by T Gephart
“Yeah, sure do... I’m not a great roommate. I am obsessive compulsive about certain things and it’s just easier than dealing with other people’s issues.” I realised how nervous I was because I was volunteering a little too much information.
He followed me through the apartment to the kitchen. “Anything I can do to help?”
“Nope, all good. Take a seat.” I gestured toward the bar stool pushed up against the breakfast bar. “Would you like a drink?”
“Sure,” he nodded. I pulled a bottle of Absolut from my freezer and poured it over ice in waiting tumblers on the bench. I added some freshly cut lime and handed him a glass. I watched him take a slow, steady sip before I followed suit and raised the cold glass to my lips.
I busied myself with dinner preparations, Matt’s eyes following me as I moved around my kitchen. I quickly got some chicken breasts seasoned and in the oven to bake. While they were cooking, I pulled out a deep saucepan and placed it on top of the stove. “What are you making?” he asked.
“It’s kind of my own creation. A chicken pesto fettuccini. It’s pretty quick but really tasty.”
“Sounds delicious”. His smile lit up his face. He continued to study me as I went through each of the steps, asking me about the ingredients I was using and whether I enjoyed cooking. He drained his glass as I reached up to get some plates from my kitchen cabinet.
“Another?” I tilted the vodka bottle toward him.
“You trying to get me liquored up?”
“Actually the freshness of the Vodka and lime goes really well with the dish, but if you prefer the liquored up idea we can go with that” I smirked, repeating the words he had taunted me with earlier in the day.
A smile slowly spread across his face. “Touché, Ms Reed.”
He took the fettuccini filled plates from me and carried them to my round kitchen table while I mixed our drinks. I seated myself across from him and watched as he waited until I was settled before eagerly raise his fork loaded with fettuccini to his mouth.
“Wow, this is amazing... so good.” He took another bite.
“Glad you like it, it’s just one of my many talents” I teased.
“I’ve heard about your talents Lexi. Your reputation precedes you.” he teased back.
Instantly my back stiffened. “What have you heard?” I questioned cautiously.
“Relax Lexi... it’s all good. My boss Jerry, had the pleasure of working with you in New York last month; he told me how impressed he’d been with your work.” Matt gave me relaxed smile.
“Yeah New York was fun. It was great working with Jerry.” I eased back into my chair and took a small bite of my pasta.
“You know we have a really good team in Houston. Jerry is thinking of expanding and possibly allowing me to head up the department when I get back.” His eyes flirted as he slowly sipped his drink.
“That sounds promising. I’m sure your exchange with us can only help with your possible promotion.” I wasn’t really sure where this was heading.
“Yeah, I think working closely with you will definitely help my cause. I’m sure there is a lot you could show me and I’m very willing to learn. Possibly things I could show you, if you allowed me the chance. Maybe other opportunities we could share…either here or…. elsewhere. Like I said Jerry speaks very highly of you and I’m beginning to see why. Tell me, have you ever been to Texas? ” I felt anger slowly building inside me, making me drop my fork. What the fuck?! Was this some aggressive head hunting exercise? Was he supposed to seduce me like I was some dumb piece of ass?
I didn’t need to say anything. Panic spread over Matt’s face as he took in my reaction. “I didn’t mean it like that Lexi, I’m not trying to use you. Jerry knows you’d never leave Kate... I’m sorry, I know it sounded bad.” He tried to explain further “Look, you have made a name for yourself... this tough talking Aussie who shows no fear; I could name a hundred agencies in the States that would kill to have you. You could name your price. You must know that. Jerry just meant that if someone was going to make you an offer you would consider that he hoped you would allow us to counter it.”
I raised my glass to my lips, slowly taking a long sip of the clear icy liquid. I wasn’t sure if I should be offended or honoured. “So, were you going to fuck me into submission or were you just going to throw dollar signs at me and see if I succumbed?” I asked calmly wondering how far he was going to take this charade.
His eyes widened. “Lexi, I wasn’t going to fuck you, I...um...I wouldn’t do that...I mean that’s not how I operate.”
