Playing a Player (Sweet Cravings Book 1) Page 4
I sighed when my apartment door was unlocked. I'd add "locking the door" to my list of rules. I opened it and froze. Rory and Jackson were in the living room, hiding behind furniture with Nerf guns in their hands.
"Oh my God! What are you doing?!"
"Hey, Keira," Jackson said and stood up from his hiding spot. Rory immediately shot him in the chest.
"Shit." Jackson turned to Rory. "Obviously that doesn't count." He turned back to me. "We're having a Nerf war. Do you want to play?"
"No." Am I living with children? "Try not to break any..."
"Lighten up," Rory said and aimed his gun at me. He pressed the trigger and a Nerf dart hit my left breast."
"Fuck that hurts!" I put my hands over my mouth. I hadn't meant to curse. But I also didn't realize how much those foam darts could hurt. "What the hell, Rory?!"
Rory kept his gun aimed at me.
"Don't you have work?"
"I took the day off."
"You're on my team," Jackson said. He grabbed a smaller gun out of his back pocket, threw it over at me, and then crouched down behind the couch.
Rory fired another shot at me, but I dove behind the kitchen counter. My heart was racing. I used to play this with my brother when we were little. The guns were more sophisticated now, and they shot farther and harder. I cocked the gun and put my finger on the trigger. I peeked my head above the counter. Rory shot another dart and I ducked just in time as a dart flew past me.
I had an idea. I crawled around the other side of the counter, stood up, and pressed my back against the hallway wall. I peered around the corner. Rory grabbed my wrist, pulled me down on the floor, and held down my hand with the gun in it. He straddled me to keep me in place and pulled both my hands above my head, holding them down with one of his hands.
This is so hot.
Then he shot me twice in the stomach.
"Ow!" It hurt even worse at close range.
"Keira's dead!" he shouted over to Jackson.
I laughed as I tried to squirm out of his grip. He leaned down and whispered in my ear. "When you're dead you can't speak. So stay quiet."
I heard Jackson curse under his breath. Rory was still pressing me to the floor. I liked the feeling of his hands on me, holding me down. It was embarrassing how much this turned me on.
Rory looked down and smiled at me.
Does he like this as much as I do?
He released me far too soon and peered over the back of the chair. "I have an idea." He picked me up and held me against his chest as he ran toward Jackson. "Meat shield!" Rory yelled.
I screamed as Jackson's darts hit my back. I wrapped my arms around Rory's neck and my legs around his waist, and I felt his hand slide to my ass. Oh God. Is he grabbing my ass because he wants to, or because he has to in order to hold me in place? I heard several shots, but only a few more hit me.
"Shit, you got me," Jackson said and tossed his gun onto the couch.
Rory set me down and pumped his fist in the air. "Victory!" He tossed his gun next to Jackson's. "And now I need to take a piss. Don't follow me," he said and winked at me.
"That was an accident!" I called after him.
Jackson sat down on the couch with a sigh.
"Where's Connor?" I asked and sat down in the chair across from him.
Jackson shrugged. "I don't know. I talked to him this morning, though. I know you like Rory, but I was actually a little surprised that you and Connor didn't hit it off better."
I felt my face blushing. "We kind of did. I mean, he's nice, but I don't really do one night stands."
Jackson turned to face me. He looked surprised. "Why do you assume that's what Connor wants?"
Because Rory told me that's all Connor wanted? "I mean, isn't he like Rory? Doesn't he like...sleep around?"
"Connor? I mean, maybe now. I'm sure he isn't looking for anything serious, but he's not an asshole."
"What do you mean maybe now?"
"Well, he got divorced last year. When I met him in college, he was already dating Cindy. So maybe he's only into one night stands when he's single. I just can't really picture that." Jackson shrugged.
"Oh." Why had Rory lied to me?
Rory came back out of the bathroom. He looked back and forth between me and Jackson.
"Jackson, do you mind giving Rory and I a minute alone?" I said. "I wanted to discuss some roommate stuff with him."
"Sure. I actually need to get going anyway. I have a fitting for this divine new Armani suit."
"Very fancy."
"I have one every Wednesday. Just the usual."
"Are you serious?"
"No." Jackson laughed. "See you guys later."
After he closed the door I looked over at Rory. He was staring at me. He walked over and sat down on the couch.
"Your friends are interesting," I said.
Rory laughed. "Yeah." He leaned back and put his feet up on the coffee table. It wasn't my table, but I still cringed. "So, you wanted to talk?"
"Mhm. I was thinking maybe we should set up a few ground rules. So that this works out."
"Okay. Have I done something wrong?" He looked genuinely concerned. But for some reason it seemed like an act.
"No, not really. It's just that your friends are over a lot. I didn't realize that all three of you would be moving in." I laughed awkwardly.
"I know what this is about, and you have nothing to worry about. I already asked Connor to stop bothering you. It won't be a problem again."
"He wasn't bothering me."
"Oh, my misunderstanding then." He scowled slightly.
"Anyway, that's not what this is about. I just mean in general, are they really going to be here all the time? Is it never just going to be us? Or, just me I mean. Because it would be weird if it was just us. Not that I want to be alone with you. I didn't mean that in a sexual way at all. Like, not at all, Rory. Obviously." What the hell?
"Obviously." He took his feet off the table and put his elbows on his knees. "They won't be here all the time. They helped me move in. And I told you about poker Tuesdays. And today I had off, so I asked Jackson to come over. Besides, you weren't even here."
"Yeah, about that. I felt like I had to sneak out of here this morning because of your sexual escapades."
"Is that what you classify as a sexual escapade?" Rory laughed. "You need to get out more."
I could feel myself blushing.
"Oh, and by the way, you were kind of rude to Kelly this morning." He hesitated for a moment. "Or was her name Kim?"
"Come on." I didn't know her name either, but I also hadn't slept with her. I had been rude though. "Okay, fair point. I'm sorry, I just felt really uncomfortable because I had to listen to you two banging all night. I'll apologize the next time I see her, if that makes you feel better."
"You probably won't be seeing her again."
I rolled my eyes. When I said he could move in, I thought he was a nice guy.
"And I probably won't see Jackson or Connor again until the party on Friday."
"Okay." This conversation wasn't going well. "I just want to get a heads up when you're having people over."
"No problem."
"And about last night. It was really inconsiderate of you to invite me to a game of poker and then change it to strip poker without even telling me. It was really uncomfortable."
"I told you that you didn't have to play."
"That's not the point. If it's happening in my home, I'd just appreciate a heads up."
"Okay, I will let you know in advance whenever I'm going to be having fun."
"You're being a little dramatic."
"Am I? You're attacking me."
"I'm not attacking you, I'm just trying to make it so that we can live comfortably together." Crap, I am attacking him.
"Look, if you're just going to make up a bunch of rules for no reason..."
"I've told you all the reasons."
"Right. Well maybe I want to set some rules too. Is that okay? Or is one of the rules that I'm not allowed to make up any rules?"
"Yeah. Of course."
"Great." He stood up. "I'd prefer if you didn't hook up with my friends."
Chapter 11
I lay awake in my room, staring at the ceiling. Why doesn't he want me to hook up with Connor? He had stormed off before I had gotten to ask him about it. First he had lied about Connor being a player, and then he had asked me not to hook up with his friends.
Does he like me?
This was stupid. We were both adults. I looked at my alarm clock. It was only twelve thirty. He was probably still up. I climbed out of bed and pulled on my silk robe. Before I lost my nerve, I knocked on his door.
A moment later he opened it. He was only wearing boxers. And glasses. I hadn't really been serious when I told him I liked guys in glasses. But they were so sexy on him.
"So, you wear glasses?" I asked. Obviously.
"Sorry," he said. "I should have told you. But it's only when I'm not wearing my contacts."
"Oh, no, that's fine. I was just rambling the other day anyway. I mean, who doesn't like tall, dark, and handsome? Glasses are nice though. They look good on you."
He lowered his eyebrows slightly.
"I like what you've done with your room." Are those handcuffs on his bedpost?
He lifted his arm and put his hand on the doorframe to block my view. "Thanks."
"Why did you lie to me about Connor? Jackson told me that
Connor doesn't really sleep around."
"I guess I was just rambling."
"It doesn't seem like you ever ramble."
He shrugged.
"Why don't you want me to date Connor?" I didn't really want to hook up with Connor, but I wanted to know Rory's reasoning. I needed to know if he liked me, because this tension was driving me crazy.
"Well, if you two dated and then broke up, things would be awkward here."
"Right." I tried to keep my eyes on his face, but I found his abs really distracting. "No other reason?"
"Look, Keira, you're a cool girl. Hell, I don't know any other girls that would have joined in on our Nerf battle."
"Thanks."
"And I don't want to fuck this up. I'll follow your rules. And I know that I can't stop you from hooking up with my friends. I'll revoke the rule if that's what you want."
"That's not what I want."
I saw his Adam's apple rise and fall. "So what do you want?"
You! I could feel myself gaping at him. I bit my lip. I wanted to tell him to forget about our pact. I wanted so badly to kiss him.
He smiled at me. "Look, it's late. I'm going to get some sleep."
"Right. Of course. Goodnight."
I stepped back and he closed his door in my face. That was weird. I walked back to my room and climbed into my bed. It definitely seemed like he liked me.
***
I heard movement in the kitchen. I glanced at my alarm clock. It was 7 a.m. I was still tired, but I had an idea. And I didn't want to miss this opportunity. I got out of bed and put on a lacy push-up bra and a pair of matching panties. I walked out of my room and into the kitchen before I could chicken out.
Rory had his back to me. He was wearing just his boxers and cooking something on the stove. It smelled amazing.
"Good morning," I said and walked toward the fridge.
"Hey, Keira." He didn't turn around to look at me. "Do you want some pancakes?"
"Absolutely. Thanks." I sat down at the kitchen counter and admired the muscles on his back. Every time he flipped a pancake his muscles would awaken. I could watch him cook all day.
When he finally turned around, he didn't even seem to notice that I was just in my sexiest underwear. Notice me! He put down a stack of pancakes in front of me and sat down on the stool next to me.
"These are really good," I said.
"Well, I am a chef," he said and smiled at me.
We continued to eat in silence. Now I just felt awkward. I thought he'd find this sexy and alluring. But he didn't even notice. Or maybe he thought it was awkward.
"Where are your clothes?" he finally asked as he took another bite.
You're supposed to kiss me, not quiz me! "Since we're just friends, I figured you wouldn't mind if I walked around like this. Besides, you walk around in just your boxers."
"That's fine. I don't mind at all."
"Good."
"Good." It looked like he wanted to laugh. He was so infuriating. And now I was growing increasingly more embarrassed.
"What are you doing today?" Maybe I could somehow salvage this conversation.
"I have work and then I need to get some stuff for the party tomorrow night."
"What kind of stuff?"
"Just the usual stuff."
"Of course." I literally had no idea what he was talking about. But I didn't want him to think I was a loser.
Rory finished his pancakes and picked up his plate. "Oh, you have some syrup on your face."
"Crap, where?"
He tapped the side of his lips.
I reached up and wiped the corner of my mouth.
"No, other side," he reached over and brushed his thumb along my bottom lip.
He's going to kiss me! A dull ache was spreading through my stomach. My lingerie to breakfast trick had worked!
But instead, he removed his hand from my face and licked his finger. Fuck that was hot. Somehow that was even sexier than him kissing me.
"What's it like to have a one night stand?" I blurted out.
Rory lowered his eyebrows. "Why do you want to know exactly?" He put his plate back down and rested his elbow on the counter.
"Well, I was thinking about having one."
"Really? I thought you didn't do one night stands, Keira."
"I don't. But maybe I should. You certainly seem to have a lot of fun."
"Mhm."
"So, I was thinking, maybe you could teach me how."
"You want me to teach you how to have a one night stand?"
"Yes." With you.
"Why the sudden change of...ethics?"
"Well, there's this guy that I work with that I really like. But he isn't looking for anything serious. And I can't seem to get him off my mind. So I thought maybe I should try him out. It out. It, as in a one night stand."
"Aren't you a freelance writer? I thought you just worked from here?"
"Well there's an office. For meetings and stuff. It definitely exists."
Rory was smiling at me. "Okay. I can help you out. If that's what you really want."
"Yeah, that would be great."
"Okay. Do you mind doing the dishes? I need to get going." He walked away and went into his room.
Chapter 12
"And then he just walked away?" Emily asked.
"Yeah."
"You're right. He's madly in love with you."
"Don't make fun of me."
Emily laughed. "I'm sorry. But this is what you do. You always read too much into everything." I had met Emily for lunch at a restaurant near her office. I needed advice, and she was always ready to give it.
"He asked me not to date any of his friends. I'm not crazy to assume that it's because he likes me."
"But you said yourself that he isn't looking for anything serious. Is that really what you want?"
"Of course not. But I can't get him out of my head. Maybe this will make me get over him."
Emily stared at me skeptically.
"Or maybe he could fall madly in love with me."
"I knew it! So, your plan is to get him to give you advice about how to have a one night stand. And then realize that you mean with him. And then he'll fall madly in love with you? Is that the gist?"
"Maybe."
"Keira, you don't have realistic expectations at all!"
"I do." I didn't. I really wanted more. All my friends were married. I felt like I was falling behind.
"And what the heck happened to your agreement? I thought you made a pact to not start liking each other?"
"Well, yeah, but clearly we both like each other already. So the pact is void."
"Clearly." She scrunched her face to the side.
"Stop looking at me like that! I never wanted the pact to begin with."
"I know, I know. Look, I have to go. If I'm late my boss will kill me. But think about what you're doing, Keira. That's not you. And odds are, he really isn't looking for anything serious. Because he's told you that. This is an awful, awful plan."
Why did she always think all my plans were so bad? "But..."
"Just think about it, okay? I have to run. But Jim is going to be out of town tomorrow night, so I can make it to your party after all. Maybe I can be your wingman." Emily winked at me and walked out of the restaurant.
***
I sat down on the couch and stared at the blank notebook page on my lap. I hadn't been able to write a good article since Rory had moved in. And now I was playing with the idea of writing a piece about his lifestyle. About how dating was devolving into meaningless hookups.
I heard the creak of the front door and looked over as Rory walked in. He tossed his keys onto the kitchen counter.
"Hey! So I was wondering if you wanted to start those lessons?" I asked.
"Right now?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, just let me go change." He came back out of his room while he was still pulling a white t-shirt over his head. His jeans sat low on his waist and hugged him in all the right places. He sat down next to me on the couch. "What exactly do you want me to teach you?"
"All of it." He smelled like cinnamon. It must be from something he made at work. I found myself wanting to lick his skin. Calm down!
"You seemed to be doing pretty well with Connor the other night. I didn't even believe you when you said you two hadn't hooked up."
"That was just fooling around. It was all him."
"Well that's how it works. I'm usually the one being forward. And then if the girl responds, I know she's interested."