Shyanne snorts out a laughs, then tries to explain, which surprises me. She’s adjusted to these guys much quicker than I’d thought. “Don’t be stupid, she means if we lose power, people stop working, no one is making food or clothes, or other goods.” She gives me a this-guy’s-a-dipshit look.
I know, Shy, I know.
“Think about it,” I go on, “If we lose total power, everyone will be raiding stores to get supplies because no more will be made. If there are zombies walking around, eating other people, that eliminates our competition for the food and supplies.” I lean back, stretching my arms over my head with a yawn. “Plus, zombies only eat people, they don’t need food.”
“Wow,” is all Max can say.
Adrian smiles excitedly as he nods. “I know, right? She’s awesome.”
I stand and bow. “Thank you, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the show. Now, I must nap before my next performance.”
I hear Max ask Gemma as I’m walking to my room, “She’s totally serious, isn’t she?”
“About the zombie shit, absolutely,” Gemma replies.
“That’s awesome,” Adrian adds, again.
I’m not sure why he’s so fascinated with me, but I hope I lose novelty soon. I have an aversion to men, and if I have to fend him off all semester, it’s gonna get ugly.
I end up not being able to fall asleep, for my afternoon nap, feeling like I was forgetting something. I decide to start working on getting my class schedule entered into my calendar on my phone. I sit up in my bed as soon as I open the calendar app and realize what tomorrow is, and why I felt like I was forgetting something. Feeling a knot form in my throat, I pull up my mom’s contact on my phone. She answers after one ring.
“Hey sweetie,” she says, sounding sad, “how are you?”
Hearing her voice is enough to make the tears form, but I push them back. “Okay, just the usual guilt and sadness.” I don’t need to pretend with my mom. We skip right over the usual greetings because we both know it’d be fake.
“You coming home tomorrow?”
I lie down on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. “I almost forgot. You know… what day it is.”
My mom sighs. “That's okay Keegan. You know that, right?”
No, I don't know that. There are certain things in our lives that define us, things we should never forget. The death of a child is one of those things.
“Anyway,” I say, ignoring her question, “yes I’ll be home. I have two classes in the morning, so it’ll probably be early afternoon.”
“Okay, I requested the day off so I’ll be here whenever you’re ready.”
Of course she did because she didn't forget.
Chapter 6
Empty Calorie Breakfast
Wednesday Gemma, Robert, and I are eating lunch in the living room, when Adrian busts through the front door and tosses something on the table. I look and see it’s the book I loaned to him. Expecting him to be smiling in pleasure, from all the knowledge he’s gained, I’m surprised to see he looks rather angry.
He points a jabbing finger at the book. “This is bullshit,” he says, shaking his head furiously. “You can’t tell me you think that shit really happens. It’s fiction. You know that right?”
Robert’s cat-like purr causes Adrian to notice him. “Who’s this?”
Robert stands, holding out his hand. “I’m Robert, Keegan’s new boyfriend.”
I chew on the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing, and surprisingly, Gemma contains herself too. Adrian eyes Robert from head to toe, trying to decide an appropriate way to respond.
Adrian tilts his head, looking at Robert. “I’m sorry, did you say you have a new boyfriend?”
Robert laughs. “Cute, but no, I don’t have a new boyfriend.” Still holding Adrian’s hand, he squeezes tighter and pulls him closer. “The position is open if you’re interested.”
Adrian yanks his hand from Roberts like it’s on fire. “Nope, no thanks, I’m good.”
Robert continues to stare at him while Adrian continues to divert his eyes.
“What exactly is your issue with the book?” I ask, saving Adrian from my horny new friend.
He trains his gaze on me. “That shit is more mythical than Harry Potter.”
I arch a brow, curious what was so shocking to him. “Please elaborate.”
Adrian eyes Robert again, seeming uncomfortable having this discussion in front of him.
Robert looks down at the book, then back up to Adrian, realizing that Adrian is uncomfortable with his presence.
