"You could stay at my place for a while."
My brain short-circuits. Am I tripping?
"... what?"
He says it like it's nothing then adds, "Just until the holiday season ends. I've got a guest room. Heater works. And Mellow clearly loves you. It'd be easier for you to get to work."
I stare at him. Then down at the cheesecake. Then at Mellow. Then back at him. I still can't believe it.
"It's just an offer," he adds again, more gently now. "Not trying to push you into anything. Just—if it makes your life easier. Warmer."
My heart is doing weird things. A soft panic flutters behind my ribs. Not because I'm scared. But because—
Living with Noah?
Under the same roof?
Seeing him in pajamas. Hearing him brush his teeth. Waking up to him making coffee in the kitchen. Late nights with Mellow sprawled across both our laps. Inside jokes. Comfortable silence. Every little domestic detail I didn't know I wanted until now.
I swallow. "That's ... generous. Really generous."
