Page 69 of Messy Strokes (Wrecked Roommates)

The call ends, and I catch myself staring at the screen as memories from my childhood and my last conversation with my parents filter through my mind.

“How could you be so irresponsible?”

“You’ve never understood the consequences of your actions, Madelyn.”

“What do you expect us to do? Raise the baby for you?”

“I expected you to help your daughter out when she needed you, but I was stupid to have such unrealistic expectations,” I grumble under my breath while lifting my shirt and unlatching my nursing bra. Resting my back against the headboard, I press Penny against my bare chest and let her eat while my frustration gets the best of me.

But…they’rehere.

Why would they be here if they didn’t care?

Or am I letting myself believe the impossible?

My nerves are still a frazzled mess from last night, and thinking clearly on a good day isn’t exactly my forte. Milo and I still haven’t spoken. I’ve been holed up in my room. Unsure what to say or do.

It’s awkward. And forced. And uncomfortable as hell.

Maybe I should find another place to stay. It’d be easier if we had some distance. If I couldn’t hear him rummaging around in his room. If I couldn’t hear the water pouring over his naked body when he’s in the shower. If I didn’t have to imagine those rippling abs and dark tattoos etched into his skin, knowing there’s only a single wall separating us. Well, that and a shit-ton of baggage I have no idea how to get rid of.

The fact he doesn’t trust me and my feelings for him, or how real they are? How can he––

“Knock, knock,” a voice calls from the opposite side of my bedroom door, followed by the tapping of knuckles against solid wood.

Reaching for the nearest blanket, I toss it over my shoulder to cover myself up. “You can come in.”

The door handle twists, and Jake comes into view a few seconds later. “Hey. You still in a fight with Milo?”

My lips purse. “How could you tell?”

“‘Cause he’s been a surly bastard all morning. You should’ve seen him at the gym. The guy looked ready to hit something the entire time.”

“Hope he took a boxing class,” I add, heavy on the snark.

Jake laughs. “He’ll be sore tomorrow. We’ll leave it at that.”

My mouth quirks up as I bask in Milo’s tiny dose of karma. “Good.”

“I heard you got a job,” Jake continues, rocking back on his heels near the open door.

With a sigh, I look down at Penny and mutter, “Not sure if I’m gonna take it.”

“Why not?”

“Because working closely with Milo feels like a bad idea.”

“Or maybe it’s a good one. You guys gotta figure your shit out.”

“Says the guy refusing to work on his thesis and still hung up on a girl who’s dating his friend.”

With a narrowed gaze, he mutters, “Ouch. Way to lash out, Mads.”

I hang my head and rub my hand over my face. He’s right. It was uncalled for.

“Sorry,” I mumble. “I’m having a bad day.”

“Figured. Anything I can do to help?”

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