Page 20

20

PENNY

As a way to celebrate being in my new place, I order a bunch of my favorite appetizers for dinner with extra ranch—the runny kind. I don’t do thick ranch.

I guess the good thing about being here alone is that I don’t have to share my food, and I can double-dip these boneless chicken pieces into my sauce—guilt-free.

Yum.

Grabbing the remote control, I scan through the show options and settle on old game show episodes that were probably popular when my parents were my age.

Maybe that’s why my parents are obsessive when it comes to family games. Perhaps they watched too many of these types of shows. They are fun and relaxing to watch.

I play along with the contestants, enjoying the taste of comfort food.

When a commercial cuts in, I skip off to the kitchen to peruse my newly stocked fridge, settling for some lemonade to quench my thirst.

I move back into the living room, happy that I found my coasters earlier during some unpacking of the boxes.

“Well, hello, Sunshine!”

My body jerks around, as my hands clutch at the fabric of my shirt, covering my heart. “What the hell!”

The tall drink of muscular man-flavored water takes three steps toward me, swaying his hips in such a way that tingles run up my spine. Holy hotness. And just like that, he is forgiven for scaring me.

I watch stupidly, as he takes several more steps toward me.

Why am I not retreating?

I mean…the only thing that looks threatening about him is his attractive appeal. He probably has women passing out over his appearance.

I cannot be one of those ladies… No. I cannot.

Reaching out his hand, he looks expectantly at me.

“I don’t bite.” His eyes trail down my clothing, and suddenly I am questioning everything about my wardrobe selection. “Hard.”

“I, um…” My hand extends to meet his, submitting to the slight shake. “You must be—” I bite my bottom lip, stumbling back a step, until my butt collides with the wall. “You are?”

“Luke.”

“Luke?”

“Yes, Luke. Your new roommate.”

I shake my head. “No.” He must be one of those delivery guys that probably needs me to sign for a package or something. Having hot men carrying boxes is all the rage right now. People drop a lot of money to have some eye candy during a move.

Luke’s hand scratches at the back of his neck, along where his dark hair curls upward, under a ball cap. “No? Is that any way to greet your new roomie?”

My jaw unhinges. “You are female.”

His laugh fills the room, booming from his lips. “Did you look?”

“No.”

“Not yet ,” he corrects, making a blush run up my body.

My eyes narrow at his unabashed boldness. “I signed up for a female roommate.”

“Well, aren’t you lucky. You got me instead. And I’m one hundred percent, all-beef dick, baby.” Grabbing the zipper crotch of his jeans, he gives himself a squeeze. “No artificial meat and enhancement free. I’m organic.”

What the actual hell? Who does that? “But”—I reach for my phone on the top of some cardboard boxes and open up my email app—“see, it says my roommate’s name is Lucy.” I just got notice about the name a couple of days ago, wondering when she would show her face.

“Oh, that was a typo.”

“A typo?” My voice comes out louder than I expect. Who spells their name wrong and doesn’t notice? “You didn’t think it was worth going back and fixing the error?”

“And miss out on this momentous greeting? Oh, hell no. This is too much fun.” Luke grabs my glass of lemonade I have situated on top of an end table and takes a sip. “Look how much fun we are having.”

I can feel the muscles in my jaw releasing as my chin drops. “What?—”

“Delicious. Tastes like sunshine.”

“I—” My brow furrows. “What exactly do you do for a living?”

“Women.”

I scoff. “Seriously.”

Luke shrugs. “I mean, they want to when they see me perform. I work at the Boom Boom Club as a male stripper during the evening. I am VIP room material, granted. But there’s no such place in the Boom Boom room. The boss claims the entire venue is the VIP room. Sounds gimmicky if you ask me and a waste of perfectly good sanitization products, as the entire customer space needs to be cleaned of all bodily fluids after closing, and not just the obvious places.”

“Sounds like I need the VIP treatment in my life.”

“Wow.” He takes several steps back until his ass is leaning against the edge of some stacked boxes. “Let me savor this moment.”

“What’s the moment?” I ask stupidly.

“The moment where we just connected for the first time.”

I sigh. “Shut up.”

“You should come to the club, and I can show you around my lair.”

“Hard pass.”

Luke clutches his heart. “Ouch. You’re a tease. No worries, though. My real talent lies in my”—he swivels his hips in a seductive way, gyrating his crotch when he comes full circle—“dancing.”

“What the hell is going on?”

My eyes move behind Luke to find Collins standing in my open door, carrying a large bouquet of flowers and a silver wrapped gift box. The huge bow on top nearly takes up the entire surface area of the lid, dwarfing its size.

“Collins?”

I haven’t seen him in days, so it’s extra surprising to find him in my entranceway, looking so angry.

