I shook my head as I walked back to my room. Wanting Reid was not only dangerous for him but for me as well. I didn’t have experience with men, and if I let him get too close, he could crush me without even realizing it. My emotional state when it came to the opposite sex was that of a fourteen-year-old—just emerging and dangerous.
I stripped out of my dress and pulled on my pajamas before sneaking out of my room and going into the bathroom. I quickly washed my makeup off and tied my hair up before going back to my room and crawling into bed.
I needed to forget about Reid. It was too bad my dreams were filled with nothing but him that night.
“Hey. Bree, right?”
I looked up from my treadmill to see a guy standing next to me. He was probably in his mid-twenties. He was beefier than most of the guys who hung around this gym. Several of the other men were fit but smaller, so they could be quicker on their feet during a fight. This guy obviously had the thought that bigger was better. His arms were thicker than my legs, his veins popping prominently. His skin was tan, making me look positively albino next to him. His head was shaved. His eyes were dark brown, and his nose was a bit big and crooked as if he’d broken it more than once.
Overall, he was attractive, but he wasn’t someone I’d take interest in.
“Yeah, that’s me. Do you need help with something?” I asked as I pressed the Stop button on my treadmill. I was technically no longer working, but it wasn’t like I could turn the clients down if they needed something from me.
“Actually, I do. I was wondering if you were doing anything this evening. I thought we could grab dinner or something.” He smiled. “I’m Aaron, by the way.”
“Oh, um…I’m sorry, but I have plans tonight,” I said, shocked that he’d asked me out.
Most of the guys in the gym would leave me alone unless they were complaining about having me around. Not all of the guys were bad, but there were several who I wanted to drop-kick their privates.
I really did have plans, but even if I didn’t, I would’ve still told Aaron no. I wasn’t interested him at all. Cali, Reid’s friend, planned to come over to my apartment tonight to watch movies. I would take a movie night with her over dinner with Aaron anytime.
His face fell.
I instantly felt bad. “I’m really sorry. Maybe some other time,” I said as I climbed off the treadmill.
He gave me a weak smile. “Okay. It was worth a try.” He gave me one last smile before walking away.
I forced myself not to feel bad. I didn’t want to go out with him, and if I had said yes, I would’ve given him the wrong idea. I didn’t want to lead him on when I had absolutely no interest in him. Someone else seemed to be constantly on my mind anyway.
It had been four days since Reid and I went to the club, since he’d kissed my forehead and left me wanting much, much more from him. Since then, I’d seen him only once or twice, and he’d made a hasty departure both times. I couldn’t be sure, but I was almost positive that he was the one avoiding me now.
I walked back to the showers and stripped out of my sweaty clothes. I grabbed my spare set of clothes and bath bag before adjusting the water and climbing in. The warm water felt magical, and my overworked muscles slowly relaxed.
Even in the shower, my mind was still on Reid. I had no idea what I could’ve possibly done to cause him to avoid me the way he had been. Sure, I’d had some drinks, but I hadn’t gotten stupid drunk and vomited on him or anything ridiculous like that. If he was upset with me for dancing with him, he had no right. I’d tried to get away, but he’d forced me to embarrass both of us.
The happiness I’d felt that night was long gone. In its place was worry. I hoped that whatever I’d done to upset him wasn’t bad enough that he’d eventually ask me to leave the apartment.
I just didn’t understand why he’d grown so distant overnight. He’d let me believe that he enjoyed our night out together. After we’d made it home, he’d even kissed my forehead, something I was desperately clinging to. If I’d done something at the club, surely, he wouldn’t have done that.
I shook my head as I finished my shower and shut the water off.
I was certain of only one thing. Men were the most confusing creatures on earth.
Cali showed up at my apartment around seven. As soon as I heard her knock on the door, I all but ran to greet her. When she’d called me Wednesday to see if I was free tonight, I’d jumped at the chance to spend more time with her.
“Hey!” she greeted me as soon as I opened the door.
