Page 37 of Roommate Wars
Jack’s strong hands had cupped my face, and his eyes were so dark I couldn’t make out the green. But the intent behind his gaze had been clear…filled with lust and something decidedly more.
I squeezed my eyes closed, but it didn’t matter, because I could still feel the touch of his lips, cherishing and worshiping me…Gah, stop thinking about it!
I sang at the top of my lungs to the chorus of a Taylor Swift song, my voice cracking predictably right as the doorbell rang. Lunging over the laundry basket, I nearly fell in the process of answering the door. But a solicitor was preferable to where my thoughts had wandered.
When I looked through the peephole, an older man was standing in front of the door, and he didn’t give off a solicitor vibe. He appeared frail, so not exactly the serial killer type either.
I opened the door without the chain.
The man’s eyes widened in surprise. He leaned back and peered at what I imagined was the apartment number beside the door. “I’m looking for Jack…” He glanced past me into the apartment, his brow furrowed. “Haven’t been here in a while, and my son’s friend recently remodeled the building. Did I stop at the wrong place?”
“No, no, this is it,” I said. “Come on in.” I stepped aside to let him pass, but Jack’s dad looked befuddled—and I was right there with him.
This little old man was Jack’s dad?
His hair was wispy, and he had dark circles under his eyes. He was a few inches shorter than Jack and very thin.
“I’m Elise,” I said. “His…”Oh, shit!Would Jack want me calling myself his girlfriend or his roommate? Shit,shit!
Sensing my hesitation, Jack’s dad held out his hand. “I’m Tom. It’s nice to meet you.” He looked around. “Is my son here?”
“He’s been working in the office lately.”
Tom’s chin jerked back. “The office? Really?”
I chuckled. “It’s a change, for sure.” I made my way into the kitchen and asked Tom to have a seat at the counter. “Can I get you something to drink?” I opened the fridge and hesitated. “We have beer and…beer. Ah!” I said, happily. “There’s also orange juice.”
Tom smiled. “I’ll take a glass of orange juice if it’s not too much trouble.”
I poured a glass and set it in front of him. “Did Jack know you were coming?”
“No, I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d swing by. He hasn’t returned my calls.” The look on Tom’s face was more than worry.
I pulled out my phone. “I can try him. See where he is.”
Tom waved off my suggestion. “He’ll reach out when he’s ready.”
That was a strange response, but I smiled, suddenly unsure of everything. “Do you live in town?” It would be strange if I hadn’t heard about Jack’s father or seen him even though he was in town.
Tom took a sip of his juice and set down the glass, nodding. “I’m right over at Fillmore and Sutter.”
So not far. And definitely in town.
“How long have you lived with Jack?” Tom said, catching me off guard. But at least this question I could answer easily.
“Just a couple of weeks. It’s new.”
He nodded. “How did you meet my son?”
Also an easy question to answer. “My sister rented the second bedroom for a while before she started dating Max.”
A bright smile lit Tom’s face. “I’ve heard of your sister. Heard Max, my boy, fell hard for her.”
I poured myself water and stood at the counter across from Tom. “Max is a lot to put up with,” I quipped. “But he keeps up a steady supply of artisan chocolate for my sister, so he has that going for him.”
Tom laughed. “That boy has a sweet tooth.”
“Did Jack tell you that Max used to sneak down and steal Sophia’s gourmet chocolate when she wasn’t at home?”
