Page 10 of Kissed By My Roommate

I know they’ll accept Zoey without question. Well, maybe a few questions, but not bad ones. Not ones which make her feel small. Only questions because they’re curious about the newest member of their family.

Whether to accept her won’t ever be the question. She’s with me so she’s included. It’s all they need to know.

I’ve seen it happen a few times now, not counting Iris since I had my head up my ass for that experience. I know it can and will happen.

When we park, I’m out of the car and to Zoey’s side before she can get the door open. Her blue eyes are big and round as she blinks up at me. I don’t stop myself from reaching in and grabbing her hand to help her out of the car. I don’t let go of her hand either.

I’m not sure I could even if I wanted to.

I want to touch her. I want to hold her. I want to be as close to her as I can.

She’s so damn gorgeous. If I don’t stake my claim immediately, some asshole is going to try and get close to her. That simply won’t do. There’s no way I would allow it to happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.

Nope.

I tuck her into my side as best I can as we head into The Mile High. I should have warned her more, but we’re here now. Too late for all that.

The moment we’re inside, I spot the family right away. They’re kind of hard to miss, honestly. Zoey’s eyes are widening as she takes in where I’m looking, and the number of people crowded around a few high-top tables.

There’s a nervousness in her tone when she looks up at me, “We’re not meeting that giant group, are we?” I don’t answer at first, lost in the swirling blue of her eyes. When I don’t answer she groans, “Of course we are.”

I lean into her and kiss her temple, needing to give her some comfort. It’s not enough. I could kiss her from here until eternity and I’d be more than happy to do it. I don’t think she’d be opposed either.

Tonight. Before we go to sleep, I’m going to kiss her. I’m going to take from her. I’ll give her everything in me in return. I know she can handle it.

She was made for me.

“They’re going to love you,” I breathe against her temple and then steal a kiss against the top of her head, the short hair there tickling my lips and making them tingle, as if they weren’t already just from touching her.

That’s when I hear my name being called and I look over at the group to see Iris, her hair up in a messy bun and the rainbow dyed in the underside of her hair twisted up through the blonde strands. I find myself smiling, truly smiling and my sister’s wave falters for a second because of it.

Just like when I saw Zoey for the first time, the moment strikes the middle of my chest. She’s surprised at me smiling. It’s fucked up if I let myself think about it for too long.

I always felt so weighed down by life, the only peace I could find was in taking care of Iris. Worrying about her and taking care of her was something I took on proudly. Growing up our parents worked a lot and making sure Iris was taken care of fell on me. I was happy to do it. They loved us and did their best, but there were times when the only things I had in my life were Iris and my art.

I’m doing pretty good making my art into something and I know this family is a big reason for that. When I did my first show at Banks Art. I was shocked at the response I got from my sculptures; it was far more than what I ever thought would happen. The exposure I got there has helped me find some success, including some commissioned pieces. Now a second show is looming and I’m not ready.

I will be, but I’ve been slowed down because my new work has a distinctly feminine form. All because of Zoey. If I didn’t know I was head over heels for this spitfire of a woman when I met her, the moment my art started to emulate her I would have known.

It’s like her touch is everywhere. Except on my dick, but that will come soon enough.

Zoey looks nervous as fuck, so I hold up a finger to my sister even though it looks like she’s about to jump out of her skin as she looks between the two of us. Instead of leading my girl over to the family, I steer her to the bar. When I see Kevin behind the bar, I give him a small wave.

He grins at me and gives me a chin lift, making his way over. He’s part of the family too. He’s a good guy and he always makes sure to take care of us. I’m sure it has something to do with finding his soulmate at one of SO’s Halloween parties after he met her at a costume shop. If it weren’t for the party, he’d probably be a miserable fuck right now.

“Hey, man,” Kevin greets me brightly and smiles at Zoey, curiosity in his gaze. It’s not normal for me to be here with a woman so I’m not surprised at his reaction. “What can I get you?”

“I’m going to have a beer.” I look at my woman and tilt my head to the side slightly, dropping my voice, “What about you, Sweetheart?”

Zoey glances over her shoulder at my family who seem to take up all the room in the bar. I get it. Being around the family can be overwhelming.

She forces a smile and looks at Kevin. “I’ll have a beer too. Whatever you have on tap.” She shrugs one shoulder, sounding casual, “I’m not picky.”

Be still my fucking heart.

Kevin grins at me while he pours our beers. I might not normally be one for small talk, most of my communication coming across just fine between silence and brooding, but with the family I do put in some effort.

“How’s Remi doing?”

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