Page 31 of The Roommate Game

“Stop, Gus. He didn’t commit a crime, for fuck’s sake. It was just a bad kiss.”

“A bad kiss?” I repeated.

“Terrible.”

Scratching my nape, I eyed him with a dubious once-over. “How could a kiss be that bad?”

“Sloppy, too much tongue, too handsy, and no spark whatsoever,” Rafe reported, gnawing his lower lip. “I sound like a jerk. Don’t tell anyone I critiqued my date’s kissing skills. This stays between us.”

“Yeah, yeah. You act like I have a big mouth or something.”

“Youdohave a big mouth,” he countered without heat.

“And I know how to use it. Not to brag, but I’m an excellent kisser. Five stars, top shelf, VIP.”

“Says who?”

“People I’ve kissed.”

Rafe snorted. “Uh-huh. Do you ask for a rating immediately after a date, or do you give them twenty-four hours to post their reviews?”

“I don’t have to ask, wise guy. I just know.”

“You have an unbelievable ego.”

“Or am I just keepin’ it real? C’mon, it’s not like there’s a suggestion box or even a nice way to give tips.” I counted on my fingers. “Less teeth, no drooling, watch the garlic intake.”

Rafe barked a laugh. “To be honest, it might just be me.”

I widened my eyes playfully. “You’rethe bad kisser?”

“No! I mean…I don’t think I’m into him.”

Music to my freaking ears.

Wait. What?

“Oh.”

“Eli’s good-looking and talented, and the idea that someone like him would notice me is flattering. But…he doesn’t do it for me, and I’m positive that works both ways. In fact, I almost wonder if he’s trying to soften me up and mess with my head. We’re on the same team, but we’re competitors. Maybe he wants to sabotage me, and…yes, I hear myself. I’m so mortified.” Rafe closed his eyes, his shoulders slouched in defeat. “He offered to walk me to the door, and I couldn’t get away fast enough. I practically bolted out of his car. I should have left things in the ambiguous pinky-holding stage. I was happy there.”

“No one wants to hold someone’s pinky forever. It’s not sexy.”

“It’s sweet.”

I scoffed. “We have different ideas of a good time, Rafester. If I’m with a guy—which, for the record, hasn’t been for a while—I don’t want sweet. I want hot. Like scorching hot, raging hard-ons, fuck-against-the-wall hot. You know what I’m sayin’?”

Rafe’s mouth fell open. “Uh…yes.”

“Don’t settle for pinky sex and adequate kisses when the real deal can blow your mind.”

He made a funny choking noise. “Right. Good call.”

“I’m serious. Life’s too short. Have fun, try new things, go on adventures, splurge on that meal or the shirt or the concert tickets or whatever makes you happy. ’Cause at the end of the day…happy matters, fun matters.”

Rafe nodded slowly. “You’re good at having fun.”

True dat. “I’ve been told I’m a little too good at it, but we don’t need to go there. The point is…there’s someone out there who’s a great kisser and a freak in the sheets who’s just waiting to meet you.”