The Roommate Switch: An Insta-love Standalone Romance Read online

  The Roommate Switch

  Penny Wylder

  Contents

  1. Anna

  2. Dash

  3. Anna

  4. Dash

  5. Anna

  6. Anna

  7. Dash

  8. Anna

  9. Anna

  10. Anna

  11. Dash

  Epilogue

  Copyright © 2021 Penny Wylder

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission of the author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either products of the author's imagination or used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or businesses, organizations, or locales, is completely coincidental.

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  1

  Anna

  My face is pressing against the cool glass of the window as the taxi slows down in front of the biggest building I've ever seen. I tip my head back as far as I can, and I can just barely see the top. It must have twenty stories, maybe more. I've never seen anything like it.

  Back home, you can look out for miles in any direction and only see rolling fields, cows, and crops of corn. The center of town is made up of a few mom-and-pop shops. There’s the grocery store, the drug store, a small library, a coffee shop and bakery. There's one elementary school, and one high school that house every child aged twelve to eighteen. All one hundred and six of us.

  I feel like I'm on another planet. I've seen images of the big city in magazines and movies over the years, but to actually be smack in the middle of it all is leaving me breathless.

  The taxi driver opens my door, then moves to the back, and takes out my bags. He drops them without caution onto the sidewalk, then checks his watch. His left foot taps impatiently as he grunts “Uh hm,” as if to say, “Come on, I don't have all day. Get the hell out of my cab.”

  “Thank you,” I say, handing him what I owe him for the ride. “Have a good night.” I give him a smile, and he grumbles something back under his breath as he climbs back in his car and leaves. The taxi peels back out into traffic, causing a few angry honks at the same time.

  Boston. . . I'm actually here in Boston.

  I can't believe I'm doing this.

  I tip my head back and look straight up at my new home. The brick facade looks old. It's full of cracks and chipped mortar, with long ivy arms that stretch and crawl up the surface. The front door is thick pained tinted glass. I can see stacks of small metal mailboxes attached to the interior wall on the left side of the door.

  People are walking past me in both directions, bumping into me like I'm not even standing here. The street is full of cars and city buses. I inhale a deep breath, taking in all the different smells. The exhaust is thick in the air as a bus drive by ejecting a puff of gray smoke.

  I wave a hand in front of my face, coughing a few times before I take another breath. I can smell the pizza place across the street, and the Thai restaurant adjacent on the corner. They both smell amazing.

  My excitement and nerves collide in my gut like a tsunami. I've never done anything like this. Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to live in a big city. Now I'm here. I'm doing it.

  I grab my bags and lug them up the crumbling set of steps to the front door. The bags are heavy, full of all my clothes and the things I'm going to need to start building my life here in this new world.

  The building isn't as pretty as the picture I saw on Google, but the apartment is fully furnished. A girl named Betty Carter put out an ad online looking for a roommate. It was the perfect opportunity for me to do this. We chatted for a few weeks, and she finally said if I wanted the other room, she'd be happy to have me.

  There's so much we have in common; I can only imagine we're going to become great friends.

  A woman is coming out of the door, and holds it open for me. “I got it,” I say, pushing my shoulder against the glass, and awkwardly shifting my suitcases and bag inside. The door clicks shut behind me, and I'm met with the daunting task of navigating the flights of stairs. The apartment is on the fifth floor, number sixty-two.

  Thunk, thunk, thunk.

  The suitcases slam each step, drawing a few sets of eyes from random doorways. People poke their heads out into the hall on the second floor, giving me an angry stare. I smile and wave, continuing up on my own. No one offers to help, and I'm okay with that. I wouldn't accept it anyway.

  I've always been a bit stubborn about doing things on my own. And I don't really care if these people are annoyed, I'm too excited to be frustrated or angry at the looks I'm getting. But I'll have to get used to living this close to other people, where any noise I make might draw attention.

  I'm breathing heavily as I hit the landing of the fourth floor. One more, I think, taking a second to wipe a bead of sweat off my forehead. Moving up the last flight of stairs, I can't help but wonder how the hell I'm going to do that every time I have groceries or anything else to carry up.

  I'll get used to it. It's totally worth it for this experience.

  I scan the numbers on the doors. My heart jumps and I smile instantly as soon as I see my new apartment. Dropping my bags, I grab the doorknob and jiggle it. It's already unlocked, so I push the door open. Betty got here yesterday. I can't wait to finally meet her face to face.

  “Hello,” I call out as I shuffle inside, dragging one bag and pushing the other inside with my foot. “What a long fli—” I cut myself off as I stand in surprise.

  There’s a boy, no, not a boy—a man, standing in the living room shirtless. His back is to me, and it's cut in a million different directions with thick muscles and deep grooves. He's wearing gray jogging pants, his ass is round, firm, and clenches tightly as he turns around.

  The air in my lungs gets shocked out. Holy shit, this guy is hot. . .

  Jet black hair, short on the sides and tousled on top. His skin is glistening like he just finished working out. My eyes run down his body. His chest is muscular with steppingstones for abs. I think I count eight, and then do a recount. Yup, this guy has a damn eight pack.

  As my eyes drift over the ink painting a sleeve on his left arm, my jaw drops open as I spot his perfectly outlined cock. Thank God for whoever created gray sweatpants.

  He smirks slightly, his big blue eyes bright as the ocean. They're striking, a stark contrast to his dark hair and bronze skin. I blush instantly as my eyes connect with his. The blood heats my cheeks and I glance away quickly.

  My heart is racing, and I'm temporarily frozen in place. Then it hits me. This man doesn't belong here. It should be Betty. Who the hell is this?

  Everything around me starts to sway as my brain drums up all kinds of terrible reasons for this stranger being here right now.

  He's a home invader.

  He's like the Craig's List killer.

  He's here to hurt me.

  “HEL—” I start to scream for help, but before I can get the scream to full blast, he launches forward and throws his hand over my mouth.

  Despite the adrenaline running through my veins, and my stomach flipping upside down with fear, his cologne swirls around me, stealing my senses. Sandalwood and citrus. He smells incredible.

  The man pulls me further inside, and slams the door shut with a kick of his foot. “Shh,” he says, his hand tightly clasped over my mouth. “Calm down. You're Anna, right? I'm Dash, Betty's brother. You don't need to scream, just relax. I'm not some crazy intruder.”

/>   My breathing is heavy and labored as I digest what he's saying. With wide eyes, I mumble into his hand. “Her brother?” I ask, my words muffled by his palm.

  “Yes. Can I remove my hand now?” His voice is husky and thick. Smooth as whiskey and sharp as vodka, but soothing enough that I trust what he's telling me.

  He's holding me tightly, his arm around my chest and hand over my mouth, pulling me in against his chest. His muscles bulge and pop against my back, shifting my emotions from fear to lust.

  I nod yes.

  Today is a day where I've experienced a lot of firsts. First time flying. First time in a taxi. First time in a big city. First time living away from home.