I was shocked when she pushed through and hugged me. I wasn’t used to people touching me so much—first, Reid, and now, Cali. Even Reid’s friend had tried to put his arm around me. Americans were strange.
She pulled away and held up two DVD cases. “I brought a couple of movies. I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I have one that’s all about action, and the other is a romantic comedy.”
“I couldn’t care less. I’m just excited to have a girls’ night in,” I said as I closed and locked the door.
“Me, too. I don’t have many girlfriends. Women are catty bitches,” she said as she tossed the movies down on the table.
She dropped down onto the couch, and I laughed at the way she sprawled out, taking up the entire thing. She obviously had no problem making herself feel at home.
“Uh, yeah, total bitches,” I mumbled. That was all I could really say on that subject. I had no idea what women were like in real life. I’d grown up with maids who barely spoke to me and men who glared at me more often than not. I didn’t have a clue how normal people acted.
I grabbed the romantic-comedy DVD and popped it into the player. Once the DVD started playing on the screen, I walked over to the couch where Cali was still sprawled out. “Budge up.”
She gave me a quizzical look. “Huh?”
“Move, so I can sit down.”
“Oh,” she said as she sat up. “Why didn’t you just say that?”
I rolled my eyes. “I did.”
“No, you didn’t. You threw in some newfangled British phrase that no American would get.”
I laughed. “Sorry, my British shows from time to time.”
“It’s okay. I kind of like it. Tell me, do Brits talk differently than we do?” she asked.
I shrugged. “A little. I’ve paid attention to the dialect since I moved here, so I can understand your slang. I caught on pretty quickly. Occasionally, I’ll hear something I don’t understand, but overall, London and Dallas speak the same language.”
She nodded. “I figured so.”
We settled down on the couch and watched the movie. I knew most girls my age would cringe at the thought of spending a Friday night on the couch, watching a chick flick, but to me, this was much better than going out.
If only Reid were here and speaking to me, it would be perfect.
As if my thoughts could actually make him appear, I heard a key unlocking the front door. My entire body tensed. I had no idea if he would continue to ignore me or if he’d be decent since Cali was with me. Cali seemed to notice the way I stiffened because she gave me a questioning look as the front door swung open.
Reid walked in, and my eyes couldn’t seem to look away. He looked as yummy as ever in a pair of blue jean shorts and a white tank top. His tattoos were on full display, making him look even more tempting.
His eyes instantly landed on me before looking away. I wanted to scream at him, demand to know what I’d done to deserve his cold treatment.
He ignored me as he smiled at Cali. “Hey. What are you doing here?” he asked.
Cali glanced over at me before looking back at him. “We’re having a girls’ movie night. I figured Bree would’ve told you that I’d be here.”
He didn’t even bother to look at me. “Oh. No, she didn’t tell me. I haven’t been home much this week.”
An awkward silence filled the room. I was sure even Cali felt it.
Finally, Reid gave her a brief smile befo
re walking past us. “I have to work tonight. I just came home to grab a few things. Don’t let me interrupt girls’ night.”
He disappeared into his room and closed the door. I kept my eyes glued on the TV screen, hoping that Cali wouldn’t ask me any questions. It wasn’t like I’d have the answers to them anyway. She knew Reid better than I did. She might even know what his problem was.
A few minutes later, Reid’s door opened, and he stepped out, carrying a black duffel bag. He walked past us without a word.
As soon as he was out of the apartment, Cali grabbed the remote and paused the movie. “Okay, spill,” she demanded.
I groaned. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play that game with me. What is going on with you and Reid? I swear the temperature dropped twenty degrees when he walked in. Are you two fighting already?”
I shook my head. “No, we’re not fighting.”
“Then, what is it?” Her mouth popped open in a wide O. “Oh my God, did you two sleep together?”
“What? No, of course not! He’s my roommate!”
“So?” Cali asked, giving me a look that said she thought I was an idiot. “Reid is hot. I wouldn’t hold it against you if you did.”
