"I was thinking, and you don't have to give me an answer now, in fact, I want you to think on it first."
I sit up and look at him, cautious.
"After you graduate, I was wondering if you wanted to move in with me. I really like you, Aubrey, and I'd like to take this relationship to the next level."
My brows shoot up to my hairline and my eyes widen in shock. I don't need this right now. Jaw bobbing, I'm speechless. Daniel just stares, chuckling at me.
"Move in with you?"
His smirk is timid, uncertain, and I feel bad because I know it's because of my reaction. I don't want to make him uncomfortable.
"Yes. Live with me. As in share a home, a bed. As in I get to see you all the time."
My chuckle is flighty. "I'm sorry. I know that, it's just so unexpected. Really? You want to live with me? I'm kind of a disaster and I work weird hours."
"I do. If it's what you want."
I bite the side of my lip and his gaze falls to my mouth.
"Can I think about it? I've lived with Natalie for so long… I'd have to make sure she has a roommate first, how I'm going to support my part of the rent, what I'm going to do with my life—"
"Babe. That's why I said think about it. I don't want you making a decision you'll only regret."
Nodding, I smile shyly at him and nestle into his side. He drapes his arm over me. I like living with Natalie, but living with Daniel could be exactly what I need and a step in the right direction for our relationship. Am I really going to make a go of this? More importantly, do I want to?
"Aubrey… Aubrey…" Daniel says, gently shaking me.
I open my eyes, heavy with sleep, and blink.
"Did I fall asleep?" My voice is groggy.
He smiles sweetly at me. Daniel brushes my hair back. "You did. It was pretty cute. I don't think you made it past the first ten minutes of the movie."
Sitting up, I rub my face. I didn't realize how tired I was.
"I'm sorry. I don't know what happened. I just got so comfortable on you that I guess I fell asleep." Leaning into him, I wrap my arms around his stomach and get closer. "You're so warm. Lie back down," I say, pushing into him.
"I wish I could, baby, but I got called into work. I have to go."
Unhappy, I grumble under my breath and he chuckles.
"Boo. Stay here. We were supposed to chill all day."
"I know and I hate that I have to leave, but duty calls. I gotta go."
I release my hold and give him puppy dog eyes. I like how he's looking at me, how his smile is full of happiness that I lay on the act a little more.
"Do you have to go?" I ask, pouting.
He stands and kisses the top of my head. "I do. How about I call you when I get out later? I don't know what time it'll be, but I'll call anyway."
"Fine." I huff and move to stand but he stops me.
"Go back to sleep. I'll lock the bottom lock when I leave."
I nod then lie back down. Exhaustion takes over and I'm so tired. Daniel grabs his cell and wallet, then gives me one more kiss. He covers me with the blanket before he walks away and out the door.
I can feel my body falling into a deep sleep, the weight pulling me under. Just as I'm about to doze off, there's a knock at the door. Groaning, I stand and go to answer it.