Page 35 of My Brother's Roommate (Frisky Business 2)
“So, why’d you sell it?” I press, but the second I ask, his guard instantly shoots back up.
“None of your business.”
“Of course it’s my business.” I huff, taking a step closer. “My roommate just sold his most prized possession and is buying a car, which he said he’d never do. You’re not telling me something.”
“Can you just drop it?” His voice is strained, but I have no intention of letting this go.
“Absolutely not.”
He sighs behind a clenched jaw, his hands balling into fists. “And why not?”
I nearly laugh. Do I really have to spell it out for him? “Because it’s fucking annoying to look at you, know something’s up, and not have you tell me what it is.”
No sooner are the words out of my mouth than the realization of their weight hits me. Like someone just swung a pillowcase full of bricks directly at my head.
Someone you care about not telling you what’s wrong with them.
Well, shit, that sounds familiar. It’s exactly what I’m doing to Penelope. I haven’t opened up to her and told her about my issues, but now I’m pissed because Connor is doing the same thing to me.
Connor looks me over with suspicion. “Now you’re the one who looks like a hungover zombie,” he says with a vicious smirk. “What gives?”
I let go of a shaky breath. I feel like the biggest hypocrite in the city of Chicago, and not telling him what’s going on just solidifies that title. But I’m not about to go there with Connor. He’d break my neck if he knew any of what’s gone down between me and his sister.
“Make you a deal,” I say. “I don’t make you fess up to whatever your problem is, and I don’t have to tell you shit about mine.”
His chin dips in a firm nod. “Sold.”
It’s quiet between us, and for a second I think we’re going to shake on it or something. But then Connor clears his throat into his fist, shifting his weight between his feet.
“I, uh . . . I’m serious about the car dealership, though. Any chance I can hitch a ride?”
I snatch my keys from my back pocket and tip my head toward the back door. “We’ll let Hayes and Ever man the fort. Let’s roll.”
We drive in near complete silence, just the sound of the radio and the occasional direction from Connor. But silence doesn’t bother me. It never has.
Plus, my mind is busy working through other things, like how I’m going to make things right with Penelope. That is, if she’ll even forgive me for ghosting her the other night after she made me a home-cooked meal. Lord knows it’ll take a long-ass time for me to even forgive myself. But if there’s anyone worth being vulnerable with, it’s her.
“This is the one.” Connor points me toward the parking lot of the car dealership ahead with its bright lights and row after row of shiny new cars. “The one with the SUVs.”
I have to swallow my laugh. Connor Blake driving an SUV? I must be living in an alternate reality.
And in this reality, maybe I can show Penelope that I can let my guard down. All the way down.14* * *WOLFIEWhen Connor announces his sister is coming over tonight, it’s unexpected. And when Penelope shows up later with a six-pack of his favorite beer and a smile on her face, it’s hard to pretend I’m not affected.
Things have been a little confusing between us lately, but there’s one thing that’s crystal clear—we have a strong mutual attraction. Because I’d have to be blind not to notice the way her eyes keep straying over to mine, or the way her hand lingered when she passed me a beer earlier—like she wanted to keep touching me, however brief it might be.
Connor seems oblivious, thank fucking God.
It was a long week of work, and I’m thankful for the chance to blow off a little steam. And the view doesn’t suck, if I’m being honest. The sight of Penelope sitting on the couch across from me, dressed in a pair of skintight jeans and a pink sweater that hugs her perfect tits? Yeah, sign me the heck up.
“So, what’s new, baby sister?” Connor asks, settling into the armchair beside the couch with his ankle crossed over one knee.
He’s been so distracted lately, but right now, about four beers in, he seems relaxed. I wonder if Penelope noticed that he’s been off too.
Wonder if that’s part of why she came over tonight . . . maybe she’s here to cheer him up? I can’t let myself believe she’s actually here to see me. That could mess with a guy’s head pretty good. Especially when I’ve been nothing but confusing with her.
“Just living the dream,” she answers with a smile.
I chuckle and listen in rapt attention as she fills us in on work and the latest with that douche Spencer. Connor and I both laugh at her impression of him trying to fix the copier.
