Hard to Resist (Sexy Nerd Boys, #3)

by K. M. Neuhold

  I do my best to hide the cringe that accompanies the not so subtle set up. I get that in India arranged marriages are a way of life. But, I’ve never even been to India. I’m American dammit and I’ll choose my own girlfriends.

  “It would really lift my spirits to see you with a nice Indian girl,” She hedges as she jots the number down and slides it towards me.

  Damn, she’s good.

  “I’ll think about it.”

  I sit on the couch staring at the phone number in my hand. The last thing I want is to give in to this damn setup. However, my mother is sick...if this makes her happy, maybe I should suck it up and do it. Who knows, maybe I’ll actually like this girl.

  The sound of melodic laughter breaks into my thoughts at the most inopportune time. Yeah, right, like I could like anyone with her around. So far our living arrangement is working out well. Granted, it’s only been a little over a week. But, she’s a great roommate. We bicker over the television, but it’s mostly in good fun since we like the same shows. She cooks for me daily and we both clean up after ourselves. The only downside is-

  “Ravi,” Matthew booms, making his way across the living room and drops down on the couch beside me. I try not to grimace. He’s a nice guy, at least what I’ve seen so far. But, I wish he would take a long walk off a short bridge. Nothing personal, but he’s with my girl and I’m not. Fuck, she’s not my girl, she’ll never be my girl. I let out a long sigh and try to shake the thoughts away. Maybe I should call this girl my mom wants to set me up with.

  “I’m going to jump in the shower, then you’re taking me to dinner,” Hadley calls to Matthew who just chuckles.

  My gut clenches and my heart aches. This is not how it’s supposed to be.

  As soon as the sound of the shower meets our ears Matthew turns to me with a pensive look in his eyes.

  “Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

  “Um, sure,” I reply reluctantly. I don’t like where this is going, especially since Matthew is eyeing me speculatively.

  “You and Hadley...” He trails off, the question clear in the intonation. Is there something going on there?

  How the hell do I even answer that? I could flat out lie, but how do I know that Hadley didn’t already tell him about our past? What if I’m honest and he gets crazy jealous and it comes between them? That thought gives me more pleasure than it should. I decide that the safest option is to play stupid.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Do I need to be worried?” He asks. “It’s obvious you two have a history. What I need to know is if it’s over or if you’re looking for another go around.”

  I swallow hard. Fuck.

  “Hadley and I... we aren’t meant to be.”

  Matthew looks like he wants to say something but instead he shakes his head and gives me a half smile, filled with pity.

  “Have you eaten yet? I owe her dinner for making her go to the gym, but you can join us if you’re hungry.”

  “I don’t want to crash your date,” I argue uneasily. Unfortunately, my traitorous stomach decides to growl loudly at the same moment.

  “Come on, Hadley wouldn’t want you sitting here hungry. Besides, it’s hardly a date. More of an exercise negotiation.”

  “Sure, I guess.”

  Hadley

  I’m standing naked in front of my dresser, trying to decide what I want to wear when my bedroom door creaks open. I gasp and reach for the towel on my bed before I realize who it is.

  “Oh, it’s just you. Don’t scare me like that,” I scold Matthew as he helps himself to my bed while I start to get dressed.

  “What were you worried about? The only people who could’ve been coming into your room to see you naked are your gay best friend, your sexy best friend who you want to fuck, or your brother. I agree you wouldn’t want your brother to get an eyeful, but if he barged in without knocking it would serve him right.”

  “I guess you’re right. I kind of wish Ravi would barge in on me naked,” I sigh wistfully. “Wait, no I don’t. That would get so fucking awkward now that we’re roommates.”

  “If by awkward you mean sweaty, then yes it would. By the way, he’s coming to dinner with us. So, pick out something that shows off your killer long legs.”

  I grab a pair of cut off shorts and my t-shirt that has a pentagram with the words ‘saving people, hunting things, the family business’ and pull them on.

  Ravi

  Dinner wasn’t as awkward as I expected. And, I do have to grudgingly admit that Matthew is a pretty cool guy. He just needs to get himself a different woman and we’ll be all good. He left shortly after we got home and now Hadley and I are watching an episode of Bates Motel in comfortable silence. Then a commercial comes on for the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure and it hits me like a punch in the gut.

