The dishes clacked together as he loaded them up with greasy food, and then he took them to the tiny bistro table against the wall. Our two plates barely fit, but he put them down, directing me to sit while he poured us two small glasses of orange juice.

He sat down, took a big gulp, and then set the empty glass on the counter behind him. “I don’t want you to look for another place. I want you stay here.”

“It’s a two-bedroom, and Taylor is going to eventually want his bed.”

“No, I want you to live here with me.”

“With you,” I said, watching him wait nervously for my reaction. Feeling so much power over a man would normally be thrilling for me, but a man the size of Tyler squirming was uncomfortable to watch.

“I’m sorry, Ellie,” he blurted. “I couldn’t help it.”

“Couldn’t help what?”

“I woke up this morning with you in my arms.” He chuckled. “Your fucking hair was everywhere. I had a hell of a time getting it out of your face. Then all the strands were fanned out, framing you from the shoulders up. You looked so peaceful. It just happened.”

I frowned. “What are you talking about?”

His face fell, desperation in his eyes. “I fell in love with you. It’s been coming for a while. I tried not to.”

“You’re in love with me,” I said.

“I’m in love with you,” he repeated, more confession than declaration. We both knew what we agreed our relationship was meant to be, and he was shitting all over it.

“Tyler…”

“I don’t want you to look for another place. I want you to stay. I can’t think of one fucking thing better than coming home to you.” He paused. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

My chin was resting against my fist, partially covering my mouth. All I could do was shake my head.

“You don’t love me,” he said, devastated. He dropped his fork and fell against the back of his chair.

“I don’t know,” I said, my eyes glossing over. “How do you know?”

“Because I’m scared to death if I lose you I’ll never feel like this with anyone else.”

I swallowed, knowing what would happen next. It was the reason I’d worked so hard on the apartment. I wanted to leave something good behind.

“I already know that. When I lose you, I know I’ll never feel this way with anyone else.”

One side of his mouth turned up, but when recognition hit, his grin faded. He nodded and pressed his lips together, looking at every point on the floor before standing and leaving me for his room. The door slammed, and my shoulders tensed, my eyes closed tight.

I walked down the hall, knocking softly on the door. “Tyler? I just … if I could just get my things…”