Page 46 of My Three Roommates

“Don’t tell anyone,” he warns. “I’ll deny it if you do.”

“My lips are sealed.”

“Oh yeah?” Cody smirks. “Let’s see.”

His tongue parts my lips the moment he climbs on top of me. I wrap my arms around him. Our first kiss is everything I expected and so much more.

CHAPTER 26 KENNA

CODY WON’T STOP fidgeting. He puts his arm around my waist, then takes it away. It’s the third time in the last few minutes he’s done the same thing as we approach the entrance to the grand ballroom.

I’ve never seen Cody nervous before. The growing sounds of laughter and chatter aren’t doing a thing to calm him down either. I’m excited for this party and I really hope he can relax enough to get into it too.

My best friend in the world is becoming a different person since our foursome started up. I wish he wasn’t nervous, but at the same time it’s nice to see him showing his feelings more than he ever used to.

“Wow.” The room’s decorated in bright, festive colors with balloons adorning the walls and streamers drifting down from the ceiling.

A DJ’s playing upbeat music from the centre of the room, and some people are already starting to dance.

“This is amazing. What’s the event again?” I ask Cody.

He tugs at his tie, trying to loosen it discreetly without making it messy. He looks amazing in his brand new suit. I rarely see him dressed like this except when he’s on his way to work, but he looks far sharper now. He dropped some money on it for sure. I’m glad, since tonight is kind of like our first date.

It’s just the two of us, for the first time since we’ve all gotten together. We’ve only ever hung out alone as friends before. Now here we are. A real couple.

“You know how most companies have a Christmas party?” Cody grins. “My office decided that once a year isn’t enough. Now they have to throw a big ball in the summer too. This is my first one, but everyone started talking about it back in January. They’re really into it, so much so that they’re probably going to find an excuse to do something quarterly. They like their events to be on the same level as a Christmas party, not just small, casual get-togethers.”

“I’d love it if my company would go all out like this. Even our Christmas party wasn’t half as nice as this,” I say wistfully. “Or half as grand. They didn’t even rent a space last year. We went to a restaurant, and not even a nice one. I’ll be your date for your company’s events any time.”

Cody’s eyes gleam with amusement. “That’s good, because dates are pretty much mandatory. Obviously they can’t force people, but it’s not a good look to arrive solo at one of these corporate events. One thing I don’t like about my job is the constant pressure to be coupled up.”

“Things can change over time, you know. Maybe someday you could take Tanner or Brad. Or all of us.”

Cody bursts out laughing and I join him. I can’t imagine all four of us showing up together at a work thing. The corporate culture isn’t very heavy where I work so I’m not used that kind of environment, but even I know that bringing three dates wouldn’t go down well even in the most relaxed company.

“Come on. Let’s get a drink. They booked some hot new comedian and I think the show starts soon,” Cody says.

No sooner do we have glasses in hand that someone gets up on the stage. I’m normally not that into comedy, but this guy’s actually funny.

“Not bad, huh.” Cody loops his arm through mine once the guy leaves the stage. “Are you having fun?”

“I really am.” I give my handsome guy a big kiss on the cheek. I knew I’d have fun being with Cody, but tonight’s turning out to be extraordinary. The open bar is great and it’s interesting to meet his coworkers. From the way a couple of them acted, they let it slip by their behaviour that they weren’t sure Cody actually had a real girlfriend.

I’m glad to help him out that way. I feel bad for what Cody has to put up with, pretending to be something that he isn’t in order to fit in at work. I know he hates it.

As I meet more of his coworkers, Cody’s forced persona slips away. Soon he’s back to being the best friend I know, cracking jokes and relaxing enough to start enjoying the evening himself.

I didn’t realize just how much strain he’s been under with faking being straight at work. It’s terrible to constantly have to be careful like he does. I hope my presence here will go a long way towards them believing it. Plus now we really are together, so that should make it easier. He doesn’t need to tell anyone about Brad or Tanner.

Cody steps away to get us another round. I survey the room, wondering if there will be any more entertainment to come. I should get some ideas from whoever the social coordinator is here and bring them up with my company’s event planners. I don’t think they’ll spring for much, but they can easily improve on what they’ve done before.

I’m about to ask Cody who planned tonight’s event as he comes up behind me and slips his arm around my waist. I turn to him and smile. He’s not alone.

“Kenna, this is Nadine.” My smile freezes on my face the instant I recognize her. This has to be a joke. It can’t be possible. Her eyes widen as she takes me in.

“Hi, Nadine.” I almost choke on her name. I can’t believe this.

“Hey, Kenna. We missed you last week.” Her gaze sweeps between Cody and I, her eagle eyes taking in his embrace. Automatically I slip out of his grasp.

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