Chapter 3
"Warm... your bed?"
Did I just hear that right?
Was this guy nuts?
Seriously, dumbass—did I look like someone who scared easy? He wanted to take advantage me? No way in hell!
My inner badass was instantly ready to throw down, sword swinging and all.
But reality hit me hard—one look at Alex, built like he could punch out a bull, and then at my own noodle arms, and I quietly shelved any thoughts of fighting back.
"Mr. Grant, you know, my bed... it's pretty small, barely big enough for one person. Wouldn't that be a bit cramped for you?" I tried to use physics as my last line of defense, hoping he'd back off.
"No problem. I don't mind," Alex said, not even blinking.
"But I'm a wild sleeper. I snore, grind my teeth, talk in my sleep, and do full-on 360-degree flailing kicks in my sleep. What if I hurt you?"
"Even better. Gives me a chance to retrain your sleeping habits."
Yeah, I was out of excuses.
He was hell-bent on freeloading off me.
Watching that smug look on his face made my blood boil.
Fine, move in then!
Bring it on!
It was just one more mouth to feed, right? I'd just treat him like another freeloader in my house.
Once I figured out your dog transformation routine, just wait and see how I mess with you!
"Fine! I agree!" I said through gritted teeth.
Alex looked a bit surprised at how quickly I agreed, but he just slipped right back into his usual stone-cold face.
"Good. Now, go make me something to eat. I'm starving," he commanded, acting like I really was his live-in housekeeper.
Fine, I'd just deal with it.
I rolled out of bed, grumbling, and headed to the kitchen. Dug through the fridge and found two eggs and a sausage.
Ten minutes later, I set a plate of blackened mystery food and a chipped plate in front of him.
"Mr. Grant, your breakfast," I said, flashing him a smile that was all sweetness and light.
Alex took one look at the plate of burnt eggs, his brows furrowing into a deep scowl.
"This is your idea of full-service butler?" he said.
"Yep," I replied, completely unapologetic. "This is what you get here. Don't like it? Order takeout—on your own dime."
With that, I grabbed my own sandwich and started munching away, looking way too pleased with myself.
Alex just stared at me for a solid 30 seconds—so long I thought he was about to chuck the plate at my face.
In the end, he didn't say a word. He just picked up his fork and started eating, face as blank as ever.
Watching him struggle to choke down that burnt breakfast, I couldn't help but feel secretly delighted.
Think you could take me on? Please, you were still way too green!
After that "lovely breakfast," Alex had his assistant drop off a mountain of stuff, and he swaggered in like he owned the place.
My tiny apartment officially upgraded from single-girl sanctuary to bizarre human-dog hybrid household.
The first day of living together was awkward and tense from start to finish.
But when night rolled around, that was when the real test began.
After my shower, I put on my banana pajamas and dragged myself to the bedroom door.
Alex was already done, lounging against the headboard with documents. He'd changed into a silk robe, the collar open just enough to show his collarbones.
I had to admit, the whole scene was pretty easy on the eyes.
But the thought of actually sharing a bed with him made me super uncomfortable.
"Well... Mr. Grant," I said, hugging my little pillow and pointing at the couch. "Would it be okay if I just slept on the couch tonight?"
Alex lifted his eyes from his papers and shot me a casual look. "So, you really think you can back out now?"
I immediately caved.
I hugged my pillow like a martyr heading for execution, edged over to the bed, lay down as far from him as possible, and cocooned myself tightly in the blanket.
"Goodnight," I said, my voice stiff.
"Mm," he replied, switching off the bedside lamp.
In the dark, I could hear both our breaths, loud and clear.
My heart was beating.
I'd never been this up close and personal with a guy before.
And of all people, it had to be my mortal enemy.
I was so nervous my palms were sweating bullets, frozen stiff and barely daring to even twitch.
After forever, I finally heard his breathing slow and steady—Alex was asleep.
I quietly exhaled, just about to turn over, when suddenly a hot arm slid around my waist.
I went stiff.
Next thing I knew, a warm chest pressed against my back, locking me in his embrace.
Alex pressed his chin against the top of my head, his voice carrying a sleepy rasp.
"Don't move," he said.
"W-What are you doing?" My voice trembled.
"Didn't you say you liked falling asleep in my arms?" he whispered in my ear. "Now, let me hold you instead."
I was speechless.
I could barely breathe.
Was this role reversal?
My mind was screaming, but my body just melted.
I had to admit, Alex's arms were broad, strong, and made me feel safe—even warmer than cuddling with Husky Alex.
I fell asleep, all dazed and cozy, right there in his arms.
The next morning, I was jolted awake by the urgent ringing of the doorbell.
I rubbed my eyes and sat up, only to realize Alex was already gone.
The doorbell just kept ringing.
"Who's that at this hour?" I grumbled, my hair a total mess, and shuffled to the door in my pajamas.
As soon as I opened the door, my bestie Sophie Lane poked her head in, looking all nosy.
"Chloe! Surprise! I brought your favorite sandwich!"
As she spoke, she waltzed in.
Then she caught sight of Alex, who had just stepped out of the bathroom.
He was only wearing a towel around his waist, his hair still dripping wet, water sliding down his chiseled abs and disappearing into his V-line.
The whole scene screamed intimate tension that only adults would understand.
The sandwich in Sophie's hand hit the floor.
She stared at Alex, then at me, her jaw dropped so wide she could've swallowed an egg.
Dead silence.
I looked at her with that "I know exactly what's going on" expression, and felt like even if I tried to explain, nobody would believe me.
Nothing could be more embarrassing.
"Ch-Chloe." Sophie's voice shook. "You and Mr. Grant... are you two..."
What could I even say?
If I told her he's actually a dog in disguise, would she even buy it?
Just as I was ready to throw caution to the wind, Alex walked over, slipped his arm around my shoulders like it was natural, and flashed Sophie a smile.
That smile could make anyone weak in the knees.
"Hi, I'm Chloe's... boyfriend."