  Hadley

  One second we’re sitting in comfortable silence watching TV together, and the next thing I know Ravi is having some sort of panic attack. His breath starts coming in shallow gasps as his gaze is trained on the commercial that’s currently on. Oh shit. It hits me what’s upset him. He’s been so calm about his mom’s diagnosis up until now I hadn’t thought much about it. Maybe it’s hitting him for the first time.

  His hands are shaking as a silent tear rolls down his cheek. I bridge the distance between us on the couch and pull his head down against my shoulder, putting my arms around his waist. The contact causes the dam to break. He starts shaking with silent sobs against my neck, wrapping his arms around me like I’m an anchor and he’s lost at sea. I don’t say anything, what could I possibly say to make this better? Instead I just hold him and let him break down. I stroke his back and kiss away the tears that stream down his cheek.

  I’m not sure how long we spend there on the couch, but eventually he calms and pulls away with a sheepish smile.

  “Sorry, you probably think I’m a total wimp.”

  “Of course not.”

  “Do you think...” he looks away and takes a deep breath before turning back to meet my gaze. “Would you come sleep in my bed tonight? I feel so much better when you’re with me.”

  My heart constricts. How could I ever deny this man anything? He’s already owned my heart for so long. If only he could admit that I own his heart, too.

  “Of course.” I stand up from the couch and reach out for his hand. “But, no funny business mister or I’ll tell my brother on you,” I tease. A horrified look crosses Ravi’s face before he gives me a sardonic grin.

  “You are a cruel woman.”

  I giggle as I pull my shorts off and slink between his sheets in a t-shirt and pink cotton panties. Ravi’s eyes are trained on me until I’m covered and then he pulls his own shirt and jeans off and joins me in bed.

  He doesn’t try anything. Even though I can feel him fully hard against my back side when he pulls me in to spoon. In no time at all we’re both fast asleep.

  Chapter 7

  Ravi

  Ravi: Hi, this is a bit awkward but my mom gave me your number. I guess they’re friends and wanted us to get together.

  Kashi: Hi! yeah gotta love having Indian parents *eye roll* I’m free tonight if you are.

  Ravi: Tonight works for me. Want to meet at seven for dinner?

  Kashi: That sounds great

  Once the date is set I’m completely on edge. I’ve debated for several days after my break down in front of Hadley, on whether to contact this girl for a date. Finally, I decided that if a few dates with an Indian girl would make my sick mother happy, I’d be a selfish prick not to do it.

  Things with Hadley are surprisingly normal. She slept in my bed that night, tucked tightly up against me, feeling like the only link I had to my sanity. Then, around dawn she snuck out. I felt the loss immediately but couldn’t bring myself to call her back. Alternate Universe Ravi did pull her back into bed, kissed every inch of exposed skin he could reach, and begged her never to leave. The lucky bastard.

  How can I possibly need
her this much, and yet somehow find a way to need her more with each breath?

  The front door creaks open and now I’m met with my next conundrum. Do I tell Hadley that I have a date? It really shouldn’t matter, seeing that she has a boyfriend. But, the thought of telling her that I’ve got a date tonight makes me want to vomit.

  “Hey there Elvis, how’s it going?” Hadley teases, reaching out to ruffle my hair. I grab her wrist and put in a token effort to wrestle her hand away. With my hair short now I can’t style it in a pompadour, but that doesn’t stop her from teasing me about my high school hair-do.

  “Please, you know you loved my hairstyle,” I tease, yanking her down on the couch next to me.

  “Whatever you need to tell yourself.” She rolls her eyes and then rests her head on my shoulder. My breath catches when I inhale her sweet strawberry scent. It must waft through the house and stick to everything, because I swear I keep smelling it in my bed.

  “What are you up to tonight?” I ask in the most casual tone I can manage.

  “Work,” She says with a yawn.

