by Anthology
Whoa, she worked herself into a frenzy after she left that first time, didn’t she?
12:22 am: I can’t believe I wasted my time with you. You drink too much.
12:23 am: So glad I wised up before I let you touch me. Don’t worry about the ID. I’ll get a new one.
7:37 am: Actually, I can’t fly home without the ID. I’ll be by tomorrow before lunch. Let’s not make this weird.
Huh? I read back through the texts, more confused with each one, because she did come back last night. And I did touch her.
Didn’t I?
Tossing my shirt onto the floor, I unzip my fly and—
“What the fuck?” That’s…that’s exactly what it looks like. Wow.
I scrub a hand over my face and watch my jaw pulse in the mirror. The best sex I’d had in months was dream? That hasn’t happened in…maybe ever.
I send a quick text to Shaina, apologizing for my shithead behavior. I’ll look for her ID after I shower and let her know if I find it so she doesn’t waste a trip if it’s not here. It’s the least I can do, all things considered.
The evidence of my preteen indiscretion washed away, I pull on a pair of flannel lounge pants and head back to the kitchen for coffee. Kallie’s at the pot, refilling her mug, so I lean against the counter and wait my turn.
“How’d you sleep?” I ask, appreciating that she’s left her hair down today. There’s a subtle wave to it, and it looks soft and silky. She also smells incredible. Familiar too. Like vanilla and cherries.
“Fine. You?” She spins toward the fridge, but not before I see the color flare high in her cheeks. And why the hell won’t she look at me? I know now that it isn’t because of Shaina.
“Slept fine. Had a little too much to drink, though.”
“I thought so.”
“Thanks for the Gatorade, by the way. Nice gesture.”
“Yeah, well, I figured the sooner you felt better, the sooner we could talk about what happened.”
“Come again?” I ask, one eyebrow cocked, as she finally turns to face me. Her skin matches her pink T-shirt, but there’s a surprising gleam of confidence in her eyes.
“Actually, that’s a horrible idea,” she says. “Don’t you think?”
“What are we talking about here, Bright?”
“You coming again.” The smallest of smiles tickles at her lips. “I mean, that’s what happened right?”
How the hell does she know about—
“I tried to wake you up and you…well, you misunderstood my intentions, Jake.”
Oh, hell no. “No way that happened.”
She nods, and every cell in my body feels like it’s on fire.
What the fuck did I do…with my roommate’s little sister?
Chapter Four
“Don’t worry. I’m not going to tell anyone, especially not Dylan.”
I nod, though I barely hear her. I’m too busy trying to remember what I thought had happened with Shaina. The way I pulled her into my lap. The way I kissed her and, Jesus Christ, the way I humped her like a dog in heat.
“Wow.” And that’s all I’ve got. I can’t come up with a one more word to describe what I did.
“Like I said, it’s just between us.” She tries to smile, but there’s reluctance there. “No one has to know.”
A bitter laugh rolls up from my chest. “Someone always finds out, Kallie. Always.”
I might as well start packing my shit, because once Dylan finds out, it’ll be c’est la vie all over again.
“I promise, Jake.” She steps forward with an almost sympathetic wrinkle in her brow. “In fact, if it’ll make you feel better, I’ll share a secret with you too.”
There’s nothing she could say that would make what we did—what I did to her—okay. I’m supposed to be watching out for Kallie, not using her to get off. I—
“I went out with one guy last night and came home with another.”
Wait, what? “You did what?”
Huffing a sigh, she drops into a kitchen chair. “I told Dylan I was taking a summer class and I’m pretty sure he thinks I’m enrolled here.”
“Go back to the part about two guys,” I snap. I could give a shit less about her summer class right now.
“The truth is that my class is still through Eau Claire. I’m just here because…”
I roll my hand and she nibbles nervously at her lower lip. It’s then that I realize she’s not wearing her glasses and her face from last night suddenly flashes through my mind. The make-up, the sweet perfume…the snug-as-fuck jeans.
“I’m doing a research project that requires me to alter my appearance and test the reactions of the guys I come in contact with. Yesterday, I met Brennan and he asked me out for drinks.”
“Brennan took you out?” Oh, for Christ’s sake. My ass is grass. Just light me up and let me burn.
“Yes, but he second guessed that decision when we started talking about Dylan, so I went and played pool with Vaughn instead.”
Dead. I’m fucking dead.
“Don’t look at me like that!” She throws her hands in the air. “He was a nice guy, and he gave me a lot of good information!”
“About?” I can’t imagine Vaughn Davis having anything to say that isn’t related to his dick. Then again, that does seem to be the point of her so-called project.
“He told me where I could find more guys for the project,” she mumbles, and for obvious reasons.
“You know Dylan told me to look after you.”
“Of course he did. He didn’t, however, tell you to rub all over me and blow your load, so are we going to keep each other’s secrets or not?”
I am so screwed.
I rub a hand around the back of my neck, trying to rationalize all of this. I don’t want to lie to Dylan, but I don’t want to hunt for a new place to live, either. The rent is cheap and he’s gone most of the time, so I’ve finally been able to catch up on work. Since I can’t afford office space just yet, this arrangement is damn near perfect.