“Why, is there something wrong with me? Are you not attracted to me?” I shot back indignantly.
“Are you serious? I can think of nothing more I’d like to do right now than throw you up against a wall and screw your brains out,” he panted “but we have to work together and I’m not that guy. I really like you, I think you’re hardcore in the business world and as sexy as hell but I know it would be a mistake; one I am not willing to make. It just is not an option.”
Anger once again flared inside me, I was not used to rejection, I was not a MISTAKE, nor would I ever be. How dare he! It had been a long time since a man had turned me down. Despite him dressing it up with all his fancy compliments all I heard was I don’t want you. My face heated and my gut turned and twisted.
I decided to change tactics; I rose slowly out my chair, walking over to him. My mouth slowly parted as I held his face in my hands, my fingers twisting through his wavy, dark brown hair. He looked up at me as he tried to decipher my mood. I gently tilted his head back and leaned in, the tip of my tongue exploring the edge of his mouth then my lips feverishly finding his. His lips were soft as they opened slightly, giving me permission. I grabbed his shirt tight in my fist, pushing him against the chair back, my legs straddling him either side. Let’s see how you resist me now, Cowboy.
He tasted fresh, like the lime and I thought he was going to give in but then he stiffened and pushed me away “Lexi, NO! I am not doing this.” Hurt and anger ripped through me like a tidal wave, I wanted to throw him out but I couldn’t formulate words. How did this happen? How could I have read this all wrong? Damn it Lexi say something! I willed myself to speak.
“I think I need another drink” was all I could manage and I walked back into the kitchen. I felt him follow me, standing directly behind me. I couldn’t turn around; I squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself not to cry. He moved closer to me, his chest pressing against my back. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed the back of my head.
“I’m so sorry Lexi, I didn’t mean to hurt you, really I’m so sorry” his voice genuine and apologetic.
“No, I’m sorry,” I paused. “I don’t know what got into me. I guess I just misread the situation. I don’t usually get these things wrong. I guess I am just not used to being told “no”. It’s been awhile... I’m kind of a little screwed up.” I breathed. He turned me around and stared into my eyes
“No, Lexi. You did nothing wrong - it was me; I guess I let you believe... I guess I alluded to the fact... I guess I’m a little screwed up too.” He gently stroked my hair.
“I guess we’re all just a little screwed up” I shrugged my shoulders and he grinned.
“Some of us just wear it better than others and you make crazy look good”
“So now I’m crazy?” I grinned back.
“Can I have another drink before I answer that?” He tensed.
“Sure let’s get loaded, maybe then I can have my way with you!” I laughed, “You sure you can’t be convinced?”
“Oh Lexi, please... I don’t think… I’m still a man you know.” He shifted uncomfortably.
“It’s OK Matt, you’re safe. I was kidding. You and your virtue are safe.” I grinned and grabbed the bottle of vodka and took a swig before handing it to him.
“To friends who don’t fuck,” he said, lifting the bottle towards me in a mock toast. I laughed as the effects of the alcohol started to course its way through my body.
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br /> “To friends who don’t fuck,” I agreed.
The rest of the evening was a blurred mixture of giggling and drinking, I’m not entirely sure we even finished dinner. My eyes flashed open when I felt a pair of arms around me. I was lying fully clothed in my bed, Matt’s legs tangled around me. How did we get here? God, my head hurt... I needed to stop drinking like that. I fumbled for my phone, 3AM... Shit!
“Matt, you need to go home!” An eye slowly slid open.
“What time is it?” his sleepy voice was a low rumble.
“It’s 3 in the morning. We both have to be at work by 9.”
“Crap, I didn’t mean to fall asleep... Shit, where are my shoes?”
“It’s ok…” I smiled “we both fell asleep, I’ll call you a cab. I’m not in any condition to drive.” I dialled and gave the operator instructions while Matt pulled on his shoes. “Matt, I’m really glad we had last night, it was kind of fucked up but I haven’t been that honest with anyone in a long time. Thanks for not wanting to fuck me.”
