Roomie Wars Box Set

“You’re crazy. It’ll never be like that between us.” I reiterate, “He is my roomie. End of story.”

With the thought planted in my head, I start to think about what it would be like for two roommates to get together. I guess it would be easy from a living perspective. You could have sex whenever and wherever you wanted. No boundaries. No one else to answer to. And it would be kind of hot to sleep in a man’s bed but still have your own space across the hall. Oh my God! I am going to kill Mia for making me even think about this.

Think about a naked, hairy fat man running across a meadow.

Phew. Forgotten.

We continue to chat for a few more minutes before work consumes us both. To ease her fears about the wedding, I suggest we have a quick drink tonight at a local bar to unwind.

Three o’clock rolls around quickly, and the site foreman, along with Mr. Becker, show me around the vacant block of land before settling on a spot so we can open the blueprints. The site has so much potential, and my brain is exploding with ideas. Even Mr. Becker looks pleased with my enthusiasm suggesting I attend the next meeting. With a successful day behind me, I am eagerly looking forward to unwinding with a few drinks.

***

At the bar, Mia orders us two martinis as we settle for a spot on the upper deck. The view of the city is spectacular on this beautiful summer’s night. The sky is a shade of pale pink, a sign that tomorrow will be another warm summer’s day. For a Monday night, the bar is unusually crowded. Many people are dressed in their corporate attire, most likely unwinding after a stressful day at work.

After our first glass, both of us relax and chat about the wedding. Usually, wedding talk bores me, but Mia’s concern over her traditional Asian family being in the same room as Troy’s Greek parents is pure entertainment. Somewhere during Mia’s rant about wearing something old and blue, I feel a gentle tap on my shoulder.

“Zoey?”

The voice sounds familiar, and I turn around to be met by Noah, a guy I had a brief fling with a couple of times after I broke up with Jess. Yes, he was my rebound guy.

“Noah? Oh my God, how are you?” I’m shocked to see him. I jump up and give him a quick hug. He doesn’t have to answer—he looks damn good. Wearing a gray V-neck tee and dark jeans, his body looks even better than I remember it. My eyes move to his forearm where a new tattoo sits. I can’t quite make out the design—something tribal by the looks of it.

Leaning forward with a gentle brush against my ear, he whispers, “Great, but even better now you’re here.”

Oh.

What. A. Line.

Noah always knows exactly what to say. He’s the perfect gentleman coming into my life at just the right time. Gigi told me a great rebound guy would help me move forward, but she warned me that you don’t go falling in love with said person.

Noah was great. Just what I needed after Jess’s indiscretion. Attractive with a slight cockiness, attentive to my needs, and he was a fantastic lover. I mean knock-your-socks-off, barely-crawl-out-of-bed type of fantastic lover.

“May I sit down?” he asks politely.

How did he manage to make that sound sexy?

I nod. Mia looks pleased, taking a cheeky long sip from her glass until it’s finished. She briefly announces she’ll grab another drink before quickly disappearing, leaving us alone.

“So, what have you been up to?” I ask, continuing the small talk so I don’t blurt out, ‘Come back to my place and fuck me like I’m the last woman on Earth.’

“Not much. Just got back from Hawaii.”

“Land of the pineapple,” I laugh. “New tat?”

I lean forward to take a closer look and also as an excuse to grab his arm. His muscles are well defined but not so chunky he looks like a walking ad for a steroid company.

“You like it? I tossed and turned about the design.” His sexy smile and flirtatious eye-gestures are difficult to ignore. I need to get laid—now. Here. The restroom? Argh, I shouldn’t have watched that documentary with Drew about what diseases linger in public toilets.

“You look good, Zoey. It’s been a while.” His smooth voice hints that tonight may end well for the both o

f us.

Although I look like shit, I welcome the compliment because I’m weak and haven’t been flattered in such a long time. There’s something about flirting with a hot guy that’s a nice ego booster on this already-positive Monday.

“You, too. You seeing anyone?” I blurt out.

I have no stupid filter. That sounded so desperate.