Landlady: A New Adult Romance (Northbridge Nights Book 1)

by Jackie Wang

  So I leaned into Cameron and gave him a light peck on the lips.

  We were far enough that the others couldn't hear us. So Cameron whispered against the shell of my ear, “You taste fantastic.”

  And just like that, my entire body churned with excitement. Even though my mind screamed, “He's all wrong for you. You've already given him a chance, and it didn't work out!” I still felt a sizzle of electricity snake up my spine.

  When I pulled away from Cameron, I noticed that Asher had gone quite stiff. Paralyzed, even.

  Mike let out a low whistle and Terri giggled.

  “If you two are done with the PDA, let's play a game,” Rose said.

  Later, when we were all playing with a beach ball, Asher excused himself and left early.

  A tiny flutter of guilt squeezed my chest. Did I take the joke too far? But then I reminded myself he was a grown man and he could handle himself. It wasn't my job to babysit his feelings.

  CHAPTER 11

  ASHER

  WHAT THE HELL IS wrong with her? What the hell is wrong with me? I didn’t know what I hated more right then: the fact she’d just kissed Cameron in front of me or the fact that I cared.

  She came here as his date. She chose to spend the weekend with him. I'd known that since this morning. So why the fuck did I still feel so gutted?

  When they’d decided to play catch with a beach ball, I’d backed out, saying that I needed to make a call. The truth was, I just couldn't stand seeing Sierra with Cameron. Especially since she was wearing that itty-bitty bikini that barely covered her nipples and left her ass cheeks exposed. That fucking suit left so little to the imagination, she might as well have been walking around naked. Jesus. What'd gotten into her?

  Fuck...The water was so cold her nipples were saluting everyone in the pool. And even though I really didn't want to see it, I caught a glimpse of Cameron's hard-on for her.

  Did she even know the kind of power she had over men?

  With sudden dread, I realized they'd probably fuck tonight. And once Cam had had her, he'd probably toss her aside. And I sure as hell wouldn't be there to pick up the pieces.

  I was not going for my best friend's sloppy seconds. I wasn't that desperate.

  What pissed me off the most, though, was how she seemed to flaunt it all in my face. As if she was silently telling me, Look how sexy I am, too bad you'll never have me. I'm with your best friend.

  Did she really think Cameron was a better man than me? What the hell could he give her that I couldn't? In fact, Cameron was ten times the playboy I was. Didn't she know that? I loved my best friend, but it was no secret he was a shameless womanizer.

  Once I was back in my room, my fingers itched to send her a text. To ask her what the hell was up between her and Cameron. They couldn't have been together for long, or she would've told me she was dating someone when we’d kissed.

  Right?

  Just leave them alone. She's a big girl, she can handle herself. She doesn't need you sticking your head where it doesn't belong. Stop acting so pathetic.

  I paced back and forth for a while, tugging at my still-wet hair.

  Fuck, if it was bothering me enough to make me pace around, I needed to confront her about it. I pulled out my phone.

  ASHER: Tell me what's going on between you and Cameron.

  I knew she wouldn't reply for a while since she was still swimming, so I sat on the bed and replied to a few work emails, waiting until she read my message.

  Almost fifteen minutes later, Sierra replied: What do you think is going on?

  ASHER: No games, Sierra. I'm not in the mood. I need to know, are you seeing him? Is it serious?

  SIERRA: You jealous or something? I'm not seeing him, and it's not serious. I'm just having fun. Is that a crime?

  I forced down the lump in my throat. Just having fun? She was doing this to fucking torture me. But I would never tell her that. Hell would freeze over before I admitted that I could be so vulnerable and jealous. I wasn't going to play her stupid, childish game.

  ASHER: Just wanted to make sure you knew what you were doing.

  SIERRA: I've known Cameron far longer than you. We dated before. I know what I'm doing. Now get your ass down here so we can go get buzzed at the fest.

  They had dated before? What the fuck? How come Cam had never mentioned her? It couldn't have been that good if he didn't brag about it to me and the guys.

