Because You're Mine (The Gallaghers #3) - Layla Hagen Page 0,4
brother had just told me to look out for her, and right now, all I could think about was how damn perky her ass was in those jeans. Henry would punch me if he knew my thoughts.
"Well, today I'll probably just unpack and settle in. But we can text tomorrow and see how it works out."
"Sure," I said, realizing I was already anticipating her text.
"Thank you so much, Ian. I really appreciate you picking me up and touching base."
“My pleasure, Ellie." I kissed her cheek, inhaling the sweet perfume of vanilla and some sort of flower. I barely kept myself from moving my lips and nose down her neck, just to bury my head in her scent and get more of her. “Text me tomorrow. And we can talk more about that deal too.”
Chapter Two
Ellie
I unpacked until past midnight, so I woke up at ten on Sunday, grinning as I looked around. I had far too many clothes for this room. I had a small double bed that had drawers under it, and at the side was a closet and some shelves. But I still ordered a clothes rack from Amazon that I could squeeze in somewhere. It would make moving through the room a bit awkward, but I'd get used to it. After showering and dressing, I poked my head in the living room. Harper was there, working on a craft project of sorts. She was using the dining room table as a desk, and it was full of paper in various colors. I found out on our second Skype call that she was an elementary school teacher.
"Hey, Harper," I asked, poking my head in the living room. "Do you want to go out for a bit and explore the city with me?"
I was super happy that I'd arrived when I did. I had one full day to relax and look around.
“Sorry, I promised the kids I’d have this paper robot ready for tomorrow. But I do have lots of recs for you.” Grinning, she rubbed her palms together. “You’re going to love Columbus Center. There’s a great ice cream shop just around the corner. And also a coffee shop that has amazing hot chocolate.”
“I’ll keep them in mind. Do you want me to pick up anything while I’m out?”
“I shopped before you arrived, so I’m good, but I saved you space in the fridge.”
We’d agreed that each of us would buy our own groceries, and we’d split things like milk, oil, salt, and other essentials.
“Thanks a lot. By the way, I love what you’ve done with the living room.”
“Thank you, Ellie. I love personalizing my living space, and my first roomie didn’t mind. If you want me to take down anything or you want to bring in your stuff, just let me know. I’m flexible.”
I liked Harper a lot.
“I wouldn’t change one thing about the living room. And I’m just here for six months anyway, so it wouldn’t make sense.”
Harper was an excellent decorator. The living room had a brick wall with a huge TV. Next to it was a piano and a chair. She had a few guitars hanging on the wall. She was also a music teacher in her spare time. The wall around the window had a huge bookshelf that went right up to the ceiling. She even had a ladder for it. The green metal coffee table contrasted with everything, but it somehow worked.
My small bedroom was all white. The last roomie left it in great condition, though it was repainted and the orange fluffy rug was professionally cleaned. The wood floors could use some polishing, but the rug was large enough to cover most of the area. I needed some decorations to make it feel homier though.
I went back to my room, checking my phone. On a whim, I texted Ian.
Ellie: Does your offer still stand? I want to explore the city a bit.
He answered almost immediately.
Ian: Yes. I’m in Central Park with my sisters and my niece. Join us.
Ellie: That’s great. Can you share your location? That way I can come to the entrance nearest to where you are.
A few seconds later, he sent me a message along with the link to a map.
Ian: Sure. I can't wait.
Ellie: Me either.
I wondered if this was the best idea. The man was so sinfully hot that I had a hard time not fanning myself when I was around him. When I first saw Ian, I’d been twelve years old, but even then, I thought