Rebel Roommate: A Brother's Best Friend Romance

by Jeannine Colette

  The ride home is quiet and enjoyable. Wes puts Lite FM on, and I’m thrilled to hear a Rod Stewart song, which I hum the entire way. The windows are down, and the autumn breeze whips through my hair while I look at the man in the driver’s seat and appreciate just how amazing he is.

  When we get home, Wes pulls up into his parking spot next to Chad’s car. Just seeing his car here reminds me that we still have to tell him about us.

  Wes turns the car off but doesn’t move to exit. Instead, he’s staring at Chad’s car with a furrowed brow and pursed lips. I turn to him, confused by the long face.

  “We can’t tell him yet,” he spits out, and my stomach churns.

  “Not this again—”

  “No. That’s not what I mean.” He turns to me fully and places his hand on top of mine. “It’s just … Chad and I know everything about each other. That’s good when you consider how close it’s brought us over the years, but trust me when I say, it’s awful when I’m dating his sister.”

  “His sister who doesn’t care what her brother thinks.”

  “But I care what he thinks. He is not going to be happy. You heard him when you moved in and at the bar. He’s okay with you dating as long as it’s not a guy on the team and most definitely not me. I haven’t been an angel. Thirty-one flavors was a real thing. I came to Cal with a mission to bang as many girls as possible, and I did some damage. I don’t regret anything I’ve said or done, but I do wish my decisions weren’t going to haunt this relationship.”

  “You can’t change your past. Chad knows that. He’ll get over it.”

  “He made me promise not to touch you.”

  I roll my eyes. “That’s just a big-brother thing—”

  “Every year since we were ten. I vowed on our friendship that I’d never.” His eyes turn soft as he places a hand on my cheek. I fall into it. “I want this to work. You know that, right?”

  I nod against the warmth of his palm. “I’m really starting to believe it. It’s okay if we keep this our secret for a while. It’s all so raw that I’m not ready for other people to crash into our little bubble. Especially if it’s going to bring chaos that we don’t need. Just promise me, you’ll never pull a stunt like you did at the bar when other people are around.”

  His other hand grips my head and pulls me close. “I can’t believe this is really happening.”

  “Me neither.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  I’m back in the pool, getting a great workout in after a few days of not being able to. My courses have been intense, and I have papers due before the holiday weekend.

  Mom has been calling me nonstop, asking questions about Nicole’s likes and dislikes. Chad thinks Mom’s worrying is ridiculous, so he refuses to answer her. I know that Mom will not stop until she buys two of everything for our houseguest, so in between studying, I’ve been making time to answer her questions.

  Yes, Nicole eats dairy.

  No, she won’t care if we don’t eat on the fine china.

  Mom’s also asking if Wes is coming home for Thanksgiving. Chad and I have mentioned it, but he still refuses to come back to Los Angeles. I’m not entirely sure why. All he says is, there’s nothing there for him.

  While I wish he’d come back with us, I respect his decision. That, and he’s been so much fun lately that I’m having a hard time being upset about anything, even knowing I’ll be away from him for a few days.

  Our relationship is still on the down-low. With Chad sleeping at Nicole’s a few nights a week and given that we have a million reasons to hang out, it’s really easy to keep up the ruse.

  And dare I say, it’s thrilling, sneaking around.

  Last week, he took me to tacos and a movie. We saw one of the guys from the team while walking out of the theater and hid like criminals behind a pillar. Wes kept repeating Mission: Impossible quotes, and then he tickled me, daring me to be quiet. The event was so funny to us that we laughed the entire way home, and then we made out like animals in his car since Chad was home.

  Another time, after class, he pulled me out of the hallway and into an empty lecture hall. We fooled around in there until the professor came in, and we ducked out before he could say anything.

  What I love the most though are the simple nights. The baseball games on the couch with everyone around. He sits close but not too close. We text each other GIFs and jokes, living in our secret bubble.