  Hadley has been working at a friend’s bar for a little while now. I’m sure she told me the name of it, but I can’t for the life of me remember what it was. That’s probably for the best though. The last thing I need is to see her flirting to get tips and end up going off the jealousy deep end.

  “Listen, LP, I need to tell you something.”

  She narrows her eyes at the nickname. I know she hates it, and I can understand why. But, I need it to remind myself why I can’t have her.

  “I have a date tonight.”

  As soon as the words leave my mouth the silence that descends on us is so heavy it feels like a physical weight.

  “Great. Have fun and remember to practice safe sex.” Her voice drips with false cheeriness and before I can even respond she’s halfway to her bedroom. The slamming of her bedroom door was likely heard by Asher and Eve downstairs.

  Hadley

  Eve: everything ok? I heard a loud bang from up there

  Hadley: fine...Ravi has a date tonight

  Eve: ouch. I’m sorry I can’t imagine how you must be feeling.

  Hadley: At least I’m scheduled to work so I won’t have to hear anything. I think I’m going to be sick

  Eve: Oh, want me to play annoying neighbor and find some way to ruin the mood? I can keep popping up and asking to borrow things? I could play bagpipe music really loudly!

  Hadley: Lol, I love you. Just...don’t tell me if she’s really pretty

  Eve: If you want to crash on our couch text me when you get off work.

  My hands are shaking and I feel sick to my stomach. A date. A fucking date. I can’t believe this. I knew this was bound to happen eventually, but I underestimated how much I would hate the thought of it. What if he falls in love with her and they live happily ever after? He’s supposed to be mine. This isn’t fair.

  Hadley: Do you want to come over and get trashed with me tonight when I get off work?

  Chase: sounds like a plan little sister ;)

  Ravi

  I fiddle with the buttons on my shirt as I wait for my date to arrive. We’d decided to meet at a casual restaurant right off campus that she said is her favorite. I’ve considered calling her to cancel at least ten times since I told Hadley about the date. After she’d slammed the door to her bedroom she’d proceeded to blast P!NK songs until I left for my date.

  Why is she so pissed anyway? She has a boyfriend. A boyfriend who, much to my dismay, is pretty cool, treats her well, and is attractive. She shouldn’t care that I have a date.

  I see an attractive Indian woman about my age enter the restaurant and I know that must be Kashi. I wave my hand to get her attention.

  “Hi, you must be Ravi,” She says as she approaches the table.

  If I’m being objective I would have to say that she’s beautiful. Her long black hair is silky, her chocolate eyes are warm, and she is showing off a great figure in a knee length shirt and a low cut shirt. Unfortunately, in spite of all that, I don’t feel anything south of the border.

  “Yes, I am. Kashi, right?” I stand up and shake her hand politely before we both sit again.

  *****

  Overall the meal goes smoothly. We have plenty in common between our shared major and our experience of growing up as Americanized children of Indian immigrants. She’s a sweet girl and is genuinely easy to talk to. But there’s definitely no spark.

  “I’m having a great time Ravi. But, I feel like I should be honest with you. I already have a boyfriend.”

  “Oh?” I’m more than a little relieved that the platonic feelings are mutual.

  “Yes, Jeff and I have been dating for about a year now. He’s...the love of my life.” There’s a twinkle in her eye now that she’s talking about Jeff.

  “That’s great. But, do you mind if I ask why you’re here if you have a boyfriend?”

  “My parents threatened to stop paying my tuition if I didn’t start dating guys who they deem ‘acceptable’. So, I’m going to play their game until I graduate, then Jeff and I can get married. You wouldn’t by chance want to be my pretend boyfriend for a while, would you?”

  I’m about to tell her ‘not a chance’ when I realize how happy my mother would be if I told her I’d be seeing Kashi long term. This would be perfect.

  “Actually, that would help me out a lot too.”

  “Awesome. Thank you so much, this is going to make my life so much easier.” Kashi breathes a sigh of relief. “Let’s go get a drink to celebrate. There’s this really awesome bar downtown.”

  “Alright, that sounds good,” I agree.

  We split the check and take separate cars. I’m ecstatic about this arrangement. This way I can make my mother happy without having to suffer through endless setups.