“I should probably excuse myself,” he says, “but I’m not that polite. Please continue.” He gestures for Adrian to go on as he resumes his seat on the couch.
Adrian huffs out a breath, turning back to me. “Are you gonna tell me, that if a guy is pounding into you from behind, he grabs a fistful of hair and starts pulling then leans down and bites your shoulder, you’re not gonna head butt him?”
I let out a soft moan and I hear Gemma squeak. Robert, who is sitting to my right, starts fanning himself with a piece of paper and mutters, “Damn, it just got hot in here.”
I draw in an exaggerated breath and lean forward, placing my elbows on my knees. I look up at Adrian from under my lashes. “No honey, I would not hit him. As a matter of fact, I would probably tell him to do it harder.”
I see Adrian visibly swallow. “Do what harder, the biting, or the pulling,” another visible swallow, “or the pounding.”
I lean back into the couch, stretching my legs out in front of me. “All of it,” I say, in a breathy whisper.
Now Adrian moans as he reaches down to adjust himself. “Well, you’re different,” he says, looking to Gemma for confirmation.
She glances between all of us, looking uncomfortable. Finally, she fesses up. “It’s not often I agree with Keegan, but.” She nods. “Yeah, that’s really hot.”
Adrian’s face screws up in disbelief.
Robert raises his hand. “I know you didn’t ask me, but I’m siding with the girls.”
Again, Adrian has no idea how to respond to him, so he goes on.
“Okay, here’s another one. He sits her on the kitchen counter, eats her for breakfast, kisses her goodbye, and leaves.” He tugs at his ear, a gesture I’m learning means he’s uncomfortable. “There are so many things wrong with just that one chapter.”
“Mmm, I forgot about that part. That was a great scene,” I mutter. I’m not screwing with him, that was a great scene.
“I’m sure it was for you, but you know what I was thinking?”
“Nope, and I don’t care.” His face is red, and I’m not sure if it’s from arousal or frustration.
“I’ll tell you. Number one,” he begins, ignoring my answer. “No girl wants you to kiss her after you been munchin’ around down there. Number two, and this is what every guy would think when they read that—the poor man got nothin’ but an empty calorie breakfast with a side order of blue balls.”
I shake my head, giving him a disappointed look. “You have much more to learn than I thought.”
This is kinda sad. No wonder women always fake headaches.
“That’s just it,” he says, pacing the room and running his hands through his hair. “When exactly are we supposed to learn these things? I can assure you, that is not part of the sex ed we get from our dads. The most we get is a box of condoms and a warning not to hit the wrong hole.”
This is why older, more experienced guys, are much more desirable. They’ve done their research and put in their clinical hours, so we don’t have to teach them anything.
“I can call up my old boyfriend and ask how he learned if you’d like,” I tease.
Adrian instantly looks pissed, but I’m not sure what part of that statement pissed him off.
I gesture to the chair. “Sit down my young Jedi, and we will share some of our wisdom with you.”
Without hesitation, he drops in the chair, looking as eager as a kid waiting for his slice o
f cake.
Did he just lick his lips?
“Don’t you want to go get the other boys?” Robert asks. “I mean, if you don’t know this stuff, I’m guessing they don’t either.”
He makes a good point, but it may be too depressing to have three guys discuss their lack of knowledge.
Adrian shakes his head furiously. “No way man, I’m the one with the time and energy into this research, so I’m going to have the corner on the market.”
Robert gives him an appreciative smile. “Smart man. Horrible friend, but smart man.”
Adrian shrugs. “I have my priorities.”
He claps once then gestures for us to get on with it.
Chapter 7
Don’t Stick Tongue In Ear
Gemma begins, “Rule number one: Don’t suck at her neck aimlessly.”
Adrian flinches and looks offended. “But girls like it when you kiss their neck.”
