Don't Date Your Roommate (Magnolia Springs Book 2)

by Elyse Kelly

  Don’t Date Your Roommate

  Magnolia Springs Book 2

  Copyright © 2020 by Elyse Kelly

  All rights reserved.

  The unauthorized reproduction, transmission, or distribution of any part of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the express written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This literary work is fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or establishments is entirely coincidental.

  Cover Design: Sarah Kil Creative Studio

  Editing: Pagan Proofreading

  Formatting: Alt 19 Creative

  ISBN: 9798697108963

  Contents

  Christian

  Christian

  Ava

  Christian

  Ava

  Ava

  Christian

  Ava

  Christian

  Ava

  Christian

  Christian

  Ava

  Christian

  Ava

  Christian

  Ava

  Ava

  Christian

  Ava

  Find Elyse Kelly

  Acknowledgements

  Coming Soon

  Sophie

  Sophie

  Dane

  PROLOGUE

  Christian

  Don’t date your roommate. Do. Not. Date. Your. Roommate. I keep repeating the words over and over in my head, hoping at some point it’ll sink in. My brain has it on repeat, but my dick is like that meme with Kermit the Frog in a black hoodie, saying, “Do it. Date your roommate. You know you want to.” How the hell did I get here?

  Well, let’s see. My brother Asher, who used to be the town playboy, has fallen madly in love with the new girl, Callie. Don’t get me wrong, I love Callie. She’s sweet and kind and gorgeous, but she put me out of my house! Well, maybe not exactly.

  Callie and her best friend, Ava—we’ll get to her in a minute—moved to Magnolia Springs a few months ago so Callie could open her dream business, a cupcake shop called The Sweet Spot. It’s right next door to the auto shop I co-own with Asher. He took one look at Callie and the rest is history. Just a few weeks into their whirlwind romance and I find myself put out of the three-bedroom house I was sharing with my brother.

  Man, I had the perfect setup too. Asher owns the house, but I was paying rent. Our overly involved mom made sure we always had groceries, fresh laundry, and a clean house. And our best friend, Dane, lives right next door. Dane works with us at the shop and he’s been our best friend since we were babies. Everything was just the way I wanted it.

  But Asher just had to fall in love with Callie and now she’s moving in. Could I stay in the house with them? Yeah, I could. It is a three-bedroom after all, but who wants to be the third wheel in a new relationship where you have to listen to your brother constantly having sex with his girl? Yeah, not this guy.

  Honestly, I’m kinda jealous. Asher has always been the “love ‘em and leave ‘em” type, never double-dipping with the same girl. He was always so focused on the shop and taking over the business once Dad retired, that he just kept his head down, worked his ass off, and relieved stress with one of the many willing participants in Magnolia Springs who couldn’t wait to throw her panties at him.

  Me? I’m not that guy. Everyone assumes that because we’re brothers and Irish Twins—we’re only a year apart —that I’m just like him. While I never really corrected anyone’s assumptions, the truth is I’m a relationship kind of guy. I love being with one girl. Someone to come home to, share things with, laugh with, snuggle with—yes, I’m a snuggler. Girls are just so soft and snuggly! The problem is I’m picky and I’ve only had two relationships—one in high school and one in college. I thought my college girl was gonna be it. She was fun and sweet, and man, did she have a bangin’ body! Turns out she didn’t want anything serious, and after several months we decided it was best to part ways.

  I guess I’m just not your typical guy. I love being in love, even if I’ve only experienced it twice. I love spoiling my girl, treating her like a cherished princess, and discovering all the ways to make her feel good, loved, and appreciated. I thought I’d find that once I moved back home to Magnolia Springs. Instead I found girls looking for Asher, or the next best thing to Asher. Or they just wanted my dick and a few orgasms, then sent me on my way. No shame in a girl getting hers, but I am not a piece of meat! Now, let’s keep that between you and me, because I don’t need to lose my man card and have my boys ragging on me all day.

  So, back to my housing situation. Now that Callie has officially moved in, I guess I gotta put on my Big Boy Pants and find my own place. My first thought was to crash with Dane next door for a while. After all, he is my brother from another mother. Our moms are best friends and we’ve been joined at the hip practically since birth. But that idea quickly crashed and burned when Dane’s mom, Addy, decided to remodel her home. Now she’s crashing with Dane for the next several weeks.

  I could move back in with my parents for a few weeks, but no self-respecting twenty-something wants to do that unless absolutely necessary. Mom would love to have me home again, but I think Dad might kill me, now that he’s retired and has Mom all to himself. Besides, you’d think they were teenagers with how much they like to play grab ass and hide the pickle in every room of the house. No one should ever have to witness or hear their parents doing that. I shiver at the thought of the last time I was exposed to their antics. I stopped by unannounced to get some tools out of the garage and saw them going at it in the kitchen. My retinas were seared and may never heal after that. And I will never, ever eat at that kitchen table again.

  So where does this leave me for housing then? Glad you asked. It apparently leaves me right damn here, standing outside the screen door of the house Ava’s renting with Callie. Who is Ava, you ask? Well, I did say we’d get back to her.

