Page 96 of Accidental Roommates

She smiles at me. “Did you decide when you want to go out?”

I feel Kenzie staring at me. This is really uncomfortable. It feels wrong making plans with Rhea with Kenzie standing there.

“You didn’t answer her,” Kenzie says to me. “When are you two going out?”

“We haven’t decided.”

Rhea wraps her arm around mine. “How about tonight? Let’s get out of here and go have a drink.”

“You should go,” Kenzie says to me. “Have a good time!”

She walks off, and I notice guys watching her, eyeing her like they want to take her home. I hate that they’re looking at her that way. It pisses me off. She’s too good for them.

“What do you think?” Rhea says. “You want to get out of here?”

“Not tonight.” I take off, catching up to Kenzie. “Where are you going?”

She whips around to face me. “Why are you following me?”

“Because you’re barely dressed and guys are staring at you.”

“That’s why I’m wearing this. So guys will ask me out.”

“Guys who only want you for sex.”

“Really?” she asks, looking like she wants to slap me. “You think that’s all they want me for?”

“I didn’t mean it that way. I meant that I know these guys and I know that’s all they’re looking for. I’m trying to protect you.”

“I don’t need your protection.” She storms off, then stumbles and falls to her knees.

“Kenzie!” I race over and help her stand up. “Are you okay?”

She reaches down and takes off her shoe. “Dammit. I broke a heel.”

“Are you hurt? You fell really hard.”

She takes a step. “My ankle. I twisted it. Shit.” She gets her phone out.

“Who are you calling?”

“Andrea, to tell her I’m going home.”

“She left. She took off with Troy.”

“Oh. Then I’ll just go.” She takes her other shoe off and starts limping toward the door.

“Wait.” I catch up to her. “I’ll take you. Give me your keys.”

“I can drive myself.”

“Not if your ankle hurts. Plus, I really want to get out of here and I don’t have my car.” I smile at her. “I’ll pay you for a ride.”

She rolls her eyes. “You don’t have to pay me.”

We walk out to her car and she hands me the keys. I take them, then help her into the car.

We say nothing on the ride home. Kenzie seems sad, but I don’t ask why because I’m sure it has to do with me. I was out of line tonight, but my emotions took over and I reacted without thinking.

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