He shook his head and tousled his hair with his hand. “The pleasure or the lack of it was all mine,” he smirked. “I’ll see you in a few hours, try to get some sleep.” And with that he kissed my cheek and left.
I felt an odd warmness spread across me, like I had moved forward. I hadn’t slept with a man in years. In fact, I prided myself on not having to deal with the walk of shame the next morning, having discovered how much easier it was for all parties involved to forgo the faux pleasantries and enjoy the moment for what it was. I stumbled back to my dark bedroom and rid myself of my clothes. The night had taken a most unexpected turn, and one I wasn’t entirely disappointed about. I let sleep overcome me as I fell into bed.
Chapter 4 – Roomie With a View
It was surprisingly easy seeing Matt over the next few days and our drunken night remained our secret. There was no awkwardness to our misunderstanding and we fell into a mutual admiration of each other. This was something new for me, uncharted territory. I didn’t have the upper hand, and while not completely comfortable with it, I loosened the reigns a little and relinquished a tiny bit of control.
Kate had eyed me suspiciously when I had walked in the day after looking a little worse for wear but didn’t question me further. Matt fared a lot better than I had, he was already sitting at his desk looking amused when I stumbled in a few minutes late.
“Rough night?” he smirked.
“Not rough enough.” I had mused back, a hint of a smile stealing across my lips.
Anna had eventually mellowed toward me too. Her irritation had subsided when I assured her that nothing had happened. Of course in the retelling of the story I left out the bits about me throwing myself at him and him unceremoniously rejecting me. I also omitted the part where the tension had thrown us into a night of drunken honesty and acceptance culminating in us spending the night intertwined fully clothed on my bed. My reasoning had been two fold. Firstly, she wouldn’t have believed me and secondly (and most importantly) I didn’t want her or anyone else to see my vulnerability. No, I kept it simple - he had eaten dinner, we went through his work schedule, we made small talk and he went home. I explained how I had decided to keep it platonic and was honouring Kate’s request in not fraternizing within the office. I even suggested setting up a lunch date for the two of them. Anna‘s face beamed at the possibilities. “Seriously, Lex? You wouldn’t mind?” hope shone in her eyes.
“Not at all,” I lied, secretly hoping the offer would be forgotten but smart enough to know Anna had stored it away in her vault and would be cashing it in any day.
Matt fitted into the office surprisingly well. He was a hard worker, extremely polite and oozed sex appeal - The girls all LOVED him, the sideways glances they speared him with when he moved around the office were poorly veiled attempts to check out his amazingly toned ass. The fluttering of eye lashes, the over enthusiastic giggling whenever he spoke - they were like a gaggle of wild hens. Ughhhhh didn’t we leave high school years ago? To the men, he was like a new toy and they alternated between probing him about his knowledge of sports trivia and wanting to take him out on the town - I believed this had more to do with the guys hoping to get some of Matt’s residual pussy spill over rather than actually wanting to show him the town. They were all so transparent; it made me smile with a silent feeling of superiority.
I was wading through inane emails when his smooth voice brought me back to the present. “Lexi,” he purred, standing in the doorway while loosening his dark blue tie slightly “I have a proposition for you.”
“Does it involve me getting you naked?” I purred back. Our friendship had evolved so much in the last few days and I took great pleasure in our open and honest banter. I loved watching him squirm with my sexual innuendo and undertones. He often volleyed back a few of his own.
“Well... kind of.” he paused, the brightness of his smile touching his glistening blue eyes. “I’ve been house hunting for days and it’s a futile exercise. Nothing checks all the boxes... Sooooo... I was thinking... seeing as you have a spare room and all...” his voice sweetening with each syllable.
“So you thought you’d check my box?” My mouth twisted and I bit my lip at the double entendre.
“Lexi,” he edged closer “I know how you feel about the whole room mate thing, but I think we can make it work. I’ll cover half the expenses and we can share the chores. We spend so much time together hanging out anyway. It seems like a win-win. I’ll even let you steal a look at my naked ass every once and while.” He grinned as he added the last bit. I laughed as I contemplated his tantalizing offer.