  *****

  Bad Wolf, now where have I heard that name before? Other than Doctor Who, of course. It’s been bothering me since we walked in. I feel like someone has mentioned this bar to me before.

  “There’s a table,” Kashi points out.

  As soon as we grab the table the waitress appears. The first thing I notice is her long, lean legs. They remind me of Hadley’s. My gaze continues upwards take in the rest of the Wonder Woman outfit that is hugging all of her curves and leaving very little to the imagination. She clears her throat and I finally wrench my gaze up to her eyes. My heart stops as I meet her winter green eyes.

  “Hadley?”

  Her eyes narrow as she looks between Kashi and I.

  “What can I get for you?” She bites out coldly.

  Kashi orders some girly drink and I stick to having a beer. Hadley turns and stalks off angrily leaving me feeling like a complete asshole...with an erection.

  “I can’t believe that’s what she wears to work,” I grumble absentmindedly.

  “Friend of yours?” Kashi asks as my gaze remains trained on Hadley’s legs.

  She’s standing at the bar talking to the bartender. He’s a good looking guy too, with dark hair and a muscular build. Jesus, doesn’t she know any average looking guys? Hadley says something to him and he looks my way with a scowl. Their conversation goes on way too long for it to just be about the drink order. And, after what seems like an eternity, he gives her a kiss on the cheek and she goes to take an order from another table. What the hell?

  “Earth to Ravi,” Kashi sing songs.

  “Sorry. Is it normal for a bartender to be so touchy feely with the waitresses?”

  Kashi lets out a small laugh.

  “It’s not uncommon. But, I don’t think you need to worry about him.” Kashi gestures towards the bar again and I see the bartender with a busty redhead. It’s clear by the look he’s giving her that they’re together.

  “Good,” I murmur.

  “So... who is she?” Kashi asks again.

  “My roommate, Hadley,” I answer reluctantly, and in the most succinct way I can manage.

  “Does she know you’re in
love with her?”

  “I’m not...That’s just...You don’t.”

  Before I can unfluster enough to form an actual retort the redhead from the bar brings our drinks over.

  Hadley ignores us for the next hour while Kashi and I have a few drinks.

  “Well, I’d better get going. Jeff is probably worried that I fell in love with my blind date,” She jokes before leaning over to give me a quick kiss on the cheek.

  “I had fun, I’ll call you sometime next week.”

  Hadley

  My hands are shaking with barely controlled rage as I watch Ravi’s stupid, gorgeous date lean over and kiss his cheek before leaving. Ravi’s been smiling since they got here. Asshole.

  “Are you going to be alright?” Ethan asks sympathetically.

  I let out an annoyed huff.

  “I’m fine,” I snap.

  “Whatever you say Wonder Woman,” He chuckles and shakes his head. “Why don’t you take off. It’s pretty quiet now, I’m sure Abby and I can handle it from here.”

  “Okay, thanks,” I mutter.

  On my walk home I text Chase and Matthew to come get drunk with me. I need as many witnesses as I can get to prevent me from either murdering Ravi or jumping him. At this point it’s difficult to know which is more likely. Chase says he’s already there and Matthew tells me he won’t be able to make it for a few more hours.

  “Hey Sis.” Chase pulls me into a hug as soon as I walk through the door.

  “Why don’t you make me a drink while I go get changed,” I suggest, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

  When Chase lets me go I turn to see Ravi standing there looking nervous. I purse my lips and skirt around him to get to my room. My heart pounds as his masculine scent caresses me when I pass him. He doesn’t belong with her. He’s mine. I bite my lip to keep any tears from escaping. As soon as I close the door to my bedroom I take several deep breaths to calm my nerves. As I rifle through my clothes I decide that if I’m going to suffer tonight then so is Ravi.

  *****

  Project ‘Punish Ravi’ is underway. His eyes have strayed to my chest no less than ten times, confirming that he can tell I’m not wearing a bra. I slam back another shot, Chase and Ravi both doing the same. If all else fails, Ravi will have to suffer through his hangover tomorrow. Chase and I have been genetically blessed to be basically immune to hangovers. We never take pity on Ravi.