Love Rents A Room
Chapter 43: To Wait

Chapter 43: To Wait

Jonathan pushed the nagging thoughts aside. Like him, Joanne hadn’t dated anyone in the past four years since she returned home. Maybe this was just a matter of time—something they both needed to ease into.

But then, if he truly thought about it... Did he feel that way about Joanne

He had known Joanne for years, their paths crossing more times than he could count. Even as a child, she had been a force of nature—bold, unafraid, and unwavering in her convictions.

He still remembered catching her with her boyfriend all those years ago. They were in a wild position he wouldn’t dare to imagine in his dreams. But she... She hadn’t even been ashamed of being caught, just met his eyes with that same steady gaze, as if daring him to judge her.

That was the kind of girl she was.

He had always admired her. Always believed she was meant for something great.

And that day—when she stood before him, her head bowed, pride swallowed as she begged him for ten grand to pay her tuition—he hadn’t hesitated to help her. Not because he pitied her, but because he knew she would succeed.

And she had.

Now, she was here. Sitting across from him, her eyes bright as she recounted stories about Charlotte, her laughter soft and unguarded.

Jonathan poured her a glass of the deep crimson wine, watching as the candlelight flickered against the glass. Joanne accepted it with a soft thank you, completely oblivious to the war raging in his head.

She looked beautiful tonight, even in her casual sundress, her cheeks still a little flushed from the long day with Charlotte. She had a kind of quiet charm—one that crept up on you, wrapping itself around you before you even realized you were caught.

But was he caught?

Could he ever see himself with her in that way?

Could he bring her into his bed—the same bed where he had once held his wife?

His chest tightened at the thought.

Maybe he was overthinking this.

Maybe this wasn’t about his hesitations. Maybe Joanne had her own reasons for agreeing to date him. Maybe, just like him, she was searching for something she wasn’t even sure she wanted yet.

Jonathan exhaled and took a sip of his own drink.

The way she spoke about Charlotte... it was so effortless. So full of love.

That alone told him what kind of woman she was.

And yet...

Wouldn’t she be better off with someone younger? Someone who hadn’t already loved and lost?

But then again—she agreed to be here.

Maybe she saw something in him too.

Maybe this was worth exploring.

Jonathan pushed away his doubts and gave her a small smile.

"Did Charlotte wear any of the dresses you picked out?" he asked, shifting the conversation back to safer ground.

Joanne chuckled, shaking her head. "Nope. She just made me try them all on and then critiqued every single one like a fashion expert."

Jonathan laughed at that, watching the way her eyes softened at the memory.

Maybe... just maybe... this could work.

Maybe they just needed time.

-----

JD sat in the dimly lit living room, his arms crossed, eyes flicking to the clock for the hundredth time. It was past ten.

She still wasn’t home.

His fingers tightened around his phone as he stared at her last text.

[I’ll be late. Sorry for making you eat leftovers! I can order pizza if you want.]

Leftovers? Pizza?

He didn’t give a damn about dinner. He wanted to eat with her.

Frustration flared in his chest. He wanted to text her. Call her. Demand to know why she was still at his house. It was just a first date—why the hell would she stay over?

JD clenched his jaw and threw his phone onto the couch.

Then, finally—headlights swept across the window.

He was on his feet before he even realized it, watching as she pulled into the garage.

The front door creaked open, and before she could say a word, JD scoffed, arms crossed. "You finally found your way home." His voice was dry, bordering on childish, but he didn’t care.

Joanne blinked at him, then smiled sheepishly. "Did you have dinner? I can make you something."

She looked genuinely guilty.

JD felt his irritation waver.

"I’m not hungry," he muttered.

With a sigh, Joanne collapsed onto the couch beside him, kicking off her shoes.

"Long day?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

She let out a breathy laugh. "I screwed up." She rubbed her temples. "But he was gracious about it."

JD’s fingers twitched. He hated how that sounded. "Hmm." He looked away, staring at the blank TV screen. "I thought you’d spend the night there."

Joanne frowned. "Spend the night? Who’d take care of my animals if I did that? He asked me to, but I had to come home."

JD studied her.

She said it so casually. Like it didn’t even occur to her what Jonathan meant when he asked her to stay.

Shouldn’t she be glowing? Giddy? Wanting to stay longer with the man she was supposedly dating?

Instead, she was here, sprawled on his couch, sighing about how she’d screwed up.

His throat felt tight.

"So," he said slowly, watching her expression, "you kissed him goodnight and left? He didn’t even bother dropping you off?" His gaze darkened. "And let you drive home alone—after getting you drunk?"

Joanne blinked, then let out a laugh. "I can drive myself home." She stood up and did a little twirl. "See? Not drunk."

JD rolled his eyes.

But she still didn’t answer the damn question.

Did she kiss him or not? Did the date go well? Was there going to be a second one?

Joanne flopped onto the rug, scooping Fluffy into her arms. "I missed you," she cooed, nuzzling the dog’s fur. "You look so round... JD, did you feed him properly?"

Fluffy nudged closer to her, curling onto her lap.

JD exhaled and leaned back. "I fixed the Nintendo," he said, changing the subject. "Want to play?"

Her eyes lit up. "You did? You’re awesome!" She jumped up. "Give me a second—I’m taking a quick shower. Set everything up!"

And just like that, she was gone, rushing upstairs.

JD watched her disappear, then let out a breath.

They played long past midnight, the soft glow of the screen illuminating their faces.

Joanne hadn’t realized JD was so competitive. And the more he fought to win, the more her own determination flared. Neither of them wanted to lose.

By the time they finally decided to call it quits, they were dead even—tied in wins, tied in losses. Stubborn to the very end.

Joanne let out a breath and flopped onto her back on the rug, exhausted but satisfied.

JD sat there for a moment, watching her. Then, without a word, he got down beside her.

Joanne stiffened.

What was that about?

Before she could process it, he shifted—rolling onto his side, his face just inches from hers.

Her breath hitched.

His dark eyes held hers, quiet, unreadable.

Joanne’s heart thumped hard against her ribs.

What is this?