Page 57 of Study Buddies

“There ought to be a dress code for movie night,” Kyle continued.

“Leave her alone,” Lucas muttered from across the room, but he seemed distracted, still trying to get the movie to stream.

“What’s the dress code?” I asked, smiling a bit. Kyle always kept me on my toes.

“For women, it’s a dress. Specifically that dress you wore on Wednesday.”

“If it’s worth all the fuss, now I kind of want to see it,” Jayden said.

“What’s the dress code for men?”

“It’s much more relaxed for men.”

Jayden laughed. “Such a shame that these double standards persist, even in this day and age.”

I giggled. It was fun joking around with them. If only Lucas didn’t have that scowl on his face. He’d been really sweet on our date. We’d shared a nice Italian meal and good conversation—once the shock of what had happened at Todd’s house wore off. It had been a good date, and I didn’t have to worry about him ghosting me—that would be a bit hard to do since I was staying in his house.

“Come on, Victoria,” Kyle said. “Respect the dress code.”

“Why do you get to make the dress code?”

“She’s got a point,” Jayden said, but I could tell he was having fun, too.

“My house, my rules,” Kyle said smugly.

“Our house,” Lucas corrected.

“Right,” Kyle said. “Our house, my rules.”

I laughed—I couldn’t help it. Kyle grinned, but there was a challenge in his gaze, and in the way he cocked an eyebrow.

And suddenly, I was considering it. I’d felt very pretty in that dress. When I’d found it at my favorite thrift store, I’d been amazed to find something that pretty at an affordable price. Lucas had complimented it, and Kyle had too—though at the time, I’d been devastated about my necklace.

I turned to Jayden. “Do you want to see me in it?”

He leaned back, his hands behind his head. “I wouldn’t say no.”

“All right.” With cheeks heating, I pushed off the couch, trying to avoid what would undoubtedly be a smirk on Kyle’s face.

It took a lot less time to get dressed this time around. I didn’t bother with extra makeup or fixing my hair, but I did take it out of the ponytail, letting it unwind around my shoulders. Once I had the dress on, I pulled a large swath of hair to the front, letting it brush across my chest.

I didn’t put on the high heels. No way was I punishing myself by wearing those two nights in a row. Instead, I stepped into some beige flats.

There was nothing left to do, but I hesitated for a moment, wondering if this was a good idea. These guys were my friends, yes, but I’d shared something with each of them that pushed the boundaries of friendship. I’d been on the date with Lucas. I’d talked about sex with Kyle in his truck. And Jayden and I had spent at least half an hour in that hammock, our bodies pressed against each other. My fingers tingled as I recalled the feeling of his chest under my hand.

And suddenly, I was ready. I liked hanging out with them, but more importantly, I trusted them. Kyle seemed like the only one who might push me a little bit further than I wanted, but he’d provided me with a safeword precisely for that reason.

Squaring my shoulders, I walked into the living room. A football game was on the TV, but all three of them turned their eyes to me. Which was kind of an intoxicating feeling, if I was being honest.

Jayden gave a low whistle. “Damn. You’re beautiful, Tori. I approve of the dress code.”

I rolled my eyes as I stepped closer. “Because it doesn’t affect you.”

He grinned, a mischievous look in his eyes. “Oh, it affects me all right.”

Kyle chuckled from his spot in the armchair, and Lucas stood from his position on the sofa.

He gestured, and I slipped past him to sit in the middle between him and Jayden. I’d sat in the middle in Kyle’s truck last night, too. Apparently, that was becoming my spot. I couldn’t say that I minded very much.

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