Page 5 of The Love Playbook

Not that I want them to leave, necessarily. Selfishly, I like having them here. They’re two of my best friends, and Dani and I couldn’t afford this place on our own. Plus, Dani only lives with me because of Piper, who only lives with me because of Ellie. Dani’s quiet and reserved, more comfortable talking sports and hanging with the guys than the more traditionally feminine things Piper and Ellie are into—though Piper’s a sports fan, to be fair, so they have that in common—and I’m … well, me.

I’ve always followed my own path, and while I enjoy company along the way, I’m aware most people don’t see or interact with the world the same way I do.

I know the kind of reputation I have—a mix of airy fairy and maneater, and no one’s quite sure what to make of me.

In reality, I’m just moving through the world trying to engage the energies I find around me and hopefully leave things a little better than I found them. I’m not sure why that’s so weird or whatever, but I have come to realize that not everyone is as comfortable with their bodies, or even other people’s bodies, as I am, and discussing energies and the universe makes some people wrinkle their nose and change the subject.

So in deference to other people’s sensibilities, I keep a lot of that to myself, or bring it out in more subtle ways.

And I thought my friends saw past both the airy fairy and maneater reputations to the real me beneath—at least to some degree. But with the way they’re acting … maybe not.

Sighing, I drop into the cream armchair across from them, choosing to let go of my budding annoyance and take a more agreeable tack. It’s comfy and cushy, a sweet steal from a thrift store at fifty bucks. “I agree. Jackson is a sweetheart.”

Ellie narrows her eyes. “So you’re not going to do your usual thing where you sex him up and then leave him hanging?”

I can’t help but laugh at her assessment of my interactions with guys. “I don’t know that I’ve ever donethat.”

Piper and Ellie exchange a look and Dani snorts from her spot on the mismatched loveseat. I like our hodgepodge furniture, even if I’d be okay with a comfier couch. It’s fun, eclectic, representative of the four of us—obviously different but still fits together well.

“Sure, Autumn. If you say so,” Ellie says. “I know you aren’ttryingto leave the guys hanging. But you have to see the way they all follow you around with their tongues hanging out after you hook up with them. They want to lock you down, and you’re not interested in that.”

“Okay. That’s true. But it’s not like they don’t know what they’re getting into. Everyone knows party hookups aren’t the start of long-term relationships. I’m not mean to them. I just like having fun.” And I like sex. Just not enough with any of them for a repeat performance. No one’s exactly rocked my world. Not that I expect Jackson to, but his case is different.

And I have to admit that being the one to introduce him to the full range of pleasure his body can experience has a surprising appeal. I wonder what he looks like when he’s aroused … will he blush when I take him in my mouth the first time? Assuming he lets me, of course.

That’s the first thing on the list that we’ll have to cover—figuring out what he’s done and what he’s willing to do.

“Earth to Autumn,” Piper calls, provoking another snort from Dani.

I refocus on my roommates. “Hmm? I’m sorry, I was distracted.”

“What are your intentions with Jackson?” Ellie asks firmly.

I laugh. I can’t help it. “Are you here to protect his virtue, Ellie? You?”

Her cheeks turn pink, but she doesn’t back down. “He’s not the party hookup type. I don’t want you to hurt him.”

“You’re sweet, Ellie. I promise I’m not going to hurt him. The opposite, in fact. I’m going to help him.”

The girls exchange another look, a look that clearly says they think I’m full of shit. But that’s nothing really new. Any time I bring out my crystals they give me that same look—though they like it when I read tarot for them, interestingly enough. I got the same look from them when I smudged the house with cedar as we were moving in to protect us and clear the space of any unwelcome energies.

That’s fine. They don’t have to believe me. I’ve never let it stop me before. I’m not about to start now.

CHAPTER THREE

Jackson

“So …” Eli says as we finish cleaning up after everyone’s finally gone.

I brace myself, because I’ve known this was coming since Autumn insisted we spend the evening together. I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting when I took her up on her offer, but it certainly wasn’t anything that happened—the kiss, the handholding, the way she sat leaning against me most of the night, the casual touching …

Anyone paying attention, which was literally everyone, would’ve thought we’re a couple.

Which is why Eli’s now questioning me. Because he’s never seen me with a girl either. I mean, sure, yeah, I’vetalkedto girls. Or at least they’ve talked to me. But I haven’t let any of them do what Autumn did tonight, and I know it caused more than a few raised eyebrows.

I literally saw people look at us and raise their eyebrows, including Eli.

But I’m not going to encourage him, so I just pick up the stray cups and a napkin on the floor next to the couch and head to the kitchen to toss them in the trash.

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