Whipped (Hitched, #2)

Miss Reynolds,

If it's not too much to ask, I would greatly appreciate some indication that this month's rent might perhaps be paid before next month's rent becomes due. Though owing two months’ rent would save me on paper, as I could just send these notes for both amounts owed at once. Still, if we could avoid further social embarrassment I would certainly be grateful. And I'm sure it would be easier for you to not have to wait quietly behind your door pretending not to be home when I come by to inquire about the money owed.

Sincerely,

Your landlord and neighbor,

Mr. Harris



I glance over at his side of the duplex and see that his car is gone. Good. I hurry over and jot down my response note to leave on his door.



Mr. Harris,

Thank you for your kind note and gentle understanding of my unusual position. As someone who has lived here for several years and always paid her rent on time, I'm sure you can appreciate that this is an unusual circumstance which I'm trying to mitigate in a timely manner. Your patience is always appreciated.

Sincerely,

Miss Reynolds



That done, I slink into my house before he can return. I hate owing money and being late on payments, despite my joking with Zoe. I've never been in this position before, but I know I'll get caught up soon.

My doorbell rings and I check the condo to make sure everything is in its place before going to answer it. I might be meeting my new roommate, which is why my place is unusually clean.

But when I open my door, it isn't Inferno12 standing there. It's the Aussie Hottie. This time, though, he's wearing a shirt.

His blue eyes widen when he sees me, then his face spreads into an entirely too sexy grin. "Well, isn't this a fine bit of luck!"





CHAPTER 2





LACH


A thick wad will get you about anything. A thick wad of cash, that is. "Four months rent upfront. After that, I'll have my house, and you don't have to see me again. Except at your store."

I throw Vi the roll of bills, and she catches it. We've made the introductions. We now know names, but I can tell she's shocked to see me here. A part of me can't believe she's the girl I've been emailing and the shop owner I've been flirting with. Her eyes are wide and green and beautiful, and I can't pull my gaze from them.

She stuffs the bills somewhere… probably her pocket. I keep watching her eyes. They make me forget about the five grand. Almost. A few days ago, I wouldn't think twice about that sum. But I'm changing careers. The new one's more important, but less profitable. Non-profitable, really. Darrel calls it charity work.

Vi grits her teeth. She must be struggling with the decision to rent. I realize the fact that I've been flirting with her may not work in my favor. That's why I made my offer. Come on, wad of cash… come on…

She chews on her lip, pauses, then relaxes and smiles. "Deal. When do you want to move in?"

I want to say now, but she still looks shocked, so I say, "I'm ready when you are."

"I'm good whenever. Let me show you around."

The place is bigger than it looks from outside, and has a comfortable and roomy living room that opens to the kitchen and dining area. There's a giant red couch that takes up most of one wall, with a coffee table, an overstuffed chair and ottoman and a standing lamp behind it for reading.

On the kitchen table is one of those bazillion-piece puzzles with an abstract image that looks impossible to put together. She's got most of it done. "You like puzzles?"

She nods. "They relax me."

I look again at it and laugh. Because that shit does not look relaxing.

She leads me through a small hallway. "There's a bathroom on the right that we’ll share. And this is your room." She opens the door to the left and I walk in.

It's a small room. The bed's a twin. There's an empty bookshelf that goes up to the ceiling and an empty dresser that goes up to my knees. It'll take some getting used to.

I drop my backpack on the floor and slide it under the bed with my foot. "I've got some stuff to do, but I'll be back tonight."

"Sure." She holds up a finger. "But, first, some rules."

"Rules?"

"Yes. No going into my room without my permission. No sitting on the right side of the couch. That side's mine. And no flirting with me."

I chuckle. "Sorry, but no flirting goes against my core beliefs."

"Fine, then no hooking up."

"Sorry, but—"

"No. No hooking up. If we hook up, we might break up. I'm not living with an ex."

"How about a fuckbuddy?"

She pauses, rubbing her chin. "No."

Her resistance intrigues me. It's not what I'm used to. It's fun. "Fine. I won't hook up with you. But what you decide to do—well, that's up to you."

She mocks laughter. "Ha. Ha. Don't worry. I can resist your sexy pants."

I wink. "But not what's in them. Trust me."