Elevator Pitch (Hapless In Love #1)

43. Breakfast & Entering

43

breakfast & entering

Greyson

Manhattan, NY | January 20, 2024

I wake up from the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long time with Selah in my arms. Last night was unreal. She came alive for me and undone in more ways than one. I am still in awe of her. She is remarkable. I haven’t shared my bed in a long time. It’s been me and occasionally Clifford wanting to snuggle, but I won’t deny that I like the way this feels. Her lush curls are splayed across the pillow, and they smell of cherries.

I realize that she came here in that little dress, and I want her to feel comfortable here, so I decide to do something I shouldn’t. I consider she might not like this, but I want her to stay, at least for the morning. She should have her necessities, and her cat needs to be fed, so I’m going to go downstairs and let myself into her apartment, but just to grab a bag of things she’d need to freshen up and lounge around with me. I also don’t want her to have to do the walk of shame back to her place in what’s left of that dress. I didn’t mean to rip it. I’ll buy her a few more.

I ease my arm from under her, careful not to wake her. It’s possible that she may not see this as a kind gesture so I should start thinking of a way to make it up to her if she gets pissed with me. I manage to get dressed and quietly exit the room without so much as a stir from her. She should be exhausted, so I’ll pat myself on the back for that later. I find her bag and retrieve her key ring. I freeze when Cliff lifts his head, he notices me, and I know with one bark this whole operation is over. I remain still, watching him and he is not ready to get up for the day. As expected, he grunts softly, drops his head back down and I wait a moment more before I slip out the door.

The elevator ride is fine, and I don’t encounter anyone. I feel guilty the whole way because I am doing something wrong even if I have a good reason for it. I rifle through her keys until I find the right one that grants me access to her place and when I open the door, I remember where Peach’s food is from when I saw Audrey feeding her. I settle in and swap out her water bowl. She starts meowing from a distance once she hears her food pinging against the bowl. Her cries grow closer, and I step back waiting for her to emerge. Once I come into her view, she gives me a look of indifference. I introduce myself and to my surprise she walks up to sniff me for a bit and rubs herself against my leg.

I head to Selah’s room and look for some kind of bag to fill up. I am reminding myself that while it looks and feels like I’m a thief right now, I am not. I find a tote bag hanging off her closet handle and I search her drawers for a change of clothes, I find something simple and move on to the bathroom. I opt for the toiletries that are lined up on her counter, assuming those are her favorites, adding them to the bag. I remember to grab a shower cap, and I notice her bonnet laying on her bed, so I pick that up too. Next time, I’d love it if she'd pack a bag beforehand. Well, that is if she’d like to do this again. I have a bit of a stare down with her e-reader and decide against it. I know she doesn’t go anywhere without it, but I could be declaring war if I touch that thing, so it stays put.

I’m out of her apartment quickly and leave the place as neat as I found it. I underestimated how much more nerve wracking the walk home would be with her things, hoping she isn’t awake when I get there because this will be very awkward to explain. I slowly turn the knob as I tiptoe back into my apartment, it’s silent when I return, but Clifford isn’t in his bed.

Now, I’m nervous.

I pad toward the hallway, and I see my bedroom door opened wider than when I left it. I peek in and to my surprise, Selah is still sleeping soundly, an arm draped over Clifford as he snuggles up beside her. My heart warms at the sight. It’s been just us for so long that it’s nice to see Cliff enjoying her presence as much as I do. I’d like to grab my camera, but it’ll make too much noise, so I silence my phone and snap a few pics of their cuteness from the hallway. Just for me.

I write her a little note explaining what I did and why with an apology on the back of it. I leave it on the pillow beside her and I hope it makes her laugh when she wakes up. I leave the bag in the bathroom for her, and I start tidying up the kitchen so I can make us breakfast since cooking calms me down when I overthink. She tends to stress clean, and I suppose you could say that I stress cook. Last night was the best night I’ve had in a long time, but I learned that I have a jealous streak when it comes to Selah. I don’t like the idea of her entertaining other people. I’d like a shot at giving her what she needs and I need to figure out how to have this conversation. I haven’t had a crush since college, and I don’t remember feeling this way.

Shit, I’ve been married and it didn’t feel this way.