Rebel Roommate: A Brother's Best Friend Romance Read online

  I drop the bra back in my drawer before I change my mind again.

  Dressed properly for both the utmost flexibility and getting his attention, I exit my bedroom, wearing nothing but bootie sleep shorts and a tight white tank top with no bra on. The shirt is thick enough to not be totally see-through but soft enough to hug every curve of my breasts.

  I place my laptop on the ground with my yoga mat lying in the middle of the room, and I play a free online yoga video before getting into position. By the time Wes walks through the door, I’ll be deep into my yoga workout, holding the downward dog position with my ass in the air just right.

  As I sit in lotus pose with my legs crossed, trying to find my inner peace and calm my breath, my heart rate speeds up a bit at the unknown outcome of what I’m about to do.

  I’ve never messed with a guy like this, especially someone I’ve known as long as Wes. I’d almost feel more comfortable with doing this to a stranger instead. The banana was one thing, but this is way more blatant. I’m nervous, but I remind myself that if the plan backfires, then I have the yoga to fall back on as my excuse.

  After steadying my breath, I run through a few sun salutations to get my heart pumping and my muscles warm.

  I hear the click of the front door open, and I smile, knowing I timed it just right for the end of the warm-up to be complete as I come to a part of the class where you hold the downward dog pose for a minute.

  I close my eyes, focusing on my breathing—in through my nose and out through my mouth—when Wes enters the room.

  “Wow. Fuck. Um … what are you doing?” he asks, his voice full of surprise.

  I don’t pay him any attention as I lift my right leg, twisting it behind me to expose my core, where I’m sure my shorts are riding high. I might have neglected to slide on panties under them as well.

  “Three-legged dog.” My tone is even and my eyes are closed.

  I pull my leg into my chest and bring it forward, lying in pigeon pose, which is basically the splits with my knee bent. As I stretch my back leg before dropping down flat, my nipples push against the white fabric of my shirt.

  I hear him clear his throat.

  “You can’t do that out here.”

  I fight the urge to open my eyes, but it’s hard. I can tell he hasn’t moved from that spot, and I’m dying to see his face, but then he’d know I knew he was watching me.

  “My room is too small for my mat, and I need to stay limber.” I inhale a few breaths before pushing back up to downward dog.

  “You should put on more clothes. There are guys in and out of this place. If they saw you like this, they’d lose their minds.”

  I lift my other leg, doing the three-legged dog on the other side before tucking it in and exhaling loudly, making sure he knows I’m not going to stop and instead acting like him being here, seeing me like this, is no big deal.

  “It’s a form of exercise. There’s hardly any reason for anyone to get annoyed. Is it because I’m blocking the television?”

  “It’s because you’re practically naked,” he grunts, walking into the kitchen.

  “I’ll make sure to only do this when you’re around then. You’re like my brother, so I don’t have to worry about you looking at me inappropriately.”

  Loud clanking in the kitchen breaks my concentration as I try not to laugh at the way he’s opening and shutting drawers and the fridge with way too much force. I hear him pull out a chair at our tiny table, so I peek under my arm to see if he’s watching. I choke back a laugh when I see he’s purposely turned the chair to face the wall with his back to me. Since he can’t see me, I let out a few soft moans.

  Every time he takes a drink from his glass, he slams it on the table, and I have to bite my lip not to fall over in a fit of giggles.

  I continue my class as he eats his lunch, running through my motions with every breath to build my endurance and core strength. He tries to ignore me, but I catch him pausing at the sink with the water running and his attention on anything but the dish in his hand.

  As he escapes back to his room, I follow along with the series of stretches to calm my breathing back down.

  With my hands out in front of me, I push up to my knees, keeping my body at a ninety-degree angle with the floor, and then I slide my chest down as far to the ground as I can with my ass perfectly pushed in the air—and, yes, directly facing where he is.

  It’s called the puppy-dog stretch, but there’s nothing cute and cuddly about this pose. It screams fuck me from any angle.