  If you recall, Ava is Callie’s best friend. She did Callie a solid and moved down here to help her open The Sweet Spot. The first time I laid eyes on Ava was at Big Mike’s Pizza, when she practically ran away from her table after Asher approached Callie and whispered something in her ear. I could see Callie blush all the way from my table, so it’s no surprise Ava wanted to get the hell outta Dodge while those two eye-fucked each other at the table.

  As soon as I saw her sauntering my way, my mouth parted as I took in how beautiful she was. A little taller than average height, Ava had long, golden blond hair, bright baby blues, and a pouty cherry mouth that begged to be kissed. Her trim body was athletic, making me think maybe she was a runner. Not too curvy, but not a boyish figure either. Just perfect for the dirty things I wanted to do to her. Our eyes locked as she came closer, but then she looked to my right and suddenly I remembered I wasn’t alone at the table. Dane was right next to me and I chanced a quick look his way. What I saw surprised the hell out of me. Dane had the same look I had. Well fuck, we both were interested.

  The three of us ended up having dinner together since Asher, deciding to flirt with Callie instead, never returned to our table. I don’t think Ava picked up on it, but it was clear to Dane and me we both were interested in her. But luckily our firm pact of “Bros Before Hoes” wouldn’t have to be tested.

  A few nights later the three of us were all hanging out at Dane’s, along with our friend Sophie, and it was clear she was interested in
him. But then again, Sophie’s always been interested in Dane. The big dope just never seemed to catch on that she’s been crushing on him since middle school. That night, Sophie explained some dilemma she was having, and Dane stepped right up and volunteered to help. Dane loves to play Captain Save-a-Hoe. Can’t blame him though; he’s an amazing guy and would do anything for anyone. And maybe spending a little more time with Sophie will help him finally see what’s been right in front of him for years.

  So now that you know who Ava is, let’s talk about how she’s gonna be my new roommate.

  CHAPTER 1

  Christian

  I’m standing on Ava’s porch, watching her through the screen door like a total creeper. After parking my truck out front, full to the brim with all my stuff, I bounded up the front walkway. I’m just about to knock on the front door when I hear music and off-key singing.

  My interest piqued, I look through the screen door to find Ava dancing around the living room in the tiniest pair of cutoff shorts and a tight pink tank top. I look my fill, my eyes dragging up her taut body, from her pink painted toes to her long, tanned legs; then to her slim waist, up her delicate neck, and landing on startled baby blue eyes staring right back at me.

  “Jesus!” she screams, clutching her chest. It’s obvious she was in her own little world, singing and dancing and cleaning as she goes. I defensively throw my palms up, showing her I’m no threat.

  “Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to scare you. Can I come in?” She walks over to the screen door to unlock it.

  “Damn, Christian! You scared the crap outta me! How long were you standing there?” she asks, seemingly a bit embarrassed, remembering what she was doing when she saw me.

  “Not long, just a few seconds.” Long enough to enjoy looking at your stunning body though.

  “Oh. OK,” she says, relieved.

  “I promise I didn’t see any dancing or hear any singing, if that’s what you’re worried about.” She blushes furiously as her nose scrunches in an adorable little grimace.

  “Just couldn’t pretend you didn’t witness that, huh?”

  “Now, what kinda roommate would I be, if I wasn’t truthful?” I’m hoping a little teasing will put her at ease. I’m not planning on staying here too long, but I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot. And if my plan goes accordingly, when this is all said and done, I’m hoping I can pick up where I left off and ask Ava out on a real date. She gives me a little huff and a roll of her beautiful eyes.

  “Well, come on in. Let’s get you settled into your temporary home, shall we?” She opens the door to let me in and I follow her inside. The last time I was here, Asher and I came over for dinner with the girls. I thought it was a little strange he wanted me to tag along when Callie was cooking dinner for him, but when he said Ava would be there, I jumped at the chance. Now that Dane was off focusing on helping Sophie, I had the green light to make a move on Ava. My plan was thwarted though, when Asher and Callie dropped a bomb on us.

  We’re all laughing and having a good time over dessert when Asher squeezes Callie’s hand as it rests on the table. I watch as Callie musters up courage then blurts out that they’ve decided to move in together. Caught off guard, my mouth drops to the floor, but it’s Ava’s response that truly surprises me.

  “What the crap, Callie? I move all the way down here to help you, and now you leave me high and dry? How could you do this to me? What happened to Ride or Die? Besties for life?” Ava looks like she’s on the verge of tears, which seems a bit extreme to me. But what do I know? I’m not a girl. I don’t understand girl feelings.

  “You know that’s not what this is, Ava. I’m not abandoning you; I promise. We’re still gonna work together and we’ll see each other all the time. And I’ll keep paying my half of the rent.” Callie reaches for Ava’s hand, but she quickly pulls it away.

  “It’s not about the money and you know that. I don’t need money. I don’t even need you to pay me to work for you, but you won’t listen to me.” Huh, who doesn’t need money? I look over to Asher and he gives me a shrug like he has no idea what’s happening right now.

  “I know you don’t need money, Ava, but I can’t not pay you. You know how I feel about that. And we’ve been inseparable since kindergarten. That’s not gonna change.”