“We didn’t. I can promise you that. Yes, I find Reid attractive, but I like living here. I’m not about to screw that up.”
She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. So, if you two aren’t fighting and you didn’t sleep with him, what is going on?”
I sighed. “I wish I knew, Cali. We went to that club on Monday, and everything was fine, even after we got home. Then, Tuesday, he started avoiding me at all costs. He was in the kitchen when I came home yesterday. The man practically left burnout marks on the floor from trying to get to his room.”
“What happened at the club?”
I told her everything, unable to stop myself. I even told her about the kiss on my forehead. To anyone else, the simple gesture would have meant nothing. To me, it meant everything. I was so naive.
I hoped that maybe Cali would know what I had done that was so horrible. When I finished telling her everything, she had a knowing smile on her face.
“I know what’s going on,” she said smugly.
“What? What did I do to piss him off so thoroughly?”
She shook her head. “You didn’t do a damn thing, Bree.”
“Then, what is it?”
“Reid is…how do I put this? Reid is interested in you, and he’s trying to stay away from you. I’m going to guess his problem is the same as yours—you’re roommates. He doesn’t want to screw that up any more than you do.”
“Excuse me?” I asked, unable to believe that I’d heard her right. “You think that Reid, one of the most attractive men I’ve ever laid eyes on, is interested in me?”
“Why wouldn’t he be? You’re gorgeous, Bree. Anyone who has told you otherwise is a fool.”
I shook my head. “I’m not ugly, but I’m certainly not in his league.”
She chuckled. “I think you’re wrong. Reid obviously feels something for you, so he’s trying to avoid it. Typical male. If they only want in our pants, they constantly hang around. If the word feelings is mentioned, they run for the hills. Cowards.”
“You’re insane. Reid doesn’t want me, and he certainly doesn’t want in my knickers.”
Cali raised an eyebrow.
“What?” I asked.
“Please never say knickers again. It reminds me of granny panties for some reason. Say underwear, undies, G-string, thong, boy shorts—anything but knickers.”
I giggled, unable to stop myself. “Sorry.”
She rolled her eyes. “Anyway, back to Reid. What are you going to do about him?”
I shrugged. “Even if you’re right, which I don’t think you are, there’s nothing I can or will do. We’re better off staying away from each other.”
“You’re a fool, Bree. If you want him, go after him. Don’t idly sit there, and let your life pass you by.”
“It’s not that simple,” I said, my mind flashing back to my home in London. There was no way I could let anyone in with the threat of my father and Nico hanging over my head.
“It is that simple. You’re so inexperienced, Bree. Even I can tell just from talking with you a few times, so let me break this down for you. When a woman and a man are attracted to each other, they make goo-goo eyes at each other for a bit, and then they go in for the home run. Usually, if they’re both lusting pretty heavily, the home run includes a lot of rhythmic movement and sweat. Stop being so afraid, and go after what you want. You only live once.”
You only live once. God, isn’t that the truth?
My father could show up here at any time. I wasn’t stupid enough to think he’d given up on me already. Every day I spent here was a gift, one that I didn’t take lightly. I’d forced myself to live in every other aspect of my life, except for when it came to Reid and the way he made me feel. If I died tomorrow, I would die regretting the fact that I’d never even tried to win him over even if it was only for one night. I didn’t want to die a virgin. I didn’t want to die without knowing how it felt to truly love someone. And Reid was such a good guy. I knew that already. It would be so easy to let my emotions slip from infatuation to love.
I could do this. I had to. I’d never forgive myself if I let this chance, possibly my only chance, slip through my fingers.
Determined not to let him walk away, I nodded at Cali. “You’re right. I want this, and if you’re right about him, he wants it, too. Tell me what I need to do or say to convince him.”
She grinned, and my stomach dropped. Whatever she was thinking, I knew I wouldn’t like it just from how widely she was smiling.
“Go change into something sexy.”