But I don’t like what Kallie’s telling me. This little experiment she’s doing…I don’t get it. It doesn’t seem safe and Dylan would lose his damn head if he knew what she was up to.
I should tell him, because that’s the kind of roommate I want to be. Unfortunately, I already became the roommate I swore I’d never be again.
“So?” she prods, and I swing my gaze back to her hopeful one.
“The only way I can make up for last night is to make sure you’re safe when you’re out doing whatever it is you’re doing.”
Her eyes narrow and she opens her mouth to speak, but I cut her off with a raised hand.
“You tell me who you’re with, what you’re doing, and when you’ll be back. If I don’t approve, you don’t go.”
“You’re crazy.”
“Well, the alternative is that I go with, so you decide—me in the shadows or your brother’s wrath?”
Her shoulders slump, but I can see the resignation in her eyes. “Fine, but if you rat me out, I’ll do the same.”
I offer my hand and she takes it without hesitation.
“Now about these altered appearances you mentioned…”
Kallie
Jake blinks at me when I tell him about my suitcase full of sexy clothes. It’s not the brotherly look I’d expect to get from Dylan. No, this one is both protective and intrigued. A combination I find overwhelmingly appealing.
Or maybe I’m still turned on from last night.
I know it’s wrong and Jake clearly regrets his foggy state of mind, but I don’t completely hate what happened between us. How could I? He’s an amazing kisser and, from the feel of things down South, kissing isn’t the only thing he has going for him.
“So, what’s the real you, then?” He pours his coffee and crosses his arms over his chest, still leaning against the counter.
“I guess I’m a little of both.” I tell him about my penchant for quirky T-shirts and that I usually only wear my glass
es at night. “I put them on yesterday, because I wanted you to see me the same way you did during the video chat.”
“Oh, so I’m part of this experiment, too? Nice.”
“Actually, no. I knew you’d figure me out eventually, so I never counted on using you.”
He throws his head back and laughs. “Wow. This whole time, Bright had a plan. A plan to use and abuse her brother’s friends. Isn’t that fucking grand.”
“I won’t sleep with them,” I rush to explain, the guilt I originally had about the experiment flaring up once again. “That’s crossing the line. I just…I need to see how much faster they move and how much farther they’re willing to go with vamped-up Kallie.”
“I’m sure there are plenty of studies out there like this already, you know. Hell, I don’t even have to think hard about which version of you is going to get more action.”
I flip him off before I grab my coffee up and take a sip. Maybe this conversation would be easier to have if he were wearing a shirt.
“You’re a smart girl. Don’t tell me you don’t already know how this is going to turn out.”
“Obviously, I have a suspicion and a thesis statement based on past observations. I’ll work on more unique situations during grad school. First, I just need to finish my bachelor’s.”
Jake cocks his head to the side, locks his eyes on mine, and sighs. “How old are you, Bright?”
“Twenty-one.”
“Have you ever even had a boyfriend?”
“I’m not a virgin, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“I wasn’t, but thanks for clarifying.” He lifts an eyebrow, smirks, and I swear he can hear me ticking off every single guy I’ve ever been with.
“How about you? I mean, you did lose it like a seventh-grader. Not that I’m judging or anything.”
“Funny girl.” His chuckle turns into a groan when the doorbell rings. “Hold that thought.”
“You expecting company?” I call after him as he hurries into the living room.
“Just stay there.”
In that case, maybe I should follow him.
He shoots me a wicked glare after he pulls something from the between the couch cushions and heads for the door. I stand back, but not so out of the way that I won’t see who’s standing on the other side.
He opens the door and his posture turns immediately rigid. “Hey, Shaina,” he greets a model-gorgeous woman dressed in a short, floral summer dress. “Sorry I forgot to text you back.”
“Just tell me you found my ID.”
“I did.” He hands her what I see now is a card. “Look, I’m really sorry about last night. For what it’s worth, I don’t usually drink that much. I was just enjoying your company.”
She rolls her eyes and I feel a pang of sympathy for him. I also understand why he was so ramped up with me.
She’s beautiful and he was thinking about her.
I head back to the kitchen so they can finish their conversation in private. I don’t need to hear about his regrets and I definitely don’t need to think too hard about it wasn’t even me he’d wanted last night.
While I wait, I peruse the cupboards and freezer, hoping to find something for dinner. Unfortunately, Dylan and Jake live like typical bachelors and there’s nothing more substantial than the loaf of bread I already dug into. Just as well, because the grocery store on a Saturday afternoon should prove fruitful for my project.
“That looked really shitty, didn’t it?” Jake’s voice sounds behind me.
“What?” I glance over my shoulder as I close a barren cupboard. “The fact that you thought I was her?”
He drops his chin to his chest and nods.
“I was only trying to wake you up, Jake, not intentionally crawl on your shit like a lap dancer.”
“Still shitty how I acted.”
“Look, I’m not under any delusions about being your type, though I should warn you—I look pretty hot when I wear this one green dress, so you should watch out. It might change your mind.”
He snorts and shifts his gaze up to mine. “So, we’re cool then?”
