In a perfect world he’d grab me by the collar and pull me in for a kiss. We’d forget about work and the dishes and we’d go back to bed. Definitely not to sleep.

But this isn’t a perfect world and he doesn’t kiss me. I walk over to the sink and turn on the tap. We work to the beat of Asher’s fingers against the keyboard. I rinse the plates and place them in the dishwasher. I catch Asher’s eyes when I bend down.

“It’s rude to stare, Mr. McGowan.”

“I’m just making sure you’re loading that the right way, Ms. Langley.”

“I can assure you I’m more than capable of loading a dishwasher.”

“Says the woman who’s not capable of ordering my coffee right.”

“You know,” I start and put my hands on my hips, “You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone.”

“And where exactly are you going?”

“My internship is up in January,” I say. “You’ll have to find someone else to boss around. I’ll be sure to leave detailed notes. Credit card number not included.”

Asher licks his bottom lip and moves his eyes back to the computer screen. “You’re not going anywhere, Olivia.”

“That sounds vaguely threatening,” I say. “Are you going to chain me to your desk?”

“Fortunately for you, I’m not into keeping captives.”

“Fortunately for you, I am.”

My attempt at sounding extra sexy leaves Asher in a fit of hysterics.

“Don’t laugh at me.”

“But you make it so easy.”

“See if you have a bagel on your desk tomorrow.”

“Empty threats, Ms. Langley.”

I don’t dignify him with a response, and I finish loading the dishwasher. My sights are set on the couch and that heated blanket. I’m going to take full advantage of this snow day. We’re going to watch so many Christmas movies. Asher is going to lose his mind.

“What should we watch first?” I swan dive onto the couch, and burrow myself into the pillows and blankets. I’m never leaving this spot. Ever. Asher just got himself a very hot roommate. We’re everyone’s favorite trope. “Elf? Home Alone? My personal favorite: To Grandmother’s House We Go? Or we can go in the more romantic direction. Love Actually? The Holiday? Jude Law is so hot.”

He rips the remote out of my hand. “I’m offended you didn’t suggest The Santa Clause.”

“I’m offended you haven’t offered to make me hot chocolate.”

“You’re more than capable of walking into the kitchen to make it yourself, Ms. Langley.”

“I think you just want to stare at my ass again, Mr. McGowan.”

The dimples in his cheeks suggest I’m not wrong.

“Don’t give me that look,” I tell him.

“What look am I giving you?”

“Your cocky douchebag eyes.”

“Is that what gets you going?” he laughs.