Page 50 of End Game

Hmm.

“I think you two just need to do it and see what happens,” she continues.

I’m gaping at her. “We can’t just do it.”

“Why not?” She shrugs.

“I don’t just do it with random men.”

“He’s not random. Youknowhim. You like him. You’re definitely attracted to him. I say just fuck him and see how it is. Maybe you two need to get each other out of your systems,” Sienna says.

What she’s suggesting is way too tempting, but come on. That would be a huge mistake, messing around with my roommate.

But here’s my dirty little secret: I’ve never been with anyone else besides my ex, and lately I’ve been fantasizing what it might be like with ...

Nico.

Of course I am. Because Sienna is right. I’m attracted to him. I like him. I like his easy smiles and the way he genuinely cares about his friends. Even when he gives Frank grief, he’s worried about him and his shoulder. He’s smart and he cares and I love the sound of his laughter, and when he touches me, it’s electric. I can feel the jolt of his fingers on my skin to the depths of my core.

I don’t remember feeling that way with Brad. I don’t recall the dizziness or the tingles or the butterflies. The anxious sensation in the pit of my stomach when I first hear Nico enter the house. I always know it’s him, just from the distinct sound of his footsteps.

Oh God, I have it so incredibly bad for this man. And there’s nothing I can do about it.

“I don’t know,” I finally say, my voice hesitant. I ignore the skeptical look on my friend’s face. “I’m not the kind of person who just ... fucks someone to see what happens.”

“Oh, right. Because you’ve only ever been with one guy, and he turned into a complete asshole.” Sienna nods, clearly remembering what I told her.

“Brad wasn’t so bad—”

“He was a douche who bored you,” she interrupts. “It’s okay to say that. You can be honest with me. You wasted years of your life with that guy, and now you deserve to have some fun. Am I right?”

I am so glad no one is nearby to overhear this conversation.

“I am having fun, and I don’t need a man to do that. Coming to Santa Mira is just what I needed to change my life. I’m enjoying school, I like my job, I met you, and I like living with the guys,” I explain. “Nothing turned out like I imagined it would before I came here, and that’s okay. I actually think everything has turned out even better.”

Sienna engulfs me in a hug, squeezing me tight before she releases me. “I’m seriously so happy for you. I couldn’t ask for a better new bestie.”

I smile at her, and I swear I can feel tears forming in my eyes, which is silly. I shouldn’t be this emotional, but for the first time in like forever, I feel like I belong to something.

I’m a part of something.

“I heard you’re making dinner,” Sienna says once she releases me.

I burst out laughing. “You trying to score an invite?”

“Only if Gav is staying.” Her eyebrows shoot up.

“I have a lot of chicken marinating because I always make more than I think we’ll eat, but I don’t know if I can feed everyone out here.” I nibble on my lower lip, counting all the guys who are milling about my backyard. None of them have left yet.

“Maybe I’ll suggest to Gav he should take me out.” Sienna flutters her eyelashes at me. “Think he’ll go for it?”

“Probably not,” I say truthfully, not trying to crush her spirit. “But that’s only because he’s oblivious.”

“Ugh, men.” She rolls her eyes.

“Come inside and help me prep.” I take her hand and drag her into the house, ignoring the guys who watch us as we walk past. Once we’re inside, I go to the junk drawer and pull out the extra-long wand lighter we keep in there, handing it to Sienna. “Light the candles for me, please?”

“Ooh, yes. Look at you. Next thing you know, you’ll have these boys completely domesticated!” Sienna does a little shimmy as she moves about the room, lighting the candle on the counter first before she lights two more on the dining table.

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