  With shitty emotions still twisting my insides, I trudged back downstairs. All of them were back in their regular clothes. Their drenched hair was the only indication that they'd gone swimming.

  “C'mon,” Mike said. “It's a fifteen-minute walk and the festival's started already.”

  “Last one there buys the first round,” Jeremy said.

  While everyone paired off, I walked behind them all, suddenly feeling the weight of my loneliness crushing me between the shoulder blades. The three couples looked like they were having such a great time...While me? I wasn't even sure I'd last the weekend. At this rate, I'd probably head back to the city early and put more work into the Holdom merger. At least work would be rewarding and a good use of my time. Unlike this.

  Coming to the beer fest was a fucking mistake. Coming solo was pretty much the worst idea ever.

  I was the last one there, so I pitched in a fifty and bought everyone beer and some hot wings.

  The first half-hour passed quickly. We sampled five different brews; some were actually quite good. But I couldn't enjoy myself because I kept glancing over at Sierra and Cameron. They seemed to be even closer after the swimming pool kiss, and Sierra was even feeding Cameron mini donuts. Jesus. His smug face was covered in cinnamon and sugar.

  I willed myself to stop thinking about her but there wasn't anything else around to distract me. Even though there were thousands of people streaming past, I felt utterly isolated.

  I held on for another fifteen, twenty minutes. When Sierra wiped Cam's face off with a napkin and giggled—giggled!—I'd had enough. I was surprised I’d even lasted that long.

  With hands clenched into fists and blood roaring in my ears, I walked up to Sierra and tapped her on the shoulder. “Can I talk to you for a second?”

  Cameron narrowed his eyes. “What is it, Ash?”

  “In private?” I said, only looking at Sierra.

  “Why?” Sierra asked. Her lips were encrusted with sugar, and it took every ounce of my self-control not to lick it all off in front of Cameron.

  “I want to talk about...the house. It's about the lease. I'll only take a second, Cam.”

  Cameron nodded. “Fine, I'll be with Mike and Jeremy.”

  Once Cam left, I grabbed Sierra by the wrist and brought her over to an isolated grove. The sounds from the festival faded away, and I felt my muscles relax a little. I forced myself to unclench my jaw.

  “You're worrying me, Asher. What's wrong with the lease?” Sierra asked.

  She really was clueless.

  Without another word, I pushed her up against the tree and kissed her. Deeply. Desperately. Threaded my fingers through her hair and tugged. She let out a small moan, her fingers digging into my chest.

  When I pulled away, she cried, “What the fuck, Asher?!”

  Before she could slap me or worse, run off, I pinned her against the tree harder, trapping her between my thighs so she could feel just how much I wanted her. I wrapped my hands around her wrists and held them down while I bit her bottom lip, teasing it open so I could taste the sugar there. She stopped struggling and let me in, her tongue flicking my cupid's bow. A throaty groan escaped from her, and it was enough to make me instantly hard. I could feel her nipples harden through her shirt and that alone nearly made me lose control.

  Still holding her down I whispered, “You know how much I want you. Ever since we first met, I've wanted you. So why are you torturing me like this?”

  Sierra looked away, her arms struggling to break free. “I'm not torturing you. You're torturing yourself. We're not
even dating or anyth—”

  I silenced her again with my mouth. My teeth tugged at her pretty pink lips until they were swollen. Our noses brushed, our tongues clicked, and I forgot the rest of the world existed. God, I wanted her so fucking bad, I was ready to take her in the bushes right now. Caveman style.

  I pressed my raging arousal against her stomach, easing one of her hands over it so she could feel my hot length for herself. She gasped a little when her fingers touched me—I was ready to be inside her, this second. And she knew it.

  “Stop, Asher. This isn't right. It's not the time or the place.”

  “Let the world see. I don't fucking care. You're mine, Sierra. Don't go back to Cameron.”

  “How can you say that?” she said. “He's your best friend.”

  “You know you're way better off with me. Cameron will only hurt your feelings,” I said. “We have unbelievable chemistry; don't tell me you don't feel it.”

  “And how do you know I don't have chemistry with Cameron?” Sierra demanded.

