Page 42 of Room for Three

“This room smells like sex.”

My eyes widen in horror, and I blink rapidly. “No, it doesn’t.”

He frowns. “Okay, maybe it doesn’t, but your response tells me all I need to know. You look guilty because you are.”

“Guilty of what?”

“Fucking those men.” He grits his teeth and swipes a pile of Travis’s papers off his desk into the floor. “What the hell is wrong with you, Savvy?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say tightly, “but I’m done discussing it. You’re out of line. Go home.”

His eyes narrow as if he’s looking for deception in my words. “It’s really not fair. I had to treat you like a sister that whole time when I was dying to kiss you. Do you know how hard that was of me to restrain myself?”

“Seriously?” I shudder at the thought of kissing him. “Did you not read the room, Rhett? I’ve never been interested in you in that way.”

“Because you were fucking my dad?”

At this, I laugh. “You’re unbelievable. Get out.”

“So, it’s true?” He scowls at me. “You’re the reason my parents are getting divorced?”

I soften at his words. “They’re getting a divorce? Why?”

“You tell me. I saw Dad coming out of your room multiple times late at night, sometimes buck-ass naked.”

Shaking my head, I hold up a hand in defense. “I didn’t sleep with him. His sleepwalking terrified me. I’m not some whore like you’re thinking, and I certainly had no part in breaking up your parents’ marriage.”

This appears to convince him because he relaxes. I hold my ground as he approaches. His hand grips my jaw like he owns me. I’m frozen in his hold, wondering if I could successfully kick him in the balls so he’ll let go of me.

He leans in like he’s going to try and kiss me, but I manage to get my hand between us, planting it on his face.

“Don’t,” I warn, spittle flying out of my mouth. “Let go of me, Rhett, or so help me, I’ll make you regret it.”

How I’ll manage to do that with this hulking guy, I don’t know. I’ll do whatever I can, though.

A voice booms downstairs and we both freeze. As someone thunders up the stairs, I am overwhelmed with relief. Rhett releases my jaw at the last moment and steps away from me.

I’ve never been so thrilled to see Owen in all my life.

Except it’s not Owen.

Cole, dressed immaculately in his police officer uniform and looking sinfully hot, pierces Rhett with a murderous glare.

“What’s going on here?” Cole demands. “Savvy, are you okay?”

I nod and step closer to Cole, drawing in his strength. “Just having a discussion with Rhett. He seems to think he has a chance with me, but I’m not interested in anything more than a brotherly relationship with him.”

And even that’s pushing it.

Rhett’s jaw muscle ticks as he stares me down. “You’re choosing this over someone your own age? Over someone like me?”

I don’t dignify him with an answer.

“Your dad’s waiting in the car for you,” Cole says coolly to him. “Run along, kid. You’ve outstayed your welcome.”

Rhett keeps his eyes transfixed on me for a beat longer before shaking his head in disgust. “Forget it, sis. Enjoy whatever the fuck you’ve wrapped yourself in. You know where to find us when this all blows up in your face.”

He storms off without another word. Neither me nor Cole relax until the front door slams closed. Then Cole wraps me up in a comforting, safe hug that I willingly sink into.

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