  The only person who seems to be catching on is Nicole. It must be her woman’s intuition because not one of the guys even looks my way anymore. She is a sleuth and always seems to catch my eye when Wes and I are being particularly devilish. It’s okay though. I know she’s acting dumb about it, so she can honestly say she never knew for sure.

  I climb out of the pool and head to the locker room. It’s laundry day, so Wes and I are meeting in the laundry room for our weekly spin cycle and grope session.

  Did I mention Tuesday is my favorite day of the week now?

  I’m in the locker room, getting my things for the shower, when a pair of strong arms wraps around my body. I yelp, practically grabbing my rape whistle out of my duffel bag, when I hear Wes’s laughter against my ear as he bites the lobe and then spins me around.

  I slap him in the chest. “You idiot! You scared me half to death.” I look over his shoulder and then whisper-scold him, “What are you doing in here? You’ll get us in trouble.”

  He bends down and kisses me. “Chad and Nicole are making dinner tonight, so I thought I’d come here and sneak in some alone time since I won’t be able to hold you later.”

  “It’s Tuesday. We have our secret spot booked.”

  In an instant, his mouth is on mine, and his hands move to my ass and thrust my wet body forward against him. Our mouths are greedy and our hands impatient as they roam quickly over each other.

  “Let’s go back home and get to the laundry room,” I say.

  “Can’t. Nicole’s washer is broken, so they’re doing laundry there now.”

  “What the fuck? Don’t they know that’s our spot?”

  He grins as he removes his T-shirt. “Looks like we need a new spot.”

  “Are you insane? Someone could walk in here any minute.”

  Taking my hand, he pulls me toward the shower stalls. “Then, we’d better go hide.”

  He brings me to the farthest stall at the end of the row and closes the metal door. There’s a small changing area that leads to a slightly larger shower. He turns the water on before removing his shoes and socks and then his jeans, and then he stands there, beautiful in just a pair of black boxer briefs.

  We’re so physically close at this moment, so it takes no effort for me to lean forward and take his mouth in mine. Barely breaking our kiss, I yank off his boxers while he peels down my bathing suit. Our skin is clammy from the shower steam, and our breathing is labored as we grip and claw at one another.

  In no time, we’re in the shower portion, pulling the curtain closed behind us, and cascaded in water while his mouth moves down my body, sucking on my breast as I grip his hair. He lifts me against the cold tiled wall, my legs wrapped around him, and carries my full weight in his arms while he positions himself beneath me, teasing me with the tip of his cock.

  “The swim team is going to be in here any second,” I breathe.

  “Then, you’d better be extra quiet.” He eases inside me, and I let out a gasp, listening as the doors of the locker room open with the entrance of people coming in.

  “When did you become such a risk-taker?”

  “Since I met someone worth risking it all for.”

  His words might not have been said to elicit the kind of reaction they’re causing, but right now, my body is quivering with lust and need and—Dammit—a tinge of love for the romantic words he just said.

  My hands grip the slick metal siding to brace myself as he pumps inside me. I’ve never had sex against a wall and always thought it was impossible. Clearly, I was not thinking about the sheer strength
and determination of Wesley Knight.

  I’m louder than I should be, so I bite his shoulder to stifle my moans, making him bury his head in my shoulder.

  After my orgasm hits, my legs give out, and he pulls out to let me down. He grips my head and presses his forehead against mine as he jerks off into his hand and expels down the drain. Watching his mouth form an O as his eyes close in pleasure is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.

  We’re sated, but we have nowhere to go. The girls’ locker room is now packed, and Wesley can’t leave. If he’s caught, he’ll receive disciplinary action for sure.

  “What are we gonna do?” I laugh into his chest at our predicament.

  “Get out of here. I’ll figure out something.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.” He kisses my head and slaps my ass.

  I step into the changing area and slide my bathing suit back on. He’s standing there, naked and dripping with hot water. I go to unlock the door, but he pulls on my hand and brings me back into the shower.

  We kiss for a long time before he releases me, telling me, “Get outta here.”