  He enters the room and growls, “I don’t want to see you doing yoga out here ever again. I mean it.”

  I sigh out a breath. “Whatever. There’s a yoga studio on campus. I saw a bunch of coeds taking a class. Maybe I can find someone to hold my hips from behind to keep me in form.”

  “Fuck me,” he whispers to himself. “Fine. Make this your own personal yoga den. Just make sure no one else is here when you do it. Especially Chad. He’ll lose his shit with the way you’re humping the floor, wearing next to nothing.”

  I ignore him some more and focus on my breathing. “Okay, thanks for the advice.”

  When he exits the apartment, slamming the door behind him, I finally fall over, laughing, loving that I was able to get under his skin.

  Chapter Six

  “Girrrrlllll, you’re looking hot!” Amanda says after I change in the bathroom.

  I glance down at my choice of a black romper with short-shorts that, I’ll admit, make my legs look amazing when I pair it with these heels.

  “And your hair turned out fantastic.” Nicole runs her hands down the fresh blowout Amanda gave me. She colored the entire section of hair at the base of my neck a light purple that rolls around the front of my curled strands.

  “I love it so much. It’s so edgy!” I say as I reach for my purse that’s sitting on the counter, searching for my lipstick.

  Amanda looks great in a pair of black capris and a backless shirt.

  Nicole is wearing a dark green dress that brings out her eyes. She’s sliding an earring through her ear as I ask her, “Chad doesn’t care about you going out without him?”

  “Never. We were friends so long before dating. He knows I’d never cheat. And besides, I’m out with his sister. That’s a surefire way for him to virtually babysit me if he wanted to.”

  I smile in agreement. “What are the guys doing tonight?” It feels funny to ask since I’m the one who lives with them, but I left shortly after I finished yoga, so Amanda could start on my hair, and I haven’t spoken to either of them.

  “Half the team’s at your place actually. There’s a game on, so we picked the perfect night to go out. When the Angels play, it’s like the rest of the world ceases to exist,” she says as she puts the other earring in. “You ready?”

  “Fuck yeah.” Amanda is at the door with her purse in hand.

  Walker’s is only a few blocks from their apartment, so we head down the street, walking instead of hopping on the bus or driving and having to deal with parking. Thank God places around here have coat check, so you don’t have to worry about your jacket or freezing your ass off with the unruly weather from the San Francisco Bay.

  When we arrive, there’s a line out the door, but Amanda pulls us to the front, giving the bouncer a sexy smile and flirt-filled banter. He instantly undoes the rope that blocks the entrance and lets us in. I hear people moan and groan behind us, but Amanda just smiles and blows a kiss to the bouncer.

  “Do you know that guy?” I ask in her ear as we pay the entrance fee.

  “Nope! When you’re as hot as us, you don’t wait for anything around this place.” She grins and nudges us with her hip before walking into the club.

  Loud bass radiates around the dark walls as beams of lights bounce around the room, which is covered with bodies moving everywhere. We head straight for the dance floor. I reach my arms over my head, swaying from side to side with the biggest smile on my face as the music washes over me, reliev
ing any and all stress I’ve held for the last week.

  After a few songs, Nicole is fanning herself, and Amanda motions to get a drink. As we head toward the bar, I stop in my tracks, grabbing Nicole’s arm and making sure she doesn’t move any more.

  “Why is Wes here?”

  “Where?” She searches around the club.

  “At the bar.” I point to where he’s sitting on a barstool with a redheaded girl trying to get his attention. “Do you know who he’s with?”

  She looks where I’m pointing. “That’s a good sign. He’s here to check in on you, and he’s obviously not into her.”

  Amanda turns around then and steps back to us to see why we didn’t follow her. “We getting drinks or what? Why are you two over here, gawking? What are you staring at? Oh, look. It’s Wes.” Her eyes dart from Wes to me, and a shit-eating grin covers her face. “Ohhh. Wes is here. He’s totally the guy you’re messing around with.”

