, backpack slung over his shoulder. “School’s having a graduation party. I’m back for three days. I tried to drop my stuff at Owen’s, but he wasn’t home either.”
Of course he wasn’t–Owen was here, and his phone was at his place.
Aria glanced discreetly toward her bedroom. “He’ll probably be back later. Just pick any room to crash in for now.”
Once Derek was settled, she’d find a way to sneak Owen out.
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Chapter 425
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Derek dropped his bag, took his laptop to the table by the balcony, and fired it up. “I’ll work here. We’ve got a project on deadline, so I’ll be up late.”
He wasn’t planning to join the party, but Patrick had insisted. He couldn’t let college end with regrets. So here he was.
“I’ll probably keep you up if I type all night in Owen’s place. Mind if I sleep here?” Derek asked.
“Of course, go ahead,” Aria said. “Did you eat yet?”
“Had something on the train.”
Aria glanced at his keyboard. “Maybe you should work in your own room? That thing’s pretty loud.”
Derek didn’t even look up. “You can just go to your room, it’s fine. I’ll come in when I’m done. The room by the balcony’s good, right?”
“It’s fine,” Aria replied.
“Don’t worry about me, get some rest,” Derek said, already immersed in work.
Aria shot another glance at her bedroom, feeling complicated.
She thought, ‘First time I kissed Owen, he roped me into a contract. Second time, Derek shows up and Owen’s trapped in my room. Maybe next time I should keep my cool–the consequences are getting out of hand!
Derek suddenly paused, side–eyeing her. “Is it hot in here? Your face is kinda red. Are you… wearing lipstick? Going out?”
He’d never seen her with makeup before–his–curiosity was piqued.
Aria pressed a palm to his forehead, pushing him back. “No lipstick, not going anywhere. Back off–you stink.”
Derek instantly straightened, sniffing under each arm. “Okay, I did sweat a bit running over, but I don’t stink! Since when do you have a bloodhound’s
nose?”
Aria seized the chance. “Why not shower first?”
“Alright, alright.” Derek headed toward the bathroom, then stopped when his phone rang.
“Derek, are you settled in?” came a voice from the other end.
“All good,” Derek replied.
Aria called over, “That performance report wasn’t thorough enough–redo it and send it to me before morning, then you can actually enjoy your grad party.”
Derek doubled back to his computer, “Got it. I’ll finish it up and send it over.”
He got to work, tossing back to Aria, “I’ll be busy for a while–sleep first, shower later. You won’t hear or smell me from your room!”
Aria finally made her way to her bedroom, pausing at the door for a second before twisting the handle.
Inside, Owen was sitting obediently in a chair. He stood as soon as he saw her. “Derek’s staying over?”
His lip looked even worse, the bite mark darkening.
“He’s working in the living room. No way to leave yet, we’ll have to play it by ear,” Aria replied. She handed him some ointment and a cotton swab. “Mirror’s over there.”
Owen took the ointment but pulled her hand down, sitting back in the chair. “Can you do it for me?”
“You can do it yourself,” Aria protested.
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He looked up at het. “You’re the one who bit me.”
She fell silent. Resigned, she squeezed out a little ointment and carefully dabbed it onto his lip, trying not to think about how they’d ended up here.
Her hand trembled just a little as the memory of their tangled kiss flashed back.
Standing, Aria was a head taller than Owen, so she had to bend over to reach him.
He watched her, a small smile curling at his lips, making it all too obvious she’d been caught staring.
“All done,” she said, straightening up and deliberately avoiding his eyes.
“Thank you,” Owen said softly.
Aria’s room had a few books, but Owen, still sitting, barely glanced at them. His mind was anywhere but the pages.
As the evening cooled, Aria retreated to the lounge chair on the balcony, leaving the room to him.
An hour passed. Derek was still working.
Two hours passed, and he was still at it.
On her fourth check–in, Derek finally snapped, “Why do you keep asking when I’ll go to bed?”
“It’s almost eleven. It’s cold–go warm up in your room,” Aria replied.
Derek gawked. “It’s summer.”
“Don’t stay up too late. Try to sleep early.”
“I’ll be up until three or four, but I’ll sleep in tomorrow. Seriously, go to bed.”
Resigned, Aria rolled her eyes at the ceiling and went back to her room.
Owen, who’d been up all night with excitement, was starting to fade.
When he heard the door, he perked up. “Derek’s still in the living room?”
Aria cut to the chase, “You’ve got work tomorrow. Just sleep here tonight.”
Owen’s sleepiness vanished instantly. He looked up at her, startled and a little hopeful, “You mean… sleep here, with you?”
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