“There would have to be some ground rules Matt,” I warned.
“I thought you didn’t like rules,” he teased.
“Yeah, well, let’s call them guidelines then. As in, you break them, I guide your hot ass to the door,” I teased back.
“Fine,” he replied and held his hands up in mock surrender. “Your place, your rules. Draft up a copy and I’ll sign my unwavering obedience”
I reached into my handbag and tossed him my keys. “I have to finish this function brief before I can head home, grab your stuff from the hotel and move yourself in.”
“Can I take your car?” he asked, his voice hopeful.
“Do you know which side of the road to stay on?” I asked, wincing.
“I’m good. We can go through your guidelines tonight, I’ll pick up a pizza on my way home.” He grinned jingling the keys excitedly.
Ahhhhhhhhh.....I took a long audible breath. Roommate?! What was I thinking? I had pushed myself further in the last few days than I had in a long time. My phone buzzed silently on the desk.
You want some beer? I think you are out of Vodka :)
I smiled at my “roomie’s” observation.
- I don’t drink beer, so more for you I guess. Hope your virtue is under wraps.
- Tequila it is then, I would have assumed “guideline” number 1 was I had to leave my virtue at the door LMAO
- Get Lemons, firm ones! No, “guideline” number 1 was leaving your pants at the door. You promised me ass! :-P
I smiled as I slipped my phone into my drawer. I needed to get this done if I was ever going to leave tonight. I imagined his response would play on the firmness of the lemons; internally I laughed at how easy our conversations were. Maybe this would work out?
I had actually half expected Matt to be “pant less” when I eventually got home but was disappointed to find him clothed in a fitted white t-shirt and a pair of worn jeans. The fabric was distressed and faded and clung to his hips, low, like a sullen ex lover.
He got up from the couch and smiled, “Pizza is on its way.” I dropped my bag on the coffee table and walked into the living room.
“You! Are wearing pants!” I mused as I pointed to the delicious layer of denim encasing his long, muscular thighs.
He caught my eye. “Here’s a down payment.” He slid off his shirt, revealing his rippling toned and ta
nned torso. Every inch was defined and cut perfectly. I had guessed he was ripped but the reality was so much more breathtaking than I had imagined.
“You sure we can’t fuck?” I teased only half joking.
“And ruin what we have?” he quizzed genuinely concerned. He was right, GOD DAMN IT!! I hated it but I knew that while I could imagine the satisfaction I would have gotten from mounting him and riding him hard, this was so much better in the long term. We were friends, real friends. Mark it on your calendars people, Lexi has met an amazing, intelligent, kind and extremely sexy man and she IS NOT going to have sex with him. Guess there was a first time for everything.
Chapter 5 – Power Station
BUZZ. BUZZ. My attention snapped away from my computer to my vibrating iPhone.
- Tomorrow night!!! 7pm... Dinner ideas?? I’m so excited
I couldn’t contain my mischievous grin. With the excitement of the past couple of weeks, Matt’s entrance into my life and our harmonious co-habitation, I’d almost forgotten about it. I had been waiting for tomorrow night to come for months and could think of nothing better than to share it with Emma. I quickly texted back
- Tapas?? I’ll drive
I’d known Emma since we were teenagers, a friendship that had withstood time, separation and distance. No matter how much time passed between our get togethers we would always slip back into each others’ lives effortlessly. We didn’t need constant phone calls or catch-ups. In fact, sometimes we went for months without seeing each other. But when Emma called I would drop everything for her and she would do the same for me. It was a relationship that surpassed friendship and entered into something entirely ethereal. Emma with her big blue eyes and cascading Botticellian curls would boast “We’re soul sisters”. She believed that the universe was connected with vibrations and everything you are and received was a reflection of the vibrations you gave out. A pure soul, sometimes I often wondered what I had done to have such a gift in my life.
“Sexting on Kate’s dime? Really, Lexi!” Matt Laughed. I looked at his clear blue eyes, sensing no jealously or malice. He had taken up residence at Rachael’s empty desk so I was accustomed to his daily interruptions.