  “No one is messing around with anyone. I’m proving her wrong, and so far, I’m winning,” I say.

  “Nope, too soon. Are you honestly saying there’s never been anything between you two?”

  I shake my head but can’t hold her gaze.

  “Never?” Nicole asks with crossed arms.

  I raise my eyes to the ceiling and lament, “Okay, so one time when I was in the seventh grade, we played Spin the Bottle. Chad doesn’t know about that, so zip it.” They’re still looking at me like I’m full of shit. “And there might have been this moment before he left for college.”

  They’re both smiling like fools.

  “We can work with this,” Amanda says as she pulls my top down a little to show more cleavage.

  “What are you doing?” I slap her hand away.

  “Getting you ready.” She pulls some lavender strands over my shoulder.

  “For what?”

  “Retribution!” Nicole says. “If you still believe I’m wrong—which I’m not—it doesn’t matter right now because your rules say he can’t date if you can’t either. I’d say you have a lesson to teach him, and acting like he’s a cheating boyfriend will always make the girl walk away. Plus, I totally hate her. She stole my blow-dryer freshman year and still lies about it.” She steps back with a smile and a nod, telling me I’m ready to go after him.

  “Cheating boyfriend?” I ask as I piece together what she’s saying.

  The mischievous expression covering her face makes me want to hug her. I square my shoulders and hold my head high, readying for the performance of a lifetime. This is so ridiculous, and yet I’m excited to play the game.

  “Just be careful. Aquariuses are not to be messed with. They hit back pretty hard.” Amanda slaps my ass as I walk by, and I have to bite my lip not to laugh or panic.

  Wes and the girl are still talking. Her fingers are creeping up his arm like a spider as she pushes her breasts against him and pouts.

  The sight of her hand on him has my blood simmering underneath. My body seems to be getting ready to play the role of protective girlfriend because, right now, I want to sucker-punch this girl in the face.

  What’s gotten into me?

  I look back at Amanda and Nicole and see them grinning and shooing me closer. I take a deep breath, clench my fists and march over to Wes.

  “What the fuck is going on here?” I yell, yanking his shoulder back, pulling him away from her to swivel on his stool and face me.

  Wes’s eyes widen in surprise and then narrow to slits when he sees it’s me. He stands to get closer, his size towering over mine. “I don’t know what you’re doing, Stacey, but it’s not cool.”

  The redhead places a hand on her hip. “We’re having a private conversation, and clearly, he doesn’t want you here.”

  I throw my arms in the air and keep my eyes trained on Wes. It’s easy really. They’re so damn pretty. “You told me you loved me. You said I was special. That’s what you do, right? Get in my panties and then move on to the next easy target?”

  His jaw twitches, and I struggle to keep a straight face. He inhales and grits out, “You can stop now. You’re making a scene.”

  “A scene? Not as bad as the fact that you stole my virginity hours ago, and now, you’re here, macking on some girl?” I point my finger in her direction just in time to see her eyes widen and jaw drop.

  “You what?”

  “She’s lying. Don’t listen to her.” Wes tries to grab her elbow.

  “Isn’t that what they all say after they get what they want?” I stare directly into her eyes, putting on one hell of an act. Grabbing Wes’s arm, I sigh. “I should have known a guy with an arm like yours would have an ego to match.”

  “Yeah, I’m out of here. You took her virginity and said you loved her? That’s low, dude. You’re a total creep,” she says as she pushes away from the bar.

  I raise my hurt expression to her. “Thanks. And you have nice hair. I bet you have an awesome blow-dryer.”

  The girl is a mix of disgust and confusion as she walks away. Wes, on the other hand, never takes his eyes off of mine.

  “You happy now?” He crosses his arms and glares at me.

  I inhale and hold my breath. I didn’t think this all the way through. I guess I thought he would chase after the girl and try to explain. I didn’t expect for him to challenge me.

  I lift my chin. “Now, you know how it feels to not be able to flirt with someone.”

  “So, you were flirting with those guys at the frat house?”

