Page 14 of My Three Roommates

“What?” I ask her, finally daring to meet her clear gaze once again. “Are you attracted to Tanner?”

“I’m not talking about myself. He and Cody are smashing,” she says simply, as if it’s obvious.

“You’re kidding.”

“No. Cody told me, although I was already wondering. Haven’t you noticed how they aren’t kind of sniping at each other like they used to? That’s why. I thought Tanner might’ve told you, although I guess he’s keeping that secret from you too. Maybe you guys should talk to each other about more than football sometimes.”

“Tanner?” I’m blown away. “You sure?”

“One hundred percent. Those two are sharing more than just the bed.” Kenna’s gaze is steady. “I’m not bothered by your attraction to men, Brad. What I want to know is what you want to do about it. Are you saying you want to break up?”

“That’s the last thing I’d ever want,” I tell her. “I was so worried you’d want to dump me, I never thought any further ahead past telling you.”

“Okay. So now what? Do you want to explore?”

She’s so casual, I can’t believe it. “You mean nothing changes between us, and I fuck a guy?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

“How can you be so casual about it?”

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Cody, it’s that men can have sex and that’s all it is. It doesn’t have to mean anything. I don’t think he can even remember half the guys he’s slept with. As long as you’re sure you’re not looking to leave me for another man, I could be okay with you trying it out.” Kenna grins at me. “In fact, why not try it tonight?”

“Tonight?” The word explodes out of me.

“Sure. Why not? Cody’s home.”

“Cody?” My head’s spinning. This got real very fast. “You think I should get with Cody?”

“He’s my best friend and I trust him with my life. I don’t think I’d be okay with the idea of you experimenting with some random guy you might pick up. I’m pretty sure he’d be into it. If not, he won’t be bothered by being asked.”

I gape at her. This is surreal.

“No time like the present,” Kenna continues. “What do you say, Brad?”

CHAPTER 9 BRAD

“WHERE IS HE?” I’m on edge, a mixture of relief and disappointment flooding over me at Cody not being home. I fully expected Kenna to want to break up with me once I confessed my hidden attractions to her before. It never even crossed my mind that she’d be on board. Let alone up for making something happen tonight.

Kenna reaches for her phone, her fingers poised to text him. “I’ll find out where he is.”

“No, no. Don’t,” I tell her hastily. Doubt surges up in me.

This is bad idea. I don't know what I'm getting myself into. Maybe certain desires should stay that way. Just fantasy and nothing more. Something to imagine, not act on.

Especially since Kenna’s acting like she’s even more into it than I am. As if the reality of actually going through with it isn’t such a big deal.

When the front door swings open, I almost jump out of my skin.

“Hey, you're back.” Kenna goes to Cody and hugs him, nearly knocking him off his feet. He catches her in his arms, his surprise at her sudden burst of energy mirroring mine. Maybe she's more nervous about this than I thought. Should I put a stop to it before anything goes further?

Our plan was that she’d broach the subject with Cody. Since they’re best friends, it would be better coming from her. I can't imagine a scenario where askingHey, do you want to have sex with my boyfriend?wouldn’t be extremely awkward no matter who it comes from, but I’m letting her take the lead in this little experiment. It’s too weird for me.

Cody’s still got his arms around Kenna. He’s lingering just a little too long for a hug between friends. If I didn't know better, I might think he was into her.

My mind is still short circuiting over the idea that he and Tanner slept together. I’m almost upset that Tanner didn’t tell me. Not that I ever told him about my own interest in guys though, so I guess fair’s fair.

Kenna starts to drag Cody off. “I need to talk to you.” He glances at me as if he’s looking for me to explain what's up with her, but I only give him a small shrug. He'll find out soon enough. Then I’ll either have a chance at a wild night, or be extremely embarrassed around Cody until the end of time.

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