  “Do you?” I challenged.

  Sierra shook my hands away. “Maybe I do. Maybe I don't. It's none of your goddamn business, Asher.”

  She was about to leave when I ran up to her and hugged her from behind, my large, warm hands wrapped around her waist. “Please, Sierra.” My lips were inches from her earlobe. “Don't go.”

  Something softened in her when I used the magic word. Her whole body relaxed and melted into mine. “Asher. Stop. People are staring,” she murmured.

  “I'll stop when you give me what I want,” I continued.

  “Well, aren't you demanding?” Her voice sounded...playful. Gentle.

  “Will you go out with me? On a proper date?” I asked. “I'll make it worth your while.”

  “I promised Cameron I'd have dinner with him as a thank you for bringing me here,” she said.

  “Well how about after this weekend? You can explain to him you're not interested and let him down gently.”

  “I was never really that interested in him,” Sierra finally admitted. “I just wanted to get you riled up.”

  “Well, that wasn't very nice of you.”

  “Call it payback,” Sierra explained. “Since I caught him dating another girl at the same time as me. I mean we weren't exclusive or anything, but he could've at least mentioned he was seeing someone else.”

  “I'm sorry you had to go through that,” I said. Cameron did have a habit of jumping from girl to girl. “Cam's a great guy when he's not an asshole.”

  “I thought you just said I should stay away from him,” Sierra said, “now he's 'a great guy'?”

  “You know what I mean,” I said.

  “I hope both of you learned a lesson,” Sierra said.

  “What lesson is that?” I asked, intrigued.

  “A lesson in humility. You can't always win the girl by acting like a cocky bastard.” She laughed and then turned to rejoin the rest of the group.

  I didn't know if I should feel happy or insulted by what she'd just done. I resigned to feel happy because I just couldn't bring myself to harbor any bad feelings towards Sierra. I followed her back toward the tents and our friends. I felt weightless now, knowing that Sierra wasn't interested in Cameron.

  I still had a chance, and this time, I wouldn't waste it.

  CHAPTER 12

  SIERRA

  WHEN I GOT BACK, I couldn't find Cameron anywhere. It was starting to drizzle, which put a damper on my mood. Brooding clouds had formed out of nowhere, threatening to ruin the festivities. So much for the sunny forecast this weekend. Heavy gales were unhitching tents and the air was filled with the sound of flapping fabric and shouting.

  I spotted Terri and Rose at one of the booths. They were huddling together, bracing themselves against the cold. Terri's cheeks were windburned and her lips were chapped. Rose didn't look too happy either. Her hair was frizzy and her teeth chattered intermittently. Thank God I'd had the foresight to wear jeans and a jacket.

  “Where did the other guys go?” I asked.

  Terri shrugged, shivering. She must've been freezing in her shorts and tank top. “They disappeared a while ago,” she said.

  “Probably drunk somewhere,” Rose added. “Where did you go?”

  “I was talking to Asher,” I said, feeling the heat creeping across my cheeks.

  “Oh? About what?” Terri asked.

  “Nothing important,” I lied. “Should we go find your boyfriends?”

  “Sure,” Rose said, “before it starts pouring.”

  We set off to find Mike, Jerry, and Cameron. I had no idea where Asher was or whether he'd join us later. But at least I knew my plan had worked. He liked me. He still wanted me. And he was unbelievably jealous...

  “Oh my God! What the hell!” Terri suddenly screamed, running off.

  Rose and I turned to see what the commotion was about. It was in the distance, but I could just make out two men, pummelling each other. Their fists were flying, and a small crowd had gathered around them. Some of the audience members were drunk and jeering them on with hoarse, boozy chanting.

  I started running after Terri. As I got closer, my heart nearly did a backflip. Those weren't just any two drunken brawlers.

  They were Asher and Cameron.

  Two red-faced beasts wrestling in the grass, hurling insults. Mud and spittle flying everywhere. Cameron had Asher pinned on the grass, in a chokehold. His cheek was already sporting a huge shiner, and Asher's bottom lip was bleeding.

  Somehow, before I even took another step, I knew this was all my fault.

