Chapter 21. A NEW ROOMMATE
(Sienna)
Maggie helped me pack the few things I would bring to Zayn’s and Ander’s apartment. I was leaving most of my stuff at Aster Hall, and I would come and go to pick things up when needed. Plus, I didn’t want to come across as imposing and getting too comfortable when truth be told, I was only going to be there for a few days, maybe a week or two at most.
The moment I stepped into my apartment, I dialed Sarah’s number. She didn’t believe me at the beginning when I told her all that had happened during our Thanksgiving break. She went mental when I spilled all the details, including the fact that Noah had found Zayn and me having sex in the kitchen. Maggie’s reaction was similar to Sarah’s although she said she had seen it coming.
“Are you going to pick Zayn over Noah? Girl, let me tell you something. I’m very jealous of you right now. Noah is hot as fuck, and Zayn…oh my God. He looks like a sex god. Please tell me he made you come several times?”
“Maggie!” I screamed. “Don’t be rude. A lady never tells…” She held my gaze for a minute, and we both burst into laughter.
“You’re no lady, Sienna. Of that, I’m sure.”
It was difficult explaining to Maggie my feelings for both guys. They were very different, and I felt like each one held a piece of me. It was confusing because I wasn’t sure I could pick one. It was unfair. Noah texted me a couple of times, trying to convince me to stay with him. But I knew that staying in his apartment wasn’t an option. It would only make things more confusing and difficult until I had made my decision. I had a lot of things on my plate, and this was just the cherry on top.
“I have a call with Peter this week. Apparently, he has a potential candidate for the CEO position and wants to talk to me about it.” It was great news. Things had been chaotic since my father had passed away, and filling the role would mean more stability at Cos Pharmaceuticals; I was sure Peter would be relieved to take back his previous role.
“Do you know who the candidate is?” Maggie asked.
“No. He said he wanted to discuss it with me personally because, in the end, it would be my decision to give him or her the role.” I had asked him to send me the profile, but his hesitation to share any details with me in advance made me a bit suspicious.
“Well, I’m sure if Peter has shortlisted that candidate, it’s because he or she is a good option, at least on paper.”
“I guess,” I replied. “How are things with you anyway? How was your break?” While I finished packing, Maggie told me all the things she’d done at the homeless shelter, and I felt really proud of her for spending her free time with those in need. I felt kind of selfish for ditching her and hanging out with the boys for the weekend, but at least something good came out of my trip to New York. Ander and I were on the same page now, and I was thrilled to rekindle our friendship.
As if Maggie could read my mind, she asked, “Are things with Ander good now?”
“Yes, they’re better. It’ll probably take some time to reach where we left off, but I’m determined to get there.” My mind immediately traveled to our first kiss. Deep down, I knew we couldn’t get back to how things were left off…not really.
“Just be careful. He was a dick with you at the beginning, so remember your worth and don’t take any shit from him. Okay?”
I loved how protective Maggie was. I was lucky to find such a good friend at Stanford, especially since I missed Sarah so much. I promised to call her soon and introduce her to Maggie. I was sure she’d love her too.
* * *
Maggie and I arrived at Montgomery Hall an hour later. Zayn was waiting for us downstairs to welcome us. The building was very similar to Aster Hall. Montgomery Hall was also a mixed dorm, but in addition to all the perks mine had, this one had its own library, a gym with a sauna and steam room, and I was told that their food at the cafeteria was the best one on campus.
The building looked as if it belonged to the Victorian era, and the front looked like something straight out of a fairy tale, with all these elaborate carvings and amazing details you don’t see in modern buildings. It felt like you were actually living inside a piece of history but with all the modern comforts. Maybe the fancy-ass architect who designed the building was trying to replicate an old state in the English countryside. Who knew?
“Good day, ladies,” Zayn said while gracefully bending over in a courteous bow. I snorted.
“I didn’t peg you for a gentleman,” Maggie responded.
“Of course, I’m a gentleman.” He smirked. “Let me help you carry the luggage upstairs, and I’ll show you the apartment.”
Maggie and I said goodbye, and she promised to call me later. She had a tutoring appointment with one of her teachers and was running late. Zayn grabbed my bags and headed to the elevator. Their apartment was on the fifth floor. Buildings weren’t that tall inside campus, but the view was outstanding. The living room windows faced west, and as the sun started setting behind the other buildings, the whole room lit up with an amazing golden glow. It was like pure magic. The way the sunlight streamed through the windows created this dreamy atmosphere that made the apartment feel cozy and welcoming. It was hands down the best spot to hang out with a book and soak in the beauty of the sunset every day.
“You like it?” Zayn asked.
“It’s beautiful. Will you show me the rest of the apartment?”
Zayn grabbed my hand, linking our fingers, and started walking toward the corridor. It was a small gesture, but the contact of his skin against mine gave me goose bumps; it was evident the electric connection we had. There were three bedrooms, two to the left and one to the right, and a generously sized bathroom.
“Your room’s the first to the left, and we’ve made some space in the bathroom so you can put your things there.”
“You share a bathroom?” I asked, confused. I would have never imagined Ander and Zayn were the kind of guys who would share space. I suddenly felt extremely lucky that I was able to get a one-bedroom apartment with an en suite bathroom.
“Yes, we do. So be mindful of the time you spend in the shower, or I might have to share the space with you just so I’m not late to class,” he said as he lifted his hand and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
Whenever Zayn touched me, I had this urge to squeeze my thighs, and my heart would race to a dangerously fast beat. Knowing that he would be sleeping just a few steps away from me every night made my head spin.
“Are you hungry?” Zayn asked, pulling me out of my daydreaming state.
“Do you want us to order something? Is Ander coming for dinner?”
“Yes, he’ll be home soon. I was actually thinking about cooking one of my favorite homemade pasta dishes.”
Did I hear that correctly? This man who looked like a fallen angel with the ability to bring you to your knees knew how to cook?
“Are you telling me that you cook?” I asked, my expression a mix of surprise and curiosity.
He started laughing like it was a ridiculous idea to think otherwise.
Taking a seat on one of the barstools thoughtfully arranged in front of the small kitchen peninsula, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. Zayn poured two glasses of velvety red wine, placing one of them before me with a captivating smile. As I sipped the wine, he retrieved a few fresh ingredients from the fridge. He skillfully sliced the onions with precision and chopped the basil leaves and garlic, then finished by cutting cherry tomatoes in half. I was so captivated watching him work in the kitchen that I didn’t even notice Ander entering the room.
“If I catch you fucking in the kitchen, I won’t be such a good sport like Noah. I’m warning you,” he yelled from the door.
Zayn laughed, but Ander’s comment made me feel a bit uneasy. Neither Zayn nor Noah had told me he knew. I tried brushing the awkwardness aside and concentrating on how effortlessly Zayn moved around in the kitchen.
“Don’t be an asshole, Ander. We’re just cooking dinner,” Zayn responded.
“Well, Zayn’s cooking. I’m just sampling the wine and cheering him on.”
Zayn grabbed a baking tray and started tossing in all the ingredients. He drenched everything with extra virgin olive oil and gave it a nice dusting of salt and black pepper before popping the tray into the oven and setting the timer.
Ander had gone to take a shower, so while Zayn finished preparing dinner, I made my way to the bedroom and tackled the task of unpacking my luggage. The room was tastefully decorated, adorned with varying shades of whites and grays. Positioned at the center was a comfortable queen-size bed flanked by two nightstands and a closet on the opposite side of the room. Several abstract paintings decorated the walls. The entire apartment screamed interior designer paid by the parents, and yes, we have a maid .
“Do you like your room?”
When I turned around, my eyes widened at the unexpected sight. Ander casually leaned on the doorframe, wearing just a white towel around his waist. His dark blond hair was wet. Water droplets cascaded down his tattooed chest and abs, highlighting his muscular frame. My gaze hungrily traced every curve of his body. Only a few tattoos adorned his defined arms. Among them, I identified a snake, an angel with outstretched wings, and two koi fish, but my stomach suddenly dropped as I caught sight of the Aquarius symbol inked above his heart. My steps were slow and deliberate as I made my way toward Ander, my gaze fixated on that tattoo.
“You’re not Aquarius; you’re Taurus,” I said while I traced my fingers over the lines.
Ander gently took hold of my chin, lifting it so that our eyes met.
“Ask me the question, Sienna.”
My heart raced, and the world around me seemed to fade away. I nervously bit my lower lip, and Ander’s gaze instinctively dropped to my mouth. I was afraid to ask if that tattoo meant my zodiac sign.
I wasn’t ready for any of the two possibilities. It would hurt to know that it wasn’t because of me, and he was just fooling around with my head, but I wasn’t sure I was ready to hear the alternative answer. That I was the reason he had gotten it in the first place. I took a step back and put some distance between us.
“I need to finish unpacking. And yes, I like my room. Thanks for letting me stay here.”
Ander’s expression became somber, yet he managed to force a smile and replied, “Of course.” Without saying another word, he turned on his heels and left to get dressed.
* * *
“I think we should start discussing how we’re going to unmask this stalker,” Ander suggested.
We sat in the dining room, eating the lovely dinner Zayn had cooked.
“What can you tell us about the notes?” Zayn asked.
I took a deep breath and explained everything between the first note I received and the last event before Thanksgiving.
“Do you think they might attend the same classes as you?” Ander asked.
“It would make sense, but they could be anyone.” I shrugged, expressing my uncertainty. “They must have been following me to figure out my schedule.” The notes exuded jealousy, and it got me thinking—maybe some girl wasn’t too happy about me getting cozy with these guys. “Do you think it could be a girl obsessed with any of you? Maybe she doesn’t like that I’m hanging out with you three?”
“It is a possibility. I think you shouldn’t be alone at any point during the next few days. If you’re right, she’s not gonna like it when she realizes you’re living with us.”
Zayn was right. I was a bit scared about how the creep would react when they discovered I was staying in their apartment. The idea of being nannied didn’t sit well with me, but I recognized the risks of being alone on campus.
“Bring your schedule, and we can work something out,” Ander proposed.
We spent the next two hours going through my calendar and activities until we made sure someone was with me at all times, whether it was Maggie or any of them.