“This is just gross.” Seth took the milk carton out of the fridge and examined it. “It’s outdated by weeks. Don’t you look at the date? You don’t even drink milk. Don’t tell me this was Jimmy’s milk.”

Seth snapped me out of it. I knew I was staring at Alex’s smile longer than I should have, but I couldn’t help myself. Seth was f**king unbelievable, trying to make me look bad. Even if I was a slob, he didn’t have to point it out in front of Alex.

“Come on, Alex, you must be starving. I’ll take you grocery shopping.” Lexy tugged Alex along.

“Wait,” Alex halted, causing Lexy to jerk back. “I need to get my purse.” After a few minutes, she came back out from her room and stood in front of me. “Elijah, do you think I could have my own set of keys?” she asked timidly. “Unless….” She cleared her throat and looked down at her nails. “…unless you’d rather have me move out. I mean, unless you don’t want me as your roommate. I know you thought I was a guy, but obviously, I’m not. I’ll understand.”

While she was talking away, I reached inside my pocket and took out the spare key I was going to give her if she’d decided to stay after I had the talk with her. Knowing that she did made me happy—I think. “Here.”

She peered up, trying to hide the biggest smile I knew she would’ve given me, but she contained herself. “Thanks.”

When she picked up the key, her fingertips brushed against my hand. I felt that touch tingle up my arm and travel throughout my body. Holy shit! What she could do to me with just that simple touch was very unnerving. I wished the situation was different. I could indulge myself, and then let her go.

Seth looked at me strangely while he plopped on the sofa. Did I do something wrong?

“Hey, Alex. Do we get to meet your boyfriend?” Seth asked while looking at me as if to prove a point.

Alex turned to Seth. “I think he’s coming next week, and we’re just seeing each other.”

Of course, she was taken. Someone like her would be snatched up quickly. Did she know “seeing each other” really meant the guy was free to date others while the girl was usually the one that was faithful? I could already imagine this guy in my head—intelligent, loaded, arrogant, then imaging the worst—a dick. Maybe I just wanted him to be one.

“Are you going with them?” I asked Seth. “And don’t put your feet on the coffee table.”

Seth dropped his feet. “Nope. I just came here to get a good laugh, Ellie.”

“You’re wonderful, Sally,” I teased back.

“Sally?” Alex laughed, and started to walk out the door with Lexy.

“Shut up.” Seth threw a pillow at me before turning to Alex. “Call me Seth, Alex.”

“Okay, Sally. I mean…Seth.”

I enjoyed her humor and so did Seth. My chuckling stopped and my attention went to my bedroom door being opened. Shit! I forgot Heather was in there and even if I had remembered, I didn’t think she would come out. She looked baffled to see all of us staring at her. She was wearing the shorts and T-shirt she had on last night.

I don’t know why, but my eyes shifted to Alex. She looked like the blood had drained out of her, and she was as pale as the wall behind her. I could see it in her face, passing judgment on me, especially since I told her that I didn’t have a girlfriend.

Brushing aside my guilty feelings—I don’t know why I even felt that way—I casually pushed Lexy and Alex out the door. Just before I closed it, Lexy looked at me and mouthed, “I don’t like her. She isn’t good for you.”

I knew that, but she was attractive and she practically jumped on me, so what was a guy to do? After all, Heather knew I didn’t date and didn’t care about the “forever.” It was mutual.

Chapter 6

Alex

Lexy went to grab a cart while I waited for her by the entrance. Being that it was the weekend, the store was crowded. I didn’t mind. I was just glad to get out of the heat as we entered the store together. Glancing at the list I pulled out of my purse, I made a mental note of the items I needed to buy, and shoved the paper back in while Lexy pushed the cart.

“I just want you to know that you can always hang out at my place if things get weird.”

“Weird?” I questioned as we headed down the aisle.

“I mean, if there are too many parties or if too many girls wind up hanging out at your place.” Her voice trailed off, sounding as if she was uncomfortable.

“Don’t worry, Lexy. I can hold my own, but thank you. If I need a place, I’ll let you know.”

“Elijah has a big heart. He’s just been through some rough times.” Lexy steered the cart to the right and I followed. “You said you needed bedding, right?”

“Yes, bedding. Like what, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Ignoring me, she pointed to the left. “Here we are.”

Looking for something simple, I walked down the aisle. About mid-way, a lavender comforter set caught my eye. “What do you think of this one?” I asked, placing it in the cart.

“Love the color,” Lexy smiled, and then placed a hand on my shoulder. “Listen, I didn’t mean to ignore your question earlier. It’s just that Elijah is like a brother to me. We’ve been friends since…I don’t know if you knew Jimmy and I used to date.”

My eyes grew wide from this news. “I never knew. Jimmy and I rarely spoke after he went to college.” I suddenly felt bad.