“Sure,” Gemma agrees, “but if you spend too much time there, it’s a waste. Also, never stick your tongue in her ear, unless you’re trying to get her to roll her eyes in irritation. Trail a few kisses around the collarbone area, light teeth can be good here, up the neck toward the ear, then get out. There are much more important places you have to visit.”
Adrian leaps up off the couch, holding up a finger for us to wait. He rushes out the door, across the hall to his apartment. The three of us look at each, no idea what he’s doing. When he returns, he has a notebook and pen.
Robert’s face contorts in disgust. “Really, you have to write down “don’t stick tongue in ear” to remember? Please, for the love of all hot guys, tell me that is not one of your go-to moves.”
“What… no,” Adrian says, but his over-the-top look of denial says differently.
Robert sighs loudly then sags back into the couch, as he begins rubbing his temples. “It’s no wonder the sex toy industry is so profitable. These girls need something to do after you all leave.”
Adrian looks confused, so I rush on. He’s not ready for the vibrator talk yet.
“Rule number two,” I say loudly, regaining his attention. “Boobs are not for groping or squeezing. I know you boys think they were put here simply for your playtime fun, but here’s an important fact—” Adrian puts pen to paper, waiting anxiously. “The nipple is where you need to spend your time. Thirty seconds of nipple teasing can get a girl hotter than twenty minutes of kissing.”
Gemma scoots to the edge of the couch. “If you really wanna get a girl hot for you, then do all of this,” she gestures to his notebook, referring to what he’s wrote down. “Plus more to get her turned on—rub your hand between her thighs, getting close, but not touching the target. Tease her. If you remember nothing else from this conversation, remember that teasing, not touching, will have her begging.”
Robert looks at Gemma, nodding in agreement.
Adrian throws his hands in the air, tossing the notebook too, then stands from the chair. "I don't know who I am anymore. I mean you're telling me everything I've ever known, everything I've ever done is wrong. I'm never going to be able to make out with a girl again." He begins pacing while dramatically pulling his hair.
I feel like I’m watching a cheap drama film.
Gemma, our resident house mom, rushes to him and begins rubbing circles on his back while leading him back to the chair. “It’s okay sweetie, it’s a learning process. You’re gonna need to study, and be willing to make changes, but you’ll get there.”
He pulls his face from his hands and looks at her with questioning eyes. “But what about pornos? Can’t I watch those? Can’t that be my homework?”
Robert takes the lead on this one. “No, those are created for male viewing pleasure only, there’s nothing to learn from those.”
“They are all hard and fast and furious,” I add, trying not to laugh at the fact that this has turned into a warped version of an after school special. “Don't get me wrong, there's a time and place for fast and furious, but that should never be the go-to method."
Adrian rubs his face with both hands. “This is too much pressure.”
Robert, changing his role in this after school special, places his hands on his hips, and deepens his voice.
“Nonsense boy. You’ve been handed the other team’s playbook. Now, are you gonna take that book and study, and get ready for the big game, or are you gonna cry like a little girl and run home to your momma?”
Adrian’s face distorts in a grimace. “Are you supposed be a coach?”
Dropping the stance and the voice, Robert nods. “Yeah, how’d I do?”
“Well, I was kinda distracted by the skinny jeans and pink shirt.” He hesitates, looking thoughtful. “But other than that, well done.”
Robert takes a dramatic bow before I stand and knock him on the couch.
“Okay, I’m over this whole production.” I look at Adrian. “You got more information that we should have shared. You can go now.”
“You know,” he says, stroking his jaw and ignoring me, “I’m gonna have to field test this theory of yours.”
“Field test?” Gemma repeats.
Adrian nods, his attention on me. He lifts his chin and his eyes become hooded. “Whadya say sweet cheeks?”
Is he serious? Why in the hell would I want to crawl into bed with a guy who has openly admitted he has no idea what he’s doing?
I give my head a quick shake. “Um, no thanks.”
