Chapter 41

I inhale deeply, savoring the memory as I wander into the middle of Arrick’s apartment from the elevator while he follows with our bags. He dumps them by the end of the couch as I take in the open-plan space with joy.

I haven’t been here in months, and its sheer familiarity makes me feel calm, like coming home. Instantly still inside, like breathing warm, soothing air after being out in the cold, I inhale slowly. The atmosphere washes over me. Welling up at how much I missed this place too. It smells like home-cooked food, men’s aftershave, leather, books, and something familiar and clean. It’s a weird combination, but it’s how it always smells, bringing back so many mixed emotions.

Arrick’s apartment has always been a place I love to be, as it’s so very him; modern mixed with traditional. He has very male tastes but is also a little eclectic and sentimental. Open plan and industrial, with old battered armchairs and new comfy couches. Walls lined with abstract art and ph