He stares down at Luke’s luggage and then over to him.

Why can’t my new roommate stop looking so smug?

He won’t when Collins bashes his face in like a soda can.

“Oh no, is this your daddy? Dads usually love me—well, sort of. Until…”

I spare a glance at Collins to know that he’s about to lose it. Dammit. “No, not my dad,” I say softly.

Luke’s eyes travel between me and my bodyguard. “Oh, so he’s the boyfriend?”

“No,” Collins and I say in unison, our eyes never leaving each other’s.

“Nice,” Luke says, not buying what we are trying to portray. Except he doesn’t say “nice” the normal way. No, instead he pronounces it—noice. “So you are single and ready to?—”

“Nope. Not that either,” I say in a hurry before Collins blows a gasket.

He doesn’t like Luke. He doesn’t need to confirm that with words. I can see the writing all over his grumpy facial expression.

Luke realizes this and it appears to spur him on. The dude thrives in drama and angst apparently.

Just wonderful…

“What are you doing here?” I ask, trying to ignore Collins’s eyes which penetrate through me like knives.

Sheesh. Don’t be angry with me! I didn’t do anything wrong.

Collins walks inside the apartment, shutting the door behind him with the flick of his foot. It slams a bit harder than I expect, and I shudder at the sound. He walks in silence to the kitchen, placing the flowers down on the counter. “I’m just bringing you a housewarming gift.”

“Thank you for our gift,” Luke says, apparently for both of us.

“It’s Penny’s.”

He puts his hands up in defense. “Got it. You don’t like the share.” Then he nudges me with his elbow. “I live here too. I’ll take the right side of the bouquet. That dude can pee on your side to mark his territory.”

“Just stop,” I whisper-hush him before Collins explodes. I can tell by his jaw tics that he’s on the verge, and that’s the last thing I need right now. Collins will be the first to break in this apartment—but with Luke’s head.

My roommate leans into me, and I swear I hear Collins growl. “Now that is a sweet gesture for a non-boyfriend,” he whispers a bit too loudly to me. “Just sayin’.”

I push him back, causing him to laugh. Shit. He’s making this worse. “Thanks for visiting me, Collins.” I push at Luke when he mutters “ us ” under his breath. “The flowers are lovely.”

Collins just stares at us. Well, damn. I feel like I’m doing something very wrong. What? I’m not sure.

Who would have thought that moving here would put me in the middle of some…

Pissing contest?

Which is weird because Collins doesn’t want me.

“Can I speak with you in private, Penny?”

I swallow hard, rocking on my heels, all while Luke makes a dum-dum-dum-dum sound from deep in his throat, and then mumbles something about me needing to go to the principal’s office. “Sure.”

I follow Collins out into the hallway, saying a silent thank you that no one is out to witness this soon-to-be shitstorm.

Propping my hands on my hips, I wonder what Collins is going to lecture me about. I’m sure I did something to break a rule in his code of conduct book. I can already tell that whatever he’s going to say isn’t going to be what I want to hear.

“Not here.”

My eyes meet his. “What?”

“We are going up to my place.”

Butterflies populate in my stomach. “Why?”

Collins sighs. “Can you just be easy, this one time? I don’t feel like having this conversation with you out in the middle of the hallway.” He rubs his hand through his hair, tugging at the ends. “For heaven’s sake, Pen, let’s go.”

My eyes shoot to my feet. “Um, I need shoes. Stay out here. I’ll be right back.”

I can’t risk him going back inside and bashing in Luke’s skull. The last thing I need is blood in our new place.

I open my apartment door and gently close it, leaving Collins standing alone in the hallway like a real bodyguard.

Like a magnet, Luke finds me and drapes his arm over my shoulder in a poor attempt at being nonchalant. “Finally, we are free,” he says with a sigh, while giving me a side squeeze.

“Let’s pull out the cognac, order us some filthy porn—the kind you pay for—and send sexy selfies to our exes.”

Ducking out of his hold, I shake my head at him while laughing. “I need to leave.”

“What? No.” His words come out as a whine. “My carpal tunnel will have a flare-up without your supportive hand. Plus I don’t trust you with him.”

“Who? Collins?”

“Yeah. The man with the”—he taps a finger along his jaw—“umm…what’s one step up from resting bitch face?”

I giggle. “Probably intentional bitch face?”

“Yes. That’s a good descriptor. The man with the intentional bitch face…”

“He’s not that scary.”

“For a serial killer, sure…”

“Ha, he’s not that bad. He can be nice.” He just chooses not to be most of the time.

“Um, if you say so. That dude has the charisma of a robot and the personality of a hungry bear.”

I turn to look at Luke. “Huh. You are right. That’s oddly spot-on.”

