Seductive Guest by E. L. Todd Page B

his offer to rent something out for his sister, he was well off. I was glad being an escort paid well. After everything he’d been through he deserved it.
    “And of course, I don’t have any privacy so that’s a pain.”
    “Because of your girls?”
    “No, I haven’t had any guests recently, besides you. She takes over the TV and the couch, and she goes through my kitchen and makes a mess. She’s just a pain. I feel like a child again.”
    “That does sound irritating.”
    “I don’t keep any alcohol in the house but she somehow finds it and brings it back. Every night she goes to sleep drunk.”
    River didn’t deserve this crap but I didn’t say it because it would make him feel worse. “You’re welcome to come over. I have an extra bedroom and you can watch whatever you want on the TV.”
    He gave me a smile. “That’s a very kind offer.”
    “And I can make you Top Ramen.” I wiggled my eyebrows at him.
    He cringed. “I’d rather eat McDonald’s. And that’s saying something.”
    “So, you want to come over?” I repeated.
    He cocked an eyebrow. “You’re being serious?”
    “Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?” River was my friend. I’d do anything for him.
    “And you would actually let me sleep there?”
    “You got to take a break from her sometime, right?” I asked. “If you don’t, you’ll strangle her.”
    He smirked again. “I’ve definitely had the urge a lot lately.”
    “So, are you coming?” I’d never extended this offer to a guy before. But I wasn’t worried about it. I felt comfortable around him. But I noticed he hadn’t kissed me ever since that night on the couch. There were several openings but he never took them.
    “Well…there’s one thing you should know.”
    “Hmm?”
    “I sleep in the nude.”
    I laughed and rolled my eyes at the same time. “Well, I do too. So, we’re good.”
    His eyes widened to orbs. And his grin stretched wider. “I always knew I liked you.”
    ***
    I opened the door and allowed River to come inside. His bag was over his shoulder and he wore dark jeans and a gray t-shirt. His eyes were brighter against the dark color he wore. I liked it when he dressed casual like this because it highlighted his frame. His muscles looked prominent. Just his arms alone were distracting. “Welcome to my humble abode.”
    He looked around and nodded in approval. “It’s nice.”
    “There’s beer in the fridge if you want one.”
    “Sweet,” he said. “I haven’t been able to drink in my own apartment.” He set his bag on the floor against the wall. “Okay, since this is a slumber party I have one request.”
    “Sure.”
    “We have to have a pillow fight in our underwear.”
    I chuckled. “Why are guys so obsessed with that?”
    “It’s hot,” he said immediately. He grabbed a beer from the fridge and downed it immediately. “Man, that stuff is good.”
    “They were in the freezer before you came over.”
    He stared at me with a shocked expression on his face. “Marry me.”
    I laughed. “Because I know men like their beer cold?”
    “Yes, that’s exactly why.”
    “So, what do you want to do?” I asked. “Order a pizza?”
    He joined me on the couch and stared at my TV.
    “I know it’s a lot smaller than yours but it’ll work just fine.”
    He chuckled. “No, that’s not what I was looking at.”
    “Then what?”
    “Is that a PS4?”
    I turned to my console system. “Yeah. Why?”
    “You like video games?” Surprise was in his voice.
    “A few,” I said. “My friend and I like to play Grand Theft Auto because we like to pick up hookers.”
    He almost dropped his beer. “You’re the coolest chick I’ve ever met, hands down.” He got on his knees and bowed dramatically. “All hail, Meadow.”
    I laughed then hit him playfully on the shoulder. “Whatever. Lots of girls play games.”
    “Not hot ones.”
    “Don’t be sexist.”
    “I’m not,” he said immediately. “That’s just a fact.” He moved back to the