  I walk out of the stall casually and quickly. Thankfully, there’s no one in line, waiting for an open shower. As I change, I can’t believe there are so many girls just idly hanging around now.

  Don’t they have practice or something to be at?

  Once dressed, I grab my bags and wait on a bench outside the locker room. An hour and a half passes before the door finally opens, and Wes comes walking out. His hair is wet, and his smile is broad.

  “That’s the longest shower I’ve ever taken,” he jokes.

  I jump up and throw my arms around him, kissing him mercilessly.

  He throws his hands around my waist before looking to the side and pulling back. “Just in case someone’s around.”

  “Good idea.” I grin and start walking. Wes is right by my side.

  We’re joking and laughing as we walk through the front door of our apartment. The smell of garlic permeates the air as we head toward the kitchen, where Chad and Nicole are cooking.

  “Smells awesome in here,” I say as I place my bag on a chair.

  Chad leans over the half-wall and eyes Wes and me curiously. “You two are oddly happy. Where are you coming from? And, Wes, why is your hair wet?”

  I smash my lips together, but Wes looks totally casual. “I just left a girl. We showered together.”

  Chad doesn’t seem surprised. “Figures. Which one was it? Ava? Sofia? Brittany?”

  “I don’t kiss and tell,” Wes says with a smirk, which has Chad shaking his head and pointing his spatula toward me in explanation.

  “You see, Stacey. This is why I don’t want you near any of the baseball guys. They’re all dogs. Especially this one.”

  “Hey! Why do I get singled out?” Wes asks as he falls onto the couch.

  “Because I bet you can’t tell me the girl’s name because you don’t remember it,” Chad challenges. “I love you, bro, but a gentleman you are not.”

  The smile on Wes’s face falls. He looks down with a dismissive shrug. “Nah, you’re right. I can’t remember her name for life of me. She was a good lay though.”

  “See? Dude has a way with women. They throw themselves at him and don’t care that he probably won’t call tomorrow.” Chad laughs as he turns back to the stove and asks Nicole what he needs to do next.

  Nicole’s eyes meet mine, and I can see the sadness she’s feeling for me, but she quickly turns away.

  I hate the way he just assumes Wes is incapable of having a relationship. I hate how Wes lets him think that a one-night stand or a casual lay is all he’s good for.

  The reason why many people have difficulty understanding Wes is because he has contrasting personality traits. He is thoughtful, intellectual, independent, and confident. He can also be unpredictable, unemotional, and disconnected. Maybe that’s what Amanda meant when she said he’s a typical Aquarius.

  I fold my arms across my chest and scowl at Chad, a shrill anger creeping up my spine. “You’re a baseball guy. So, by definition you’re a dog too.”

  Nicole laughs, but Chad is serious as he looks back at me. “What I’ve done is none of your business.”

  “Then, why are you giving Wes so much shit? Let him hook up with whomever he wants. And for the record, he’s not a dog. He’s just a guy.”

  Chad’s brows pop up with a laugh. “The guy’s my best friend. I think I know him better than you.” He turns to Wes and asks, “How many girls have you slept with since we started college?”

  “That’s irrelevant. Don’t answer that, Wes.” I walk over to the couch and take a seat on the other side of the sectional. My eyes meet Wes’s as I give an apology for my brother’s behavior.

  Chad makes a noise from the kitchen. “What’s going on with you two? There’s nothing going on, is there?”

  My eyes widen. Thankfully, Chad can’t see my surprise.

  Wes, on the other hand, stares at Chad like he’s crazy. “Why would you think there’s something going on between me and Squid when I just banged some girl in a shower?”

  I’m impressed by his quick lie and then realize he’s not lying.

  Chad doesn’t ask another question, and I hear him and Nicole talking in the kitchen. Wes grabs the remote and starts aggressively changing the channel. I wish I could sit by him, kiss his face, and hug his shoulders. But I can’t. After Chad’s rudeness and Wes’s acceptance of his unwanted reputation, it’s clear we made the right decision. Being in our bubble is a good thing right now.