“See? This is proof that we need to cuddle on the couch together and bond.”

Ignoring him, I slide my feet into my sandals and wiggle my fingers in a wave goodbye.

“You wound me. Don’t you know that kicking a man while he’s down just gives his eyes better visual access to your cootchie?”

My body whips around to stare right at Luke’s. When he sees me make eye contact, he quickly fakes looking sad. “It’s fine, it’s fine.” He holds up his hands. “Go have fun with Mr. Grumpy Fish. I don’t blame you. And in the famous words from Jimmy Letgo, ‘Savor something good.’”

“Umm, isn’t he the spokesperson for the fast-food chain, Rowdy Rowdy Chicken?”

“Oh. Yeah, I guess he is. But he is basically a philosophical genius.”

“He’s featured as a cartoon character,” I deadpan.

“He is real!”

“I just can’t with you right now.”

When I make it back into the hallway, I’m nearly crying from laughter, which apparently is only adding to Collins’s bad mood. He gives me the once-over, focusing on my sandals.

My toes are painted in a pretty shade of pink.

“Do you approve of my footwear, sir?”

Ohhh. Now I get a glare to match his grumpy face.

Lucky me.

Apparently I’m on a roll of disappointing everyone I encounter today.

“They will suffice.”

I stick my tongue out at him. “My goal in life is fulfilled. Yay!”

His eyes crinkle just enough to imply amusement, but his lips refuse to submit to a smile. He wants to though. If anything, I am his entertainment for the moment.

I start to move toward the elevator bank, and Collins joins me. He hits the call button, and we wait in silence for the car to arrive. I just don’t see the point of having privacy when he scolds me. At least if I have witnesses, he might dial it back a notch or two. Plus, why am I even putting myself in a position for it to happen in the first place?

The elevator dings and the doors open. Collins steps to the side, placing his hand into the opening to allow me to go first. But I don’t move. I stay glued in my spot, wondering how I got to this place where I take orders like an obedient child.

“No.”

“No?” he asks, his brow furrowing.

I shake my head. “If you want to talk to me, do it here.” I prop my hands on my hips in defiance. Then I see a flash. “Hey! Put me down!”

From upside down, I watch as we enter the elevator. Collins hits the button for the eleventh floor and grips the back of my calves with authority. His touch is as commanding as his demeanor, never faltering, never uncertain.

“Who do you think you are?” I yell, smacking against his muscular back. I stretch my fingers, trying to mask the pain of hitting into solid rock.

“Your bodyguard.”

“Well, you suck at it, because I feel like I’m not being protected from your egotistical tendencies!” I take a few deep breaths and feel the vibrations permeating from beneath my stomach. Oh, how dare he. “Stop laughing at me, you, you”—I smack as hard as I can onto his back—“brute.”

When the car stops and the doors open, Collins just waltzes out into the hallway—like carrying me over his shoulder is the most normal thing.

Silently, I vow to learn my own self-defense moves of what to do when someone is toting me over their shoulders like a rag doll to their man cave, because I can’t trust Collins to be thorough.

Low-toned voices surround us, and I hide my head from any curious onlookers. I definitely don’t need this attention now.

How embarrassing .

I know people see me propped up on Collins’s shoulders like a sack of potatoes. How could they not notice? I stay silent as he carries me to his apartment, unlocks the door, and pushes it open with his spare shoulder.

Once he sets me on my feet, I snarl and take a step backward. “What has overcome you?”

“Would you like some water?”

“Seriously, what’s your deal?” I demand, ignoring his first try at distracting me.

“Juice?”

“I don’t need to quench my fucking thirst!”

“I got fresh-squeezed nectarine—no pulp.”

My lips form the word no but the sound doesn’t come out. Why is he softening me with juice, and why is it working?

Glued in place, I watch as Collins casually walks into his kitchen and grabs a glass out of the cupboard. He then moves to the refrigerator and pulls out the beverage container. Pouring some into the glass, he adds some ice and then strolls back over to me.

“Here. Drink.”

And I do. Because when I’m here, I’m cast under some spell.

I take a sip. And another.

Oh my, this is good.

“Who is he?”

“Who is who?” I ask, scrunching up my nose. My exhale causes the glass to fog up. Then it dawns on me.

“The guy inside your apartment.”

Did he just growl?

Yup. I think he did.

“Luke?”

“I care about his purpose being there, not his name, Penelope.”

I make a face. He’s extra testy. “Apparently my roommate.”

“Did you sign up for a male roommate just to defy me?”

My jaw feels like it just crashed onto the floor. “Defy you?” I shake my head. “Really? Believe it or not, Mr. Stone…” I watch as his eyes darken but I continue my rant. I’m too invested now to back down. “My choices do not revolve around you. I am capable of going through life as I please.”

