“Make your own, freeloader.”
“But I’m the guest!” she whines and follows. I roll my eyes as I sit on the couch. She’s pulled that card more than once too. Considering she’s on winter break, doesn’t have a car, and no longer lives on campus, she spends all her time cooped up in the house. It’s made things difficult for me because she intentionally shows off her body by practicing her routines, doing yoga, or walking around half-naked in booty shorts and a sports bra. When she pushes the couch back to dance, I can’t seem to keep my eyes off her. And she fucking knows it too.
“Anyone who stays over two weeks has worn out their welcome,” I say, but the truth is I’d rather have her here and know she’s safe. Without a doubt, there are guys on campus who look at her like a piece of meat, and she’s so careless about her surroundings that I worry about her. I’m not the only one who’s protective of her. Sophie is too. Maddie’s sweet but too friendly at times.
Chuckling, she sits in the recliner, looping her legs over the side, and watches me. “So does that make us roommates now? Because you know what that officially means,” she teases, waggling her brows suggestively.
I glare at her, not wanting to discuss this.
“Just ask Hunter and Lennon. Or Mason and Sophie. So it’s just a matter of—”
“What are you talking about?” Sophie asks as she walks downstairs.
“Nothing,” Maddie singsongs like she’s innocent.
“Quit giving him a hard time. He looks exhausted.” Sophie narrows her eyes at Maddie, then turns and smiles at me sympathetically. “Ignore her.”
“Easier said than done.” I’ve tried to avoid Maddie, but it’s nearly impossible. Before she moved in, I purposely kept my distance. While I make jokes about her being here, it’s not all fun and games. The attraction is undeniable, always has been, but she’s waiting for me to crack so my guard is constantly up.
She’s a beautiful woman, and any man would be lucky to have her as his, but it can’t be me. I can’t cross that line with her again. Trusting anyone of the opposite sex is hard enough, but knowing she’s younger and still hasn’t experienced life in her own way gnaws at me. Plus, I wouldn’t want to fuck up anything between us. If I hurt Maddie—which I inevitably would because I can’t give her the kind of relationship she deserves—Sophie and Lennon would track me down and chop off my balls. I can’t risk hurting anyone. They all mean too much to me.
“I heard you won’t be here for New Year’s Eve tomorrow,” Sophie says, taking a seat on the couch. “Sad you’ll miss the party.”
Maddie’s eyes widen, and her jaw drops. I haven’t mentioned it to either of them, only Mason. And of course, he blabbed.
“What? Where are you going?” Maddie asks as if she’s offended I didn’t tell her.
“Out of town.” I keep my response short, but she’ll try to pry anyway.
As Maddie opens her mouth, Sophie intervenes and points a finger at her. “Stop.”
Maddie ignores Sophie and smirks. “Now who am I gonna kiss to ring in the new year then? Guess I better update my dating profile.” Pulling out her phone, Maddie swipes her screen. “In search of New Year’s Eve hottie to kiss at midnight and possibly more.” She types frantically as she speaks aloud.
Though I know she’s purposely trying to get under my skin, I go to the kitchen and set my plate in the sink. Once it’s rinsed, I grab a bottle of water from the fridge before returning to the living room. I open and chug half when I overhear Maddie’s conversation.
“I doubt anyone will buy my virginity because my boobs are too small,” she states so casually as if she’s talking about the weather, and I choke loudly on my drink. Everyone turns and stares at me.
“What do you think, Liam?” Maddie looks up at me with a smirk as I wipe water off my chin. She knows damn well I’ve seen her tits and enjoys putting me on the spot in front of Sophie and Mason.
I clear my throat. “Uh…I’m walking away now.” I return to the kitchen and throw my now empty water bottle in the trash.
Sophie comes in, puts a K-cup into the Keurig and looks at me with worried eyes. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just need a vacation, I think. Main reason I’m getting away. Wanna clear my mind.” This time of year always gets to me, but I don’t go there. Some things are better left unsaid.
Sophie smiles sweetly as grab her creamer from the fridge. “I understand that more than you know.”
I chuckle. “I’m sure. All that banging must be exhausting, Soph.”
“Hardy, har har. You all have so many sex jokes these days. Hopefully, it will get old, and you can start picking on someone else,” she says with a grin.