When Gloria suggests that James and I handle the dishes, I don’t mind at all. Since I live here and I’m no longer a guest, I’m happy to contribute. James didn’t even bat an eye. I keep waiting for them to fight or say something rude to each other. After three weeks, that still hasn’t happened. I honestly didn’t think marriages like this were actually real. It’s both reassuring and terrifying.
James and I talk about strange client requests while he washes and I dry. For an electrician, he’s had some crazy customers. The time passes quickly, and we’re done before I know it. Troy’s parents give us both a hug and head home for the evening.
Troy’s watching reruns of Parks and Rec, camped out on his huge sectional sofa, when I come out of my bedroom after my nightly shower. That thing takes up most of the room, but it’s super comfortable and perfectly worn in, so no one cares. The huge wall-mounted TV takes up most of the side wall, so no matter where you sit, you can still see everything perfectly.
I’m wearing my joggers and an old, worn t-shirt, the kind that gets softer the more you wash it. It’s nice to be this relaxed after the tension of living with Jasper.
I’m happy to join him because April Ludgate is my spirit animal. It’s the episode where April schedules a bunch of meetings on March 31st, and it’s hilarious.
I’m just getting into it when my phone pings with notifications. People had better not be having work issues on a Sunday night. Fortunately, it’s only messages from Grindr. Not important.
Before the whole roommate debacle, I’d been thinking of looking for a hookup. Not for anything serious, but hanging out with a bunch of hot guys who work out half-naked was not helping to keep my libido under control. I figured a little horizontal workout can’t hurt to take the edge off.
I’m vers, but I’ve been in the mood to bottom lately. No one seems worth the trouble, so I haven’t followed up on anything. It’s probably time to delete it. I was having trouble getting into it anyway.
“Everything okay?” Troy asks.
“Yeah. Grindr’s hopping tonight. On a Sunday. Weird.”
Troy freezes, carefully not looking my way.
Parks and Rec continues in the background, but Troy’s silence is different. Charged.
“Are you?” he pauses, then continues, voice rougher than normal. “What’s the deal there? Are you looking for uh …?” Another awkward pause. He’s still deliberately looking at the TV, but neither of us is watching anymore.
He sighs and rubs his hand across his head, which he only does when he’s nervous or worried. That I know this tells me how focused I’ve been on him lately.
“Relationship or hookup?”
His knee is bouncing and he won’t glance in my direction, even though I try to catch his eye. Why is he asking?
“A hookup. I don’t do relationships.” I deliberately ignore the part of me that envies what Arlo and Tiernan have together. Reminding myself that relationships never work for me.
“Right. Sure. Just biology then.”
He sounds concerned. Or maybe nervous. It’s hard to tell and I don’t like that I can’t read him right now. Troy’s the kind of guy who isn’t good at hiding his feelings. Personally, I like that about him because then I don’t have to guess what he’s thinking.
“I guess,” I reply.
What’s he getting at?
“Gotcha.”
April and Ron make a game plan for the meetings while Troy and I sit in silence again, but it’s not the same. Now the whole room feels like the air before a lightning storm.
Troy’s growly voice cuts through the silence. “I could help with that.”
Now I’m frozen and I’m the one who won’t meet his gaze.
What the fuck?
“If you want. Or not. It’s whatever.”
I need to say something, but the words won’t come. I just can’t wrap my head around his offer.
This is a terrible idea. I absolutely should not be thinking about this seriously. But I’ve spent three months admiring how he moves in the cage, and I’d be lying if I didn’t wonder how he moves in other ways. Just the thought of him pinning me against the wall, while he fucks me until I can’t remember my name not only has my dick hard but also has me seriously considering this crazy idea.
He’s your damn roommate!
