When My Ex's Worst Enemy Became My Sanctuary novel Chapter 255

The night was settling in, the city lights soft and blurry as Latham leaned against the streetlamp outside Dorothea’s apartment. Rain fell so lightly it was almost impossible to see, but he waited anyway, eyes fixed on her window. Warm light leaked through the edge of her pale curtains, painting the rain gold.

He pulled out his phone. [Are you asleep?] He knew she wasn’t, but he sent it anyway.

Almost instantly, “Typing…” appeared.

[Not yet. Are you finished?] Dorothea was at her window, phone in hand.

He didn’t bother with small talk. [Yeah. I’m downstairs.]

She froze for a beat, then grabbed her jacket without thinking. [Wait there. I’m coming down.]

They’d promised each other not to meet tonight, just for the novelty of tomorrow’s ceremony, to make things feel new. Dorothea honestly didn’t expect him to show up.

Watching the elevator numbers crawl up, she thought time had never moved slower. When the doors finally slid open, Latham was waiting, his eyes crinkled with a half-smile. Her heart tripped over itself.

She tried to pout, tried to sound annoyed. “Didn’t we agree not to see each other tonight?”

There was laughter hidden in her eyes.

Latham grinned. “I was worried you wouldn’t sleep if you didn’t see me. Just here to make sure you don’t miss me too much.”

Dorothea rolled her eyes, but she was still smiling. She wore light pajamas, her hair messily tied up, a few strands brushing her neck. No makeup, just shiny lip balm making her lips look tempting. Latham’s gaze lingered, turning a little darker.

He slid an arm around her waist, steering her toward the stairwell. She studied his face, noticing the red tinge on his ears and cheeks.

“You’ve been drinking?” she asked, wrinkling her nose.

He leaned in. “Just a little. Want to check?”

The kiss started soft, just a gentle brush, then deepened as he slid his hand behind her head, drawing her closer. Dorothea’s cheeks warmed with a delicate flush, her eyelashes fluttering.

A sudden ringtone sliced through the silence, echoing off the concrete walls. Dorothea tried to pull away, reaching for her phone, but Latham caught her wrist and held it above her head.

She lost track of the time, kissing him until she was breathless, until her thoughts went fuzzy and she forgot the world outside.

Finally, Latham let her go, smiling as he tucked his fingers into the plush fabric of her pajamas. He didn’t push further. His hand simply rested on her waist, his thumb moving in slow circles.

“Babe, let’s not sleep separately tonight. I know you want to be with me too. Let Carmen have the couch. We’ll take the bed.”

Dorothea just stared at him, catching her breath, her face the picture of exasperation.

“I’m going back upstairs,” she said, but she didn’t sound convincing at all.