  I’d screwed up.

  And now they were hurting each other because of it.

  A pang of guilt and regret struck me. “Stop it! Both of you!” I screamed. “Cameron! Asher!”

  They didn't seem to hear me. Or anyone else for that matter. Testosterone seared through their veins, a wildebeest out for blood and bent on destruction.

  “You fucking bastard—” Cameron grunted, shoving Asher's face into the mud. “Goddamn arsehole...”

  Asher's face was almost purple from exertion. He flipped over and beat his fists like a drum against Cameron's back. He could barely keep his eyes open and his entire face was obscured by filth.

  I couldn't stand by and watch them for a second longer, so I threw myself into the fray, driving my body between theirs and separating them like a wedge.

  “Both of you, stop it right now!” I cried, anger and frustration choking through my lungs. “Just calm down.”

  Terri and Rose found Mike and Jeremy. They split up, one couple holding down Cameron, the other, Asher.

  I heard sirens in the distance.

  Great.

  Cameron let out a low growl. Both men looked disheveled and bewildered. Their powerful chests rose and fell slower and slower until finally their breathing resumed a normal pattern. Bright blood oozed from Asher's mouth and slid down his neck, making me cringe. What could've possibly incited so much violence? Once Asher and Cameron were a little calmer, the crowd dispersed. The men's damaged faces still bore evidence of their rage, though.

  “Mind telling us what the fuck happened?” Mike asked, breathing hard. He was still pinning down Cameron's burly arms.

  Asher looked away, unable to meet my eyes. I could almost read his mind.

  Cameron looked in the opposite direction, both of them unwilling to confess.

  Finally, I squeaked out, “Is it because of me?”

  No comment from either of them.

  “Did I miss something?” Terri asked. “What exactly is going on between the three of you?”

  “This is so messed up and confusing,” Rose said, turning to me. “Why would they fight about you?”

  My nostrils flared as I said, “Asher kissed me. Is that it?” I glared at Cameron and his eyes told me I'd hit the bullseye.

  “Why would you do that? String both of us along?” Cameron asked. “Kind of a bitchy move, don't you think?” His cheek was so swollen he couldn
't even open his left eye.

  “I didn't string anybody along. I just wanted to show you, Cameron, how I felt when I realized you were dating that other girl at the same time without telling me. As for you, Asher, I wanted to show you I wasn't just some puppy who'd drool at your feet because you plied me with a few compliments.”

  That shut both of them up.

  “I'm sorry you got hurt, Cam, but maybe you'll learn a lesson from this. Women appreciate openness and honesty. I would've been fine with you seeing other girls if you'd been upfront about it.”

  I reached over and pulled Asher up. “Asher, you're not much better. By how jealous you've acted towards me since this morning, I'd say you need to learn a few things about getting to know a woman first before professing how much you like her.”

  Asher's lips remained in a firm line. He looked up at Cameron but didn't say anything.

  “So what are we doing? Does this mean the party's over?” Mike interrupted. “Because I didn't come all this way to hear about some angsty love triangle. I came here to have fun.”

  He was right. I'd ruined their weekend by coming.

  “I'm sorry, Mike. And you guys, too,” I said, looking at the others. “I'll leave first thing tomorrow morning.” I would've left even sooner if the last ferry for the night hadn't just left.

  “No, you don't have to do that,” Rose said. “They're just being idiots. Come on.” Rose took me by the arm and led me off towards a booth. She called Terri over too, and the three of us left the boys awestruck.

  Once we were far away enough, Rose smiled at me. “You really stuck it to them, didn't you?”

  “Good for you,” Terri added. “Someone needed to knock those two cocky bastards down a few pegs. Both of them have always been too wild and reckless for their own good.”

  “So...you two aren't upset?”

  Rose shrugged. “I don't know them that well to be honest. But from what Jeremy tells me, I'm sure they had this coming.”

  Interested, I asked, “What did Jeremy tell you?”

  “Oh just about how they're always goofing off and sleeping around. Never taking anyone seriously,” Rose said. “I'm glad they found you to put them in their place.”