  There’s also the other notion that even if Wes and I were in the open, I’m not sure what we are exactly. I know we’re together, but are we the type that hug and hold each other in public? Will we have nicknames and say sweet nothings from across the room?

  I keep this curiosity in my head through dinner. The mood lightens, and the four of us talk and laugh through the meal. Wes is the ultimate storyteller. I’m amazed how he can take a trip to the commissary and turn it into a theatrical retelling. I’m in awe of him. Nicole and Chad seem to be equally as enthralled.

  Wes and I do the dishes, and then we watch some television. As the time passes and there’s no sign of them leaving, I retire to my room, knowing I won’t be able to be alone with Wes tonight. After changing and curling up under the covers, I pull out my phone and send him a text.

  Today was a good day.

  It was. Best part: I might not have to shower for, like, a week.

  LOL. If you want to do laundry with me on Tuesday, then you might have to reconsider.

  Noted. Balls will be scrubbed.

  With a laugh, I plug my phone in and close my eyes, dreaming of a boy who surprised a girl in a locker room.

  I wake up with a jolt. A loud sound woke me, but I’m not sure what it was.

  Or did I dream of a noise and then woke up?

  I’m a little disoriented as I hear some rustling though the wall. At first, I assume it must be Chad and Nicole. Looks like they decided to not care that his sister is in the same apartment and are getting frisky. I lie back down and cover my head with my pillow, ready to drown out the sounds.

  I pop up again, realizing the wall adjacent to mine isn’t Chad’s.

  I rise from my bed and walk down the hall toward Wes’s room. The door is closed, so I knock softly and listen at the sound of heavy breathing coming from inside. Twisting the handle, I open the door and see Wes on his bed, gripping his chest and breathing in short, rapid, heavy breaths. His face is red, and his body is coated in sweat.

  I bust the door open and run to his side, falling to my knees and looking into his face. It’s twisted as he tries to breathe.

  “Wes, are you okay? Do you need help?” I ask him, his expression telling me he’s pained to see me here.

  “It’s”—he gasps—“nothing.”

  “Should I call 911?”

  “No.” He’s adamant. “It’s just an attack.”
>
  He’s trembling. I don’t know what kind of attack this is, but I’ll respect his wishes and that he knows his body enough that he doesn’t need a doctor. Still, he clearly needs help.

  I climb on the bed. I slide my legs around his hips and bear-hug him from behind, wrapping my arms over his. It’s something my mom used to do to me when I was a kid and had an asthma attack. It sends a signal to the brain and calms you.

  “Look around you. What are five things you see?” I whisper to him.

  His back is heaving against my chest.

  I regulate my breathing as I instruct him, “Anything in the room. Just look around.”

  “My sweatpants,” he says slowly. “Phone. Keys. Cash. Notebook.”

  “Name four things you can feel.”

  If he thinks this is an odd question, he doesn’t say so. “The blanket. My wet shirt. The carpet under my feet. You.”

  My breathing is steady. “Three things you can hear.”

  “Your voice. The cars outside. The hum of my alarm clock.”

  I feel his body starting to calm. “Two things you smell.”

  “My stank-ass room and your face cream.”

  I smile. His breathing has returned to normal.

  “What’s one thing you can taste?”

  He lifts my hand from his bicep and kisses it. “My favorite thing.”

  My heart swells with his sweet words. He turns around, and I’m about to kiss him when Chad and Nicole appear in the doorway.

  “What’s going on in here?” Chad asks, half-concerned and half-disturbed by the sight of me straddling his best friend from behind.

  Wes runs a hand through his hair. “I was having an anxiety attack.”

  I tilt my head and watch the back of him as he looks at Chad like this isn’t something new.

  “You haven’t had those in years. What triggered it?” Chad asks.

  “I don’t know.” Wes looks down.

  I rub his back, thinking about how just a few minutes ago, he was in a total state of panic. I thought he was having a heart attack.