  “We know we’re springing this on you guys, and we’re sorry. It’s all happening so fast, but I need Callie with me every day. I love her.” Asher looks at Callie like she’s his everything and a pang of envy hits me right in the gut. Wait a minute?! Springing this on you guys? I shoot my gaze over to Asher and at least he has the decency to look apologetic.

  “Sorry, man, I know I should have asked you, but…” He lifts his big shoulder in a sheepish half shrug.

  “Damn, man, putting me outta of my own house?”

  “Technically, it’s my house.”

  “Yeah, but I pay rent. Don’t you have to give me some kind of notice?”

  “This is your notice. Callie’s moving in this weekend. Notice given.”

  “Asher,” Callie chastises, swatting at his chest with the back of her hand. She looks at me with her soft doe eyes. Callie is so sweet to everyone, and I know how much my brother loves her. How could I deny her anything?

  “It’s fine, Callie,” I tell her. “I should be able to find a place. Maybe I can crash with Dane in the meantime.” Callie and Asher share a look. “What?”

  “Yeah, so Mama Addy is staying with Dane while her house is being remodeled. But maybe you can stay with Mom and Dad. It’ll just be a few weeks.” Asher says it like he doesn’t remember me telling him about catching Mom and Dad in the kitchen.

  “No thanks, man. No one needs to see Mom and Dad doing it all the time. I’ll figure something out.” Callie begins to practically vibrate in her chair.

  “You can move in with Ava!” she shouts. What the hell? Now, of course I want to spend some time with Ava. She’s gorgeous and I was attracted to her the moment I laid eyes on her, but living together? We hardly know each other. That screams of disaster. Just then, Ava says what I’m thinking.

  “What the hell, Callie? You can’t just pawn us off on each other. Besides, I’m sure Christian doesn’t want to live with some random girl he hardly knows.”

  “You’re not some random girl, Ava,” I tell her, wanting to assure her my hesitancy has nothing to do with her. I’m more concerned with how I’m gonna keep my hands to myself when I’ll be in such close proximity to her.

  “Thanks, but you know what I mean. How’s this gonna work?”

  “It’ll be fine, I promise. I’m game if you are. Besides, it’s just temporary, right?”

  Ava sighs with defeat. “I guess so. Looks like we’re gonna be roomies.” She gives me a forced smile.

  Callie does that thing she does when she’s excited, bouncing up and down and clapping her hands. She jumps out of her chair and goes over to hug Ava. Asher gives me a look, asking me if this is OK, and we have a silent conversation that only close brothers can have. I return his look with a nod, letting him know I’m fine with it. Then he lifts his chin toward Ava and smirks at me, letting me know he knows I’m attracted to her. I narrow my eyes at him then lift my eyebrow, letting him know I’ve got this under control. At least, I sure hope I do.

  CHAPTER 2

  Ava

  I can’t believe Christian Davis is my new roommate. For the foreseeable future, I’m living with a guy. Not my best friend, Callie, who I moved down here with, but a guy. And not just any guy, but the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. How in the world is this my life right now?

  When Callie and Asher sprung the news that they were moving in together after just a few weeks of dating, I thought Callie had lost her damn mind. She’s always been so guarded with her heart that I was taken completely by surprise by how fast she’d fallen in love with Asher. But I’ve seen the way he look
s at her, dotes on her. I know he’s just as smitten. The two of them are so cute together I could puke.

  Yeah, so maybe I’m a little jealous. I’ve never had a boyfriend before and I’m not sure I could ever trust someone enough to let them in. I’ve had some guys interested in dating me, but I grew up only being wanted because of a purpose I served, not because I was ever really loved. After being treated like that, I decided I’ll just pass on dating and relationships.

  I was five years old when I met Callie and to my surprise, the curious girl with black curly hair and unique gray eyes was more than happy to play with me at school. I didn’t have any friends besides our housekeeper and our landscaper. They were a sweet couple that lived in a small cottage at the back of our property.

  On the first day of kindergarten, Grace got me dressed and packed my lunch, assuring me I’d make some friends. Jack drove me to school and dropped me off, after I lied and told him I’d be OK to walk in by myself. I watched as other kids made their way inside with one, sometimes two parents escorting them to their classroom. But I was all alone, my dad out of town on business—not that he would’ve come anyway—and my mom was too busy with her social life to be bothered. I was heartbroken, but I didn’t want Jack and Grace to worry about me.

  As I walked into my classroom with tears welling in my eyes, a pretty girl with light brown skin came over and introduced herself as “Callie”. She helped me put my things away and linked her arm in mine as she walked me over to the big colorful rug where we took a seat with the other kids. From that moment on, she never left my side. But now she’s leaving me to move in with her boyfriend and I feel like that lost little girl all over again.

  But don’t worry, Callie’s come up with a wonderful solution, being the little fixer that she is. Can you pick up the sarcasm I’m putting down? Her brilliant idea has Christian Davis, Asher’s brother who was living with him until Callie moved in, walking into my living room right now and taking a tour of his temporary home for the next few weeks. This is after he caught me making a fool of myself, singing and dancing around the living room as I was trying to tidy up before he arrived.