like Merric has claimed that room. I find my suitcase sitting on the bench at the foot of the bed in the vacant room.
I dig out my pajamas and pull my hair up into a bun on top of my head. Living in the dorms, the only TV I usually indulge in is whatever is on Netflix. I’m excited to see what cheesy Christmas movies are playing on the Hallmark channel.
After washing my face and cleaning myself up, I meander back to the kitchen to find Merric sitting at the breakfast bar. He’s dressed in a pair of black lounge pants and a white t-shirt, emphasizing his arm muscles.
I take a minute before making my presence known to admire how the cotton hugs his broad shoulders. The crisp, white material is a stark contrast against his olive skin.
“You plan on staring all night, or are you going to come eat before your food gets cold?”
My mind had started to drift to thoughts of what he’d look like stripping out of them, but his words jolt me back to the present.
I cough, shaking my head to rid the visual I’ve painted in my mind.
“I wasn’t staring,” I lie, walking into the kitchen. My plate of food is left waiting on the counter next to Merric.
“You were staring,” he argues. A small grin curves the edge of his mouth, knowing he’s caught me in a lie.
Just when I’m about to disagree further, Merric points over at the window, seeing our reflection shining back at us.
“I saw you… staring.”
Rolling my eyes, I stalk around the island and stick my sandwich in the microwave. I use it as an opportunity to avoid answering his question.
Once the microwave beeps, I pull my plate out and turn, leaning my hip against the edge of the counter. I stare past Merric, taking a bite of my sandwich, noticing the cobblestone fireplace in the living room, which spans from floor to ceiling, is now on.
The silence between us ticks by, making it more awkward between us each second.
“Has anyone ever told you how great your people skills are, Merric? I bet you hear all the time how people flock to your infectious personality,” I ask, deadpanned.
He stares down, brushing the crumbs off his fingers onto his empty plate. He shakes his head, chuckling when he finally looks back up at me.
“One would say the same about you and your sarcasm, Oaklyn. I hope you plan to put it to good use after college.”
“I’m sure it’ll come in handy in some way.”
He raises his brow in question, waiting for me to elaborate. “Well, my degree was originally in hospitality and tourism. I loved the thought of being an event planner. I’ve always been told I’m the life of the party.” I smirk. “Organization and punctuality have never been my strong suit, and well…” I shrug.
Merric’s grin stretches across his face. I’ve never seen him smile so wide, and it does crazy things to my stomach. My heart beats wildly at the sound of his irresistible laugh.
“At least you know and can admit your faults.”
I nod. “I figured it was best to lead with my strengths, so I switched gears and focused more on the creative side of marketing.”
“I’m sorry about earlier,” Merric says, his tone shifting. He moves his plate to the side, resting his elbows on the table. “Things at the office have been, well, tense. I’m sure you must notice I’ve been feeling the same. I’m sorry I took it out on you.”
I want to ask him if it has anything to do with the last time we saw each other, but I choose to let it go. I’ve chalked it up to him being in a tough place over the loss of his father. Not to mention, he’s opening up and apologizing, which I don’t think happens too often for him.
“You want to talk about it?”
He chuckles for a moment before saying, “Honestly, no. I appreciate your offer. I just don’t want to think about it at all right now. I’d rather enjoy my time away while I can.”
My heart clenches, my face softening at his words.
“I understand. Lord knows I could use a break after finals this week stressing me out.”
I stare past him again, a thought coming to mind.
“I was thinking about curling up and finding a movie to watch. You wanna join me?”
My eyes finally find Merric’s, and he appears to consider it for a moment before shaking his head.
“I think I’m going