I gave her a questioning look. “What? Why?”
“We’re going to pay Reid a little visit—at work.”
“But he’s a…” My eyes widened. Oh, sweet mother of biscuits. “He’s a stripper.”
“It’s time you took life by the balls. Let’s do this!”
I wasn’t sure what to expect as we stepped into the strip club. I’d never, not even in the back of my mind, considered what a male strip club would look like.
After the bouncer checked our IDs and eyed me warily for a few seconds, Cali all but dragged me into the club. It was darker than I’d expected. I quickly realized that was because the show was about to start. A bar was against the wall, opposite a huge circular stage. Tables packed tightly together surrounded the stage.
Cali pushed through groups of women and found two empty seats only a couple of rows back from the stage. Nerves flooded my body as I started to second-guess myself. I had no business being here. When Reid saw me, he’d flip his shit. I was his roommate. I shouldn’t have come to his work just to ogle and possibly make a pitiful attempt at seducing him. I’d be lucky if he let me in the building after this, let alone our apartment.
“We shouldn’t be here,” I said anxiously.
“Chill out, woman. It’s going to be a blast. I haven’t been to one of these shows in forever. And if I’m right, Reid is going to lose his mind when he sees you out here.”
I had no doubt that he’d lose his mind—just not in the way she thought. I pictured myself being tossed out by the scary bouncer at the door.
I jumped when the rest of the lights went out. I could hear women shouting excitedly, but I couldn’t move. This was going to be the biggest mistake of my life. I jumped again when an announcer’s voice boomed through the club.
“Welcome, ladies. I hope you’re ready for the show you’re about to see!”
Several cheers went out across the room as a fast-paced rap song started playing. My eyes were glued on the stage as a few dim lights flicked on above me. At the same time, strobe lights lit up the stage.
Oh God. This is really happening. I’m about to watch my roommate strip.
Three men stood with their backs to us. With the strobe lights pulsing so f
ast, I couldn’t tell if Reid was one of them or not. All at once, the lights stopped flashing, stopping on the men in front of me.
I knew instantly which one was Reid. He stood in the middle, his back already glistening with sweat. God, even from behind, he was a sight for sore eyes. Perfectly sculpted muscles lay beneath smooth tanned skin. I licked my lips as I thought about the show I was about to see.
I was a fucking pervert.
The music paused for a moment before picking up tempo. Reid and the two others turned to face us. The arrogant smirk on Reid’s face made me laugh. Of course he’d wear it on stage in front of a roomful of women who desperately wanted him even if it was something as simple as a touch from him.
I finally recognized the other two—Scott and Jake. My stomach sank to the floor. Any hopes of watching and then slipping away vanished. If Reid didn’t recognize me, I had no doubt that Scott or Jake would. I was so screwed.
Every woman in the room stared at the trio as they gyrated and danced their way across the stage. All three were shirtless, but they all wore black pants. I waited with bated breath, expecting them to come off at any moment, but they never did, not that they really needed to actually strip. The provocative moves they performed were more of a show than I could handle. I felt myself blushing as I watched. I’d thought that night in the club had been dirty dancing. Tonight made the club dances look like a fourth grade Sadie Hawkins dance.
When the song ended, another one started almost immediately. Instead of dancing, Reid, Scott, and Jake jumped off the stage and into the crowd of women. I watched as Jake grabbed a pretty blonde out of the front row and pushed her up on stage. Scott moved further into the crowd, not glancing at our table as he passed.
Thank God.
My relief was short-lived when I glanced up. Reid was standing no more than two feet away from me, and he was staring at me like he couldn’t quite believe I was in his club. His eyes widened in surprise before his normal smirk returned. He stepped forward, his body as graceful as a wild cat, and grabbed my arm.
Before I could protest, he pulled me out of my chair and forced me up onto the stage. If the heat on my face was any indication, I was blushing furiously. Or maybe it was just the stage lights. A girl could hope.
The Consequences of Sin Page 8
