Page 3 of Room for Three

Admittedly, it would be nice to have a friend. Addison, the Monahan’s youngest daughter, was my only friend at the prep school. If it weren’t for sharing a room for her at their house, things could have been much worse. Though a year younger, she was protective of me.

Without my phone, I don’t even have her number anymore.

“I looked online while at school today. There’s a job posting at Smoke & Sugar for a hostess. I’d like to apply if that’s okay with you guys.” I try not to fidget under their intense stares. “I need to get another phone and would like to contribute to rent.”

Travis laughs. “You’re not paying us to stay here. We’re taking care of you. We got you, little S.”

“A job could be good for you,” Cole agrees, “as long as it doesn’t interfere with your schoolwork.”

Another eye roll from Travis. Unamused, I bristle at the comment.

“I’m capable of doing more than one thing at once,” I utter, not meeting Cole’s penetrating stare. “Plus, I won’t live here forever. I need to start saving for when that time comes.”

Cole approaches and gently grasps my shoulder. “Stay here as long as you need. Ignore my bossiness. I’ve had a long day. I’m sorry.”

“He got shot at,” Travis says, flinging a rubber band at Cole’s head. “But the crackhead missed.”

I gape at Cole. “You got shot at? Are you okay?”

“Still pretty as ever,” Travis teases. “His ass is clenched tight because of it. Why don’t you go down and talk to Reid? Have a beer. Ask Brayden about tomorrow.”

Cole’s shoulders slouch. “Yeah. Good idea. I won’t be long.”

He leaves Travis’s room and then his own bedroom door closes. Travis motions to my garbage bag. “Need help unpacking?”

“I got it.” My cheeks heat again. I’m already exhausted from feeling like this and I’ve been here barely five minutes. “Are you sure you guys are okay with me being here? Cole seems…” Pissed? Stressed? Freaked out?

“Cole is used to his routine. Whenever it gets fucked up, he goes off the deep end. Don’t worry,” Travis assures me, “after he loosens up with Reid, he’ll be better.”

I feel Travis’s curious gaze on me as I pull clothes from the trash bag and stuff them into the empty drawers. There’s no hiding my bras and underwear, so my skin blazes hot again. Thankfully, my back is to him, so he can’t see this time.

“Kind of an asshole move for that woman to confiscate your phone,” Travis says, chair squeaking as he swivels back and forth. “Who does that anyway?”

Evil witches like Leah Monahan, that’s who.

“I’m not her daughter,” I say, shrugging, “so I guess she was done treating me like one.”

They offered to let me stay through graduation, but I couldn’t stand another second in that house. While Addison was great, the rest were not. Leah was cold. And then men in that family?

I shudder, blocking those thoughts out immediately.

“Are you humming that damn car insurance song?” Travis asks before cracking up laughing. “I am so happy you’re moving in. We’ll finally have some entertainment around here.”

Discretely, I flip him off, continuing to hum the stupid song, as I empty the trash bag. This sends him into another fit of laughter. I can’t help but join him, giggling for the first time in what’s felt like weeks.

When the final article of clothing is stuffed in the drawer, I wad up the bag and put it in his outstretched, waiting hand. His fingers brush over my small hand, sending shivers racing down my spine.

The difference between Travis and Leah’s husband, Owen, is that Travis doesn’t terrify the crap out of me. I’m not afraid to be alone with Travis.

“Come on,” he says after stuffing the bag in the metal bin under the desk. “Let’s get a couple of Dr. Peppers and we can sit on the back porch. I’m working on a stacked can wall so that cougar next door can’t stare at my ass.”

I remember the elderly woman watching me as I passed by her window. The thought of Travis building a wall so she can’t watch him too makes me laugh.

Maybe living here won’t be so bad.

Dare I say, it could even be fun?

Cole

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