“As cool as two people who’ve dry humped can be, yeah.”
He laughs again and I’m glad we’re back to the sarcasm. I’m much better as a smart ass than I am sexually frustrated.
“So, I’m going to the grocery store this afternoon. Any special requests?”
“Yup.” He nods. “I want to come with.”
“Why?”
“I want to see you in action.”
“Who said I’ll be acting? Maybe we just need food.”
“We need food and you need your precious information.”
“You’re going to drive me crazy with this tag-along crap, aren’t you?”
“It was part of our deal, Bright. Take it or leave it.”
“Obviously, I’ll take it, because there’s no way in hell I’m going to let a premature ejaculator ruin my GPA.”
I slide past him, intentionally nudging his arm with my shoulder, but before I clear him completely, he grabs my wrist, spins me around, and pins me against the fridge.
“No need to be rude, Bright. In fact, if you’d like—and since we’re already keeping secrets—I’d happily offer a do-over.” His hips rock into mine and I bite back a groan. He’s semi-hard and my body remembers all too well how good that thick shaft feels in action, even with clothes on.
“Sure, but who would you be thinking about, Jake? Hmm?”
His honey eyes darken to a shade just shy of molasses as they lock on my mouth. Instinctively, I trace the tip of my tongue along my lips, and he groans. “Don’t test me, Kallie.”
Oh, but I like tests. I like them whole heck of a lot, and pushing his patience is something I’m going to enjoy the hell out of.
Turns out I rather like making my new roommate squirm.
Chapter Five
Six days later…
“You’re going out again?” Jake glances up from the paperwork he has spread out over the coffee table, a frown on his scruffy face. He hasn’t shaved since before I arrived last Friday and I’ve spent almost a week pretending that he doesn’t get a little sexier with every trip around the sun.
“Yep. That’s the game, remember?” I check my reflection in the hallway mirror, pleased with how this particular outfit turned out. The bell-sleeved, white floral dress paired with caramel cowboy boots gives me a sweet country girl look perfect for the dance hall that, William, my date for the evening, insisted I’d love.
Jake tosses his glasses onto the table—glasses he looks amazing in, by the way—and leans back on the couch. “You’re having too much fun with this.”
“Of course I am.” I shoot him a bubble-gum sweet grin and mess with my hair a bit. “You don’t think I knew exactly what I was doing when I planned this project?”
Crossing his arms over his chest, he studies me. Or maybe scrutinize is a better word, because he doesn’t look happy as he looks me up and down, pausing at my chest.
“Nice, huh?” I give the girls a little lift, complete with a saucy wink. I’ve gone out every day, sometimes as the book nerd and sometimes as a girly girl, and he’s yet to let me leave without giving me crap. Or subjecting me to stare downs that are equally heated and judging.
Poor guy. I can’t imagine that it’s fun being so torn between attraction and the need to be a loyal friend.
“Maybe I should come with tonight,” he says, his voice low and husky as he finally shifts his eyes back to mine.
I motion to his laptop and barrage of forms. Apparently he’s some kind of independent investment broker. Sounds like it’s a family specialty, but Jake’s trying to make a go at his own business, rather than joining his father’s company. “Too bad you’re up to your neck in work.”
“It can wait. I’m my own boss, remember?”
“Somehow I don’t think you’re the line dancing type, Jake.”
His mouth twists into a smile. “That explains the get-up.”
/>
“Hey, now. I happen to like it.” Just watching his lips twitch has me wetting my own. I haven’t forgotten his kisses, even though I’ve had a few more from other guys since he ravaged me on that very couch he’s sitting on.
“I do too,” he says as he stands and takes one slow step after another until he’s in front of me. So close that I can smell his crispy, citrusy deodorant when he reaches up and tucks a strand of my hair into place. “Tell me about your date.”
I give him what little I know about William from our short conversation in the coffee shop on campus. I was nerdy Kallie that day, nose buried in a Gothic romance while I sipped my tea.
“He’s not expecting this.” I gesture to my dress. “But I think he’ll pass the test with flying colors.” Actually, all of my subjects thus far have been more than okay with my dolled up version after meeting the book worm. The opposite has been true for those who meet the girly girl first and then the book nerd. In fact, two of my previous dates ended early when I broke out my glasses and started going on and on about my passion for all things literature.
“Why is that?” Jake shifts closer and, not only does his delicious scent make me lighted, but his heat…it’s doing something wicked to my nipples too.
I swallow down a gulp and nod. “He’s a nice guy.”
“Do you like him?” Jake’s focus is snagged on my mouth and I mentally measure the space between us. Less than three inches and we could be kissing again. I know he won’t do it, though. Jake just likes to tease me, thinking it gives him the upper hand.
The thing is…the guy doesn’t stand a chance. He’s been putty in my hands since he mistook me for someone else, and no matter how hard he tries to use my attraction to his advantage, the fact remains that he’s the one who crossed the line. All I’ve done is set myself up to graduate early.
“I like William, yes. He’s about your height and build. Darker eyes, though. Longer hair.”
“Why are you comparing him to me?” Another grin quirks at his mouth and I bite my lips together to contain my telling gasp.