  “I didn’t even get a chance. You put the kibosh on every conversation. Glad you got a taste of your own medicine.” I turn to leave, but he stops me.

  “Not so fast. After that performance, my name is going to be ringing through the gossip mill as the creep who took your virginity. Good luck explaining that to Chad, by the way. Regardless, you’re mine tonight. I have a reputation to uphold that I’m a chivalrous guy, a good man, and most importantly, a respectful lover. Everyone knows I always get my way with women.” He leans down to whisper in my ear, “No matter who they are.”

  Chills run down my spine from his closeness. When he steps back, his face has its own mischievous expression, and I have a feeling the villain just became the prey again.

  “What are you doing here anyway, Wes? You’re supposed to be watching the Angels game.”

  “I was distracted. Thought I’d get out for a few.”

  “And you decided to come here, the place where you knew Amanda and Nicole were taking me?”

  “Yes. Matt’s around here somewhere too. I don’t travel alone. And since you ruined my night, the least you can do is have a drink with me.” He sits back on his barstool, holding out his hand to me.

  Begrudgingly, I take a seat. “Fine, but only if you’re buying.”

  “Wouldn’t have it any other way.” He calls over the bartender and orders a beer for himself. I ask for a cosmopolitan. “When did you become a cosmo girl?”

  “I love the taste of lime.”

  “Good to know.”

  The bartender brings us our drinks, and Wes slides a twenty to him. He leans back, and I watch as his eyes drift from the curve of my breasts, down the black material, and stop at where the hem meets my thigh.

  When he looks back up, it’s with a hooded expression. “You changed your hair.”

  I shrug as I take a drink. “I wanted to try something different. I’m not as straitlaced as the girl you remember.”

  He glances down with a grin. “Clearly. I’ll be honest; I like it.” His teeth skim his lip as he stares at my body. “But do I think you should be wearing it? No. You’re begging to get hit on.”

  “I’m a grown woman who appreciates a man’s attention every once in a while. It’s been nice, having freedom away from my brother and his insane best friend for the past three years.”

  “Then, why did you follow us here?”

  I take a drink and narrow my eyes at him over my glass. “I decided a good education tops all else. Plus, you’re only here
for the year, and then I get to be on my own again.”

  He nods with a crooked grin. “What you’re telling me is that in three years, you’ve grown up without the shadow lurking over you. How many guys did you date?”

  “That’s none of your business.” I’m insulted he would even ask.

  “Isn’t it? You’re the one who’s trying to convince me you’re a woman now. Isn’t that what you’re up to?”

  I take a large swig. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Maybe you should explain to me why it’s so important that I stay away from guys.”

  He quirks a brow and leans forward. “Are you sure you want the answer to that?”

  I gulp. “Yes.”

  The corner of his mouth rises devilishly. “I don’t think anyone’s good enough for you.”

  “You haven’t seen me in years. You didn’t even come back home when my mom invited you over for Christmas. I hate to break it to you, Wes, but you don’t know anything about me.” I finish my drink, stand up, and walk away.

  It was only one drink, but I drank it fast, which causes a tingle in my body as I walk over to my friends. They moved back to the dance floor, and now, they have drinks in their hands as well.

  “How did it go?” Nicole asks.

  “I saw the girl rush off in a huff. Total success!” Amanda sings happily.

  “Yeah, total success,” I repeat but don’t feel as excited about the victory as they do.

  We walk farther into the dance floor, closer to the DJ booth, and cheer when a popular song plays. While they dance like girls gone wild, I sway my hips and try to feel the music as I did before, but my mind is completely elsewhere. The strobe lights are blinking, and the floor is vibrating, but the beat isn’t hitting me.

  “I need another drink,” I say to them and ask if they want anything. They decline, so I head off, bumping and swaying through the crowd.

  Couples are making out, guys are trying their best to break-dance, and girls are doing their sultriest moves. I’m slipping between people and almost to the edge when I look up.

  Wes is heading in my direction with determination ingrained in his veins.