over my skin. “Do I have to say it? You’re you and I’m me. Plus, like I said, that kind of thing never happens to me. We’re roommates. I refuse to be another wet spot on the couch.”
He laughs. “Gross. Although the idea of you leaving a wet spot anywhere because of me is kind of turning me on.”
I get up when his toe hits the tickly spot on my lower back. “Enough,” I weakly order. “I have to go to work. Are you okay to be alone?”
“I’m never okay when I’m alone.”
His playful sexiness is gone. I reminded him he needs to run. “Are you going out tonight?” I guess.
“Do you want me to?”
I sigh and grab my black sneakers, pulling them on after I do my socks. My hair falls like a curtain between us. “I don’t think you should leave the house tonight.”
“How can I forget if I don’t go out?” he asks simply. “I’ll take it easy. I promise. And I’ll let you work in peace tonight.”
I feel so sad suddenly. I look for my purse and then recall I left it in the living room last night. “Bye, Kent.”
“I’ll walk you down,” he offers, getting slowly out of bed.
I step into the hall, feeling his eyes on me as he follows me into the living room. Signs of last night are everywhere. The upturned cushion, the thick scent of vomit in the air, and the discarded clothes on the floor. I grab my purse and phone, recalling how scared I was last night.
“If you want, you can come keep me company tonight. We’re usually slow on Sundays.” I don’t want him alone.
“Nah. I’ll let you be tonight. I’ll probably kick it with Jake and Zeke.”
I push down my disappointment. He opens the front door and together we head downstairs to my car. As we do I open my text messages and read them.
Samantha: Not working tonight. Having a party. Come. It’ll be an all-nighter so no worries about time.
Unknown Number: I had fun dancing last night. Trevor.
Becca: What’s up cry baby? Still crying?
Kent pauses at my car and crosses his arms over his chest. I put my phone back in my purse and stand there awkwardly. As I try to figure out what to say, a girl walks by. She looks slightly familiar and as I stare at her she pauses to glare at Kent and me. She gives Kent the finger.
“Psycho bitch,” he mutters. “Arissa. You remember her? Stay away. Far away!” he growls.
“Why is she psycho?” Knowing him, I bet he screwed her and then screwed her over. “Because she won’t let you use her? You know we don’t have to do that, right? We have a right to be pissed.”
“Have fun at work,” he answers instead. He leans down and kisses my cheek. Before he straightens he puts his mouth over my ear. “Go to the party tonight. Erase Trevor’s number from your phone. And tell your sister you can cry whenever you want to.” He leaves me with a final lingering look.
Pompous a-hole.
I call Becca immediately. “Wahhhh,” I tease.
She laughs. “Feeling better?”
“No. Not really.” I tell her about what happened with Kent. I need to talk to someone about it. “And he wants to act like it didn’t happen. Like it’s no big deal,” I finish.
She’s quiet for a second. “Raina O’Connor, are you falling for this man?” Her tone is accusing and harsh.
“What? No! Where did that come from?”
“Look, I get it, Rain. Last night sounded crazy, but you said his name like a million times. And then Kent this. And Kent that. And Kent, lick my pussy, Kent.” She makes a disgusted sound in the back of her throat. “I’ve seen him in action. He’s so unworthy of you it’s frightening to think of you even being around him. Last night should prove that once and for all.”
“Could you imagine if he licked my pussy?” I fan my face at the same time as I attempt to drive.
“Raina,” she grumbles, but I can hear her trying not to laugh. “You’ve never done that?”
“No.”
“Poor thing. I feel bad for the first guy who goes down there. You’re going to strangle him.”
I burst red all over. “Why?”
“Because you’re like a firecracker waiting to explode. Forget who it is for a moment. Doesn’t Kent turn you on?”
I avoid what we did in the bathroom. “Yes,” I admit, unwillingly willing to admit it.
“You have no outlet. All of that sexiness is building. You’re