He steps closer and I step back. We do this a few more times until I’m against the wall. He takes the step, almost pressing into my body. His lips are parted, and his gaze is on my mouth. I know there was something I was supposed to do the next time he got me in this position, but my mind has taken a temporary leave.
He places one hand on the wall, above my shoulder, and tips his head down as he begins to speak in a low, seductive tone. His voice is soft and slow. “So, the idea of me bending you over the bed, wrapping my hand in your hair and tugging gently as I pound into you from behind, doesn’t interest you?”
I swallow hard, as one part of my brain kick-starts again. I lift one shoulder. “You weren’t listening. I don’t want you to pull my hair gently—I like it hard.”
His voice lowers, as his mouth turns up on one side. “So you are interested?”
I shove at his chest. “Not. At. All,” I say, emphasizing each word. I could possibly be trying to convince myself too. Something about Adrian tells me he’d be a fast learner.
With a wink, he turns to go. “Have it your way. I’ll just have to find another lucky girl.”
The rumors are that Adrian has a few girls that he hooks up with regularly. I don’t know how he decides on which one for which night. Maybe the girls play rock-paper-scissors. Whatever, I don’t care. Maybe he’s a fast learner with an amazing body, but he’s my neighbor and I need to focus on my future.
Shaking the fog he, once again created, I shoo him out the door. “Well, please don’t traumatize the poor girl,” I say before I give him a little push and close the door behind him.
“You totally wanted him to kiss you,” Gemma says, in a singsong voice, as soon as the door clicks shut.
I scoff. “Hell no.”
I rarely lie, especially to Gemma, but I need to sort this all out in my head. I don’t need her input yet.
“I like my man confident and experienced. I’m not interested in being some guinea pig for him to grope around on.”
“Mmm huh, keep telling yourself that,” Robert mocks.
Oh, I will. I will definitely keep telling myself that.
***
Adrian
I’m pacing my room, trying to slow my racing breaths, and talk down yet another painful erection. Thinking about having sex with Keegan is nothing compared to hearing her talk about it.
She can pretend she’s not attracted to me, but I can feel the way her body responds when I touch her. I’ll read every damn book she has, and follow specific directions if that’s what she wants.<
br />
Remembering my responsibilities that must come first, I remove my phone from my pocket. I scroll through the contacts until I find Walt, the only man on my dad’s security detail who I trust.
The ringing stops just before Walt’s commanding voice sounds through the phone. “This is Harris.”
I know that tone and greeting, it means he’s with my dad. “Call me when you have a minute. It’s not urgent.”
“Right,” he says, then ends the call.
I’m not offended by Walt’s clipped conversation. I know it’s necessary if we don’t want my dad to know how close we are.
When my phone rings a couple hours later, I slide my finger across the screen to accept the call. “Hey, Walt.”
“Hi son,” he says, making me smile. “How are you?”
Walt has been more of a father to me, in the past few years, than my real father has been for my entire life.
“I’m good,” I say, then get to the reason for my call. “I need a background on someone.”
“Oh?” He sounds surprised. “Someone else you think may be working for your dad?”
I shake my head, even though Walt can’t see me. “No, actually, this is a girl… a girl I’d like to get to know better.”
Silence fills the line before Walt finally asks, “If you want to get to know her, shouldn’t you talk to her, instead of sending out our private investigator? Or am I behind the times in the world of dating?”
He’s right of course, but my world is not like others in the dating world. “Walt, you know I have to be cautious. I get involved with a girl only to find out, six months later, that her dad is in prison for murder.”
Walt sighs, then asks his next question. “You sure this is the best time to be getting involved with someone? You’ve got enough to worry about right now.”
No, it’s not, which is why I’m going to proceed with great caution. “I know,” I agree, “but maybe this is what I need to get my shit straightened out.”
Walt’s deep chortle releases the tension building in my shoulders. He tells me to send over any information I have, and he’ll take it from there. “How are the boys?” Walt asks, probably as one last reminder to me about my responsibilities.
Our Kinda Love Page 3