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Before I know it, an hour has passed, and our study guides are complete. “Think you’re ready for the quiz next week?” I ask as I close my laptop.

“Yeah, I really do.” He arches his back and stretches his arms over his head, a huge yawn passing his lips before he checks the time. “Damn, when did it get so late?”

“What time is it?” I feel around for my phone, but he beats me to it.

“Almost nine.”

“Wow! Time flies…” I trail off, because really, what the fuck am I gonna say?Time flies when you’re ogling your former childhood friend.Yeah, how about not.

Brock nods. “Guess I better head out.” Just as he moves to re-pack his bookbag, a monstrous rumble of thunder rattles the walls of my apartment and the lights flicker off and then back on.

We both walk to my living room window, and I move the blinds so we can peer out. “Damn,” I murmur, taking in swirling treetops and still-pounding rain. “I didn’t realize it was that bad.”

Shrugging his wide shoulders, Brock moves past me and heads for the laundry room. Like an eager puppy, I follow. Right as he opens the dryer, the lights die out. Only this time, they don’t come back on. I fumble around in the dark, running my hand over the shelf above the washer and dryer until I feel the handle of my trusty flashlight. I grab it down and flick it on, the single beam illuminating the small room.

I lay my hand on Brock’s shoulder, barely able to believe the question I’m about to ask. “Do…do you wanna just crash here tonight?”

CHAPTER 9

BROCK

I tense atAbby Jane’s question. I know me staying here probably isn’t a good idea, but it’s damn sure a better alternative than driving home in this weather.

“You sure?” I ask, turning to face her, causing her hand to fall away from my shoulder. I immediately miss the heat of her touch…like I said, this has bad idea written all over it.

“Yeah. I’d feel awful if anything happened to you.” She nibbles on her lip, looking every bit as vulnerable as she sounds.

“Why, Abs, are you tryin’ to say you like me? Youreallylike me?” She rolls her eyes but otherwise doesn’t respond. “C’mon, you can admit it. They say it helps.”

“It’s not so much you that I like as much as having a clear conscience. So, you gonna stay or not?”

“Yeah, I’ll stay. How’re we gonna do this? Because while your couch was fine to study on, there’s no way in hell my tall ass is sleeping on it.”

“Got a bed in the guest room.” She shrugs a shoulder. “Will that work, your highness?”

“Yeah, firecracker, that’ll work just fine.” The nickname slips out, and Abby Jane rears back ever so slightly.

“Firecracker?” she asks, her dark eyes drinking me in as she awaits my answer.

“Yeah. It suits you. You burn hot, and you’re a little unpredictable.”

She smirks and crosses her arms over her chest, pushing her tits up a little higher. “I knew you thought I was hot.”

“Not what I said,” I counter, though she’s right. I do. “But you tell yourself whatever you need to hear.”

“Whatever. I’m gonna go get ready for bed. Guest room is all yours. Bathroom is across the hall. G’night.” She passes me her flashlight and sets off down the dark hall.

“Sleep tight, Abby Jane,” I holler after her retreating form, all the while wondering what exactly she sleeps in.

I open the door to the guestroom and instantly notice there’s not a bed in sight. No. There’s a damn futon.Dammit, Abs.Guess it’s still better than driving home during a fucking monsoon.

After stripping off my shirt, I settle down onto the futon. I toss and turn for what feels like an eternity, but try as I might, I can’t get comfortable. The mattress is thinner than a damn beach towel, and no matter how I lay, the metal bar presses into my back. There’s no way in hell this is gonna work.

Guess it’s time to find out just what Abby Jane sleeps in.

Quietly, I nudge open her partially closed door. Through the darkness, I can see Abby Jane’s sleeping form taking up most of the king-sized bed. Figures she’d be a bed hog...then again, she was as a kid, too. Some things really never do change.

I approach the left side, since there’s a bit more room, and slide under the covers. Abby Jane immediately wakes up, bolting to an upright position with a startled yelp. “What the fuck are you doing in here?”