Chapter 15 Josie
JOSIE
Finally, we were all ready to head home. It was a crisp, cold night with light snowfall. Perfect for walking home.
Killian caught up with me after saying goodbye to my aunt.
“Dinner truly was incredible, Josie. I think you’re going to need to cook for me more often.”
“If you count it as rent, maybe I will.” I joked.
But Killian’s face was serious. “We can make that work.”
“I was joking.”
“Maybe I’m not.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Killian shrugged, keeping his thoughts to himself.
“You know, I hate when you do that.”
“Do what?”
“Start to open up about something, then just stop.”
Killian looked like he wanted to respond, but didn’t know what to say.
“Never mind.” I felt defeated.
“Hey, don’t you do that. Look, I’m trying. I’m not used to actually saying what I want to say.”
I stopped and turned to face him. “Then try. Tell me one thing on your mind.”
“I want more of your rolls.”
I laughed, watching my warm breath meet the cold night. “Really? That’s what’s on your mind?”
Killian stepped towards me. “It’s one thing.”
“Tell me something else on your mind?”
“Do you want to know why I really want more of them?”
“Sure.”
“Because they make me feel warm and good. They give me comfort.”
I stood there with my mouth open. “Really?” I finally managed to get the word out.
“Yeah, really. Josie, your food isn’t just good. It feels like a home I never quite had.”
I felt my heart plummet to the bottom of my stomach.
Here I was, mourning the home I used to have. Yet, Killian was mourning one he never knew.
“Killian, I’m so sorry.” I whispered, not trusting my voice not to crack.
“It’s okay, Josie.” Killian reached out and wrapped me in a hug. He was nearly a foot taller, so I was practically enveloped in his arms.
We stood like that for a few minutes before finally continuing the walk home.
When we made it inside, I expected Killian to make his way to his room, but instead, he stood in the living room as he took off his coat, looking like he was going to say something.
I took off my coat and boots, waiting for him to speak.
“Hey, can I ask for a favor?”
“Sure.”
“And hear me out.”
“Okay…” I was growing more and more suspicious about this favor.
“So, do you remember that girl you helped me get rid of that one day?”
“I’ve been trying to forget it, but yeah, I remember.”
“I need your help again.”
“No. No, no, no.” I shook my head adamantly.
“Yes, yes, yes.” Killian stepped towards me with his hands clasped, pleading.
“Please don’t make me.”
“Make you what?”
“Whatever it is that you have in mind.” I gestured widely towards him.
“I just need your help with something simple.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Why do I get the feeling it is anything but simple?”
“I need you to go with me to a Christmas party at work next Friday.”
“I’m sorry, what?”
“I need you to pretend to be my girlfriend at the Christmas party.”
“First, why? Second, no.”
“Come on, please? I really need your help.”
“Why?”
“Because she’ll be there and she still isn’t getting the hint. And I kind of told her already that you’ll be there with me because we’re still together. And that we’re madly in love.” His last few words decreasing in volume.
“What?” I screeched. “You told her that not only would I be there, but that I would be as your girlfriend? And, and that we’re…” I trailed off, unable to finish that specific sentence. “What the hell were you thinking?”
“I was thinking that I really need her to get her off my ass.”
“This is precisely why you shouldn’t fuck where you work! You wouldn’t be in this situation otherwise.”
“I know, I know. And I’ve been trying to let her down easy. She just won’t take a hint.”
“Maybe it’s because you’re still sticking your dick in her!”
I watched a devilish grin take over his expression as he stepped close enough to wrap his hand around my elbow. “Such dirty talk, Josie.”
My eyes went wide, and my face felt like it was on fire. “Shut up. Shut up right now, Killian.”
“I like it when you say my name.”
I opened my mouth, but nothing other than a high-pitched whimper came out.
“So, does this mean you’ll come with me?”
“No! I didn’t agree to that.”
Killian sighed. “What if I said you didn’t have to pay me rent next month?”
I narrowed my eyes at him again.
“Fine. Two months.”
I legitimately thought about it. I could save up the money for my own place faster that way.
I groaned, knowing I was caving in.
“Great! The party is black tie, so you’ll need to wear something dressy.”
“Like a gown, dressy? Because I don’t own anything like that.”
“I’ll buy you a dress. Well, I’ll give you the money to get one.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“You’re doing me a huge favor, so I don’t mind.”
“Fine,” I grunted.
“Good. Just make sure it’s sexy.” He winked at me, gave my elbow a small squeeze, then quickly made his way to his room.
Leaving me standing there, dumbfounded.