Chapter 2

I dragged my luggage through the Seattle airport, searching for a pair of familiar grey eyes. My eyes scanned through the crowd and I finally gave up. I took my phone from my pocket and just when I was about to call Nate, I felt a pair of arms around my waist lifting me from the ground. I caught a whiff of strong aftershave that I could never forget even if I wanted to and already knew who it was.

"Jeez, Nate. Put me down," I laughed while he placed me on the ground. I turned around and my breath hitched. Face time didn't do justice to his face. He looked even more handsome than I remembered with his jet black hair pushed back and I could see a glimpse of his tan chest through his button-down shirt. He grinned widely, making his grey eyes twinkle. I smiled back at him and roamed my eyes all over his body, capturing every bit of his sexiness.

"Wow....look at you," he looked at me up and down, raising his eyebrows. I was surprised by his reaction. I was just wearing a plain t-shirt and a skinny fit jeans which was nowhere near fancy. Although I did secretly enjoy his eyes on my body.

"Come on, I'm starving." I smacked his head and dragged him by his arms.

"We could stop by at a diner or something on the way to the apartment," he spoke as he carried my luggage and we made our way towards his car.

"You still don't cook?" I asked in a surprised tone.

"Why do you think I asked you to be my roommate?" he winked at me and loaded my luggage in the hood of his car.

"Asshole," I kicked his legs and entered his car. Damn, he must be paid well to have a cool ass car like this. I ran my fingers against the leather seats, loving the feel of it.

"Can I drive?" I asked with a huge smile on my face.

"No fucking way," he scoffed and started the car. I pouted and folded my arms in front of my chest, sinking back in my seat.

"Did you check how far the school is from your place?" I asked, turning my head to his side.

"Yeah, it's about a 10 minutes drive. I could drop you off on my way to work," he replied, focusing on the road.

"That's great,"

"Man, I missed you so much, dude," he flashed me a huge grin, making my heart skip a beat and cringe at the same time.

There was that word again 'Dude'.

"I missed you too," I whispered and looked outside the window.

"So what's new?"

"New?"

"Anything interesting? Did you find someone you like at least now?"

"Nah, I told you I'm not interested." I lied and tried to brush it off.

"You have been giving me that reply since high school," he teased, making me roll my eyes.

"I can't just date anybody, Nate. Now, enough about me, what about you? Who is the flavor of the month?" I tried to sound cheerful but I was praying internally, hoping there wasn't anyone.

"I'm just too busy with work and stuff. All that was over with college. Good old times!" he sighed dreamily and I mentally gagged, thinking about all those slutty girls he slept with.

"You are such a man whore," I grimaced while he just laughed and pulled over at a small diner.

We ate while catching up like long lost friends and I realized that nothing had changed between us. He still made me go all crazy and I loved spending time with him.

If only he could see me as more than a friend.

We reached his apartment soon. It looked so messy but was pretty spacious with two bedrooms and a kitchen that looked empty. The living room had a couch and a flat-screen TV. I noticed that he made no effort to make the place feel like home.

"Damn, why does it look so lifeless in here?" I asked as he walked past me with my luggage and went inside the bedroom on the left to place my luggage.

"You know me, I'm just too lazy to decorate and do shit like that. So that's the kitchen and the bathroom is over there. We got to share it and this is the living room. Welcome home, roommate," he gestured towards the whole apartment and beamed proudly.

"Do you even do grocery shopping?" I asked with a frown on my face.

"I used to but after my roommate left, I've been living on take out food," he grinned sheepishly.

God, he was such a lazy ass.

"I'm gonna freshen up and get some rest, you better help me later to organize and clean up everything."

"Yes ma'am," he saluted and sank on the couch, turning on the TV. I made my way towards my room and decided to take a nice hot shower to calm my nerves.

"Cute PJ's, Thompson" I heard Nate's sarcastic comment from the couch as I came out of the bathroom.

"Shut up," I shouted as I walked towards my room. I looked down at my PJs which was childish. Maybe he still looked at me as a kid and not as a woman. I wanted him to think that I was hot and sexy. I groaned at how desperate I was being. Why do I even like that jerk? I started to unpack and arrange my things in my room. Once everything was set and I was satisfied with the way my room looked, I jumped on the bed and decided to take a nap.

I woke up to the loud ringing of my phone and turned it over to see the caller ID with one eye open. It was my mom.

Shit, I forgot to call her.

"Hey, mom," I said in a sleepy voice, waiting for her to chew my ears off.

"I knew you would forget to call me when you see Nate. Where are you, baby? Are you all settled in? I was worried sick,"

"I'm fine mom. I'm at Nate's place and yes, I'm all settled in. I was so tired and forgot to call you, sorry," I rushed out, sitting on my bed, wide awake now.

"That's okay. I miss you already," she said in a sad tone and my heart ached. I missed her too. She tried to be so strong till I left. I knew she was about to break down sooner or later.

"I miss you too, mom but we could face time and I'm gonna visit you whenever I can," I swallowed hard and tried to keep my tears at bay.

"I know, baby. I just want you to know that your dad also would have been so proud of you,"

"Yeah, I know, mom." I smiled, pushing the hair back from my face. I've never stayed away from my mom and this was a huge transition for both of us. We spoke for a while about Nate and the apartment before I cut the call and convinced here for the millionth time that I was going to be fine.

"You are finally awake," I found Nate, pacing around in the kitchen, shirtless. I could see his back muscles flexing as he was unpacking the groceries, making me drool instantly.

Holy fuck!

"What time is it?" I asked, trying to divert my eyes from his perfectly toned chest. Why was he roaming around shirtless?

Oh wait, he lived here too.

"It's almost seven. You were out like a light and I didn't want to disturb you so I went for a grocery run. I even tried to tidy up the place a bit," he scratched the back of his head, looking so fucking cute. I took a look around and couldn't help but smile that he put some effort for me.

"Looks much better than before," I stated as I walked inside the kitchen and leaned against the counter.

"Now it's your turn, missy. Make us dinner," he threw a pack of cheese at me which I caught swiftly.

"And here I thought you actually missed me," I faked a hurt tone and got to work. He laughed out loud, placing the last item in the cupboard. I stole a glance at his biceps and quickly diverted my eyes before he could catch me staring. Halfway through cooking, I felt him behind me and I almost stopped breathing. My heart started to race as I felt his bare chest pressing against my back.

Oh god, what was he doing?

"I want Mac and cheese," he held my waist lightly and spoke from behind, making me shiver as his hot breath against my neck sent tingles down my spine. For him, it must have been a harmless friendly gesture but my skin was burning from his touch.

"Uhhh..sure," I cleared my throat and tried to hide the blush on my face with my hair.

"Great," he kissed my cheeks and walked away. What the hell? Should I be used to this shirtless pacing around and friendly kisses on the cheek? I don't think my poor heart can take it. It wasn't even a day but I was sure of one thing.

I was royally screwed!