Shutout (Rules of the Game, #2)(17)
“Deal.”
He shuts the door behind him as he leaves, and once he’s gone, I slip out of the tub to lock it for certain this time. Not because I think he’ll come back, but for my own peace of mind.
Heaving a sigh, I sink back into the room temperature water and grab my razor again. My heart is still skittering, body buzzing. I try to console myself with the fact that he’s already seen my boobs, but when you factor in my bare, sweaty face and messy, off-center bun, it’s not a flattering scenario. Him seeing me naked on my own terms is an entirely different story.
I guess it could’ve been worse. If it had been a few minutes later, Tyler would have walked in on me awkwardly contorted while shaving my bikini line. It would be impossible to come back from him seeing that.
Maybe I should switch to waxing.
“Dallas just texted and said, ‘Remember to use your profile so it doesn’t fuck up my Netflix recommendations.’” Siobhan glances down at her screen, letting out a tiny snort.
“I’m guessing this is a pattern?” I tear open a packet of sweet-and-sour sauce and drizzle it over my second egg roll of the evening. Bless whoever invented stretchy pants, ‘cause I’m about to get my money’s worth out of this elastic waistband.
“It’s been known to happen from time to time.” She holds her camera up to the screen, taking a picture of Heartless Engagement queued up ready to play. “Dare to dream, Dal. It’s chick flick central up in here and it’s all under your account.”
The guys left a few hours ago for their first road trip of the year. Now I’m curled up on the living room couch with Bailey and Siobhan. It’s only seven o’clock and we’re already in our pajamas, stuffing ourselves with Chinese takeout while we debate which movie to watch first.
I can’t remember the last time I stayed in on a weekend. It’s kind of nice. Even though it might not be how I usually spend my Friday nights, I’m having fun, and contrary to what I expected, I don’t even have the slightest hint of FOMO. Much as I love Abby, I desperately needed a break from her and the party scene.
A second later, her phone vibrates in her hand, and she cackles. “He said, ‘I’m going to spank you when I’m back.’”
“Sounds like an incentive to keep misbehaving.”
“Right?” Siobhan sets aside her phone and grabs her chicken chow mein off the coffee table. She tucks her legs beneath her, gesturing with her chopsticks. “If anything, I need to step up my game. It’ll keep things interesting for when he gets home.”
Despite my generally cynical view of college dating, I have to admit their relationship is cute. They’re reportedly nine months in and still seem to have fun together. My brother and Bailey seem pretty perfectly matched, too.
Too bad those are both unicorn relationships. The exception, not the norm.
“Speaking of that, you should’ve seen the text Chase sent—” Bailey catches herself and buries her face in her palms, her voice muffled. “Oh my god, that’s your brother. I’m sorry. I’d rather die than hear about Derek in that context. Forget I said anything, please.” The tips of her ears turn red, burning so bright they nearly match her crimson Falcons hoodie.
Siobhan pats her back soothingly. “Aww, it’s okay. Chase has corrupted you a little, that’s all.”
Or corrupted her a lot, by the sounds of it. Even with my bedroom on the main floor, noises travel—and I’ve heard some things I wish I hadn’t over the past couple of days. But good on Bailey for getting hers because from what I know, her ex was a total piece of shit.
“All good,” I tell her, reaching for my sesame shrimp. “I’ll pretend he’s not my brother any time you mention it. It’ll be the first rule of Sleepover Club.”
Bailey reluctantly drops her hands, but she still looks mortified. “Thanks, Sera.” She slides off the couch and stands, avoiding eye contact. “I need to pee. Be right back.”
Siobhan and I watch her leave, exchanging an amused look. Bailey’s slip of the tongue bothered her a thousand times more than it did me. Brother factor aside, I’m not one to judge what consenting adults do in their spare time. I mean, I did have sex with a stranger in a nightclub bathroom.
To my left, a new message pops up on my phone.
Abby: The Kappa girls are waiting for your application! They can’t wait to have you as a member.
Sera: Sorry, Abbs. I completely spaced on that. Been swamped with school and unpacking, but I’ll get to it as soon as I can.
Abby: Are you sure you don’t want to come out? You’re missing an amazing party. Lots of hot guys…
Sera: Maybe tomorrow. Girls’ night in tonight. You know, bonding with my brother’s girlfriend and all that.
Abby: Buzzkill.
Considering I’ve gone out with her nearly every night this week, calling me a “buzzkill” over a single evening is hardly accurate. I’ve been to some of the local bars so much the staff are already starting to learn my name. Irritated, I lock the screen and toss my cell aside without replying.
“Tell me, is it weird living with Tyler?” Siobhan asks, nudging me with her elbow.