He takes a step closer, causing me to back up. I feel the coolness of the wall behind me, but my body is full of adrenaline. I am charged, and the fire that starts in my toes ignites, sending shock waves of heat throughout my entire body.

“What’s Luke’s last name?”

“I thought you didn’t care about his name.”

“Tell me.”

“Hell if I know. We literally just met.”

Collins’s eyes narrow. “You let a stranger into your apartment?”

“He had his own key, I am sure.”

“What the hell, Penny? Have you lost your?—”

Mind .

I bite my bottom lip, trying not to react. Do not react . I shoulder past Collins, making my way to the door I was tossed through, when I feel a light tug on my hand.

“Pen?”

“Hmm?”

“I didn’t mean it that way. And I don’t see you that way. It was just an expression.”

I pull my hand from his. “We are done here.”

This whole detour was pointless. I exit into the hallway and then make my way to the elevators. I slam the call button and then enter. Resting my butt against the handrail in the back of the car, I close my eyes as I think over how I’m going to handle rooming with Luke-whatever-his-last-name-is.

I never have cohabitated with a male before, so this shall be interesting.

I exit the elevator at my floor and make my way to my apartment. Pushing open the door, I stumble forward as I’m graced with Luke doing a handstand in the living room. He bends his knees, flicking them into the air, as he gyrates his hips. I stand dumbfounded as he flips himself over and then spots me ogling him. Licking his lips, he shoots me a satisfied look.

“Come to my show, and you will get the VIP treatment.” Then he winks.

“I thought the entire club was VIP.” My mouth feels like cotton is stuffed inside.

“It is, but there’s always a way to make extra special guests feel”—his eyes trail over my flushed skin—“special. I’ll even throw in the free upgrade to the Princess Package.”

“You are so full of yourself. You know that, right?”

“But you like it a little. I can tell.”

Maybe just a little. Deep in my soul, I feel like Luke is harmless. He has good vibes radiating off him.

And at least now, I won’t be lonely here.

Moving into the kitchen, I see the bouquet of flowers. They are beautiful.

I lift open the lid of the gift box, revealing a beautiful crystal vase. Well, that’s perfect because I would have otherwise had no good place to display the flowers. Filling it up with water, I arrange the bouquet.

When I notice the card attached under the bow of the box, I rip it off and peel back the flap. Pulling out the card, in beautiful script, I see Collins’s elegant but formal handwriting.

I hope this place brings you joy.

-The Bodyguard

I read the card three more times, trailing my finger over the words. I hope this place does bring me joy. Maybe it will, once I finally start settling in and making memories.

Turning my attention to Luke, I ask, “What is your last name?”

“Brawley.”

“Luke Brawley,” I say slowly.

“My stage name, though, is Lethal Luke.”

“Sounds deadly,” I grumble.

“That’s because I”—his hands fly through the air in some type of karate move—“kill the competition.”

“Catchy.”

“It kinda goes with my whole bad boy persona. I know you women love a villain.”

I nod. “That’s actually true.”

If Luke is one thing, he sure is certain of his appeal. I imagine the girls going wild over him. His personality can light up an entire room.

“Penny?”

“Yeah?”

“That man that showed up showering you with gifts and a broody temper… He likes you.” Luke wiggles his eyebrows. “A lot.”

“If you say so.” I don’t give his words much thought. I don’t think Collins likes anything right now—let alone anybody .

And I’m certain he wants nothing to do with me in the romantic sense.

If the mortifying experience of me asking him for a kiss on the gym mats wasn’t proof enough, then every awkward moment after that incident should solidify my conclusion.

“And if”—he holds up his hands to stop me from speaking even though I haven’t said anything for a few seconds—“you want to make him jealous, I will sacrifice my body for the cause. You are welcome to use me at any time.”

“Gee, thanks. But no thanks. It’s complicated, but there’s no way Collins and I will ever be a thing. He works for my two overprotective brothers. I’m basically a job for him.”

“Um, you are the benefits package.”

I laugh but allow his description to linger. I wish. But there’s no way Collins would ever make a move on me even if he did want me—which he doesn’t.

Luke holds my gaze. I can tell he’s deep in thought. Shrugging, he walks toward our door. “I’m going to go grab some of my belongings from my car. Just for transparency sake, are we sharing a room, yes or no?”

“No!”

“Ball’s in your court.”

“No.”

“You could have given it more thought, you know.”

“Shut up and go get your stuff before I change my mind about living here.”

I watch as Luke leaves, and then I let out a laugh.

What are the freaking chances that my roommate is a dude? I am in so over my head with drama, and I haven’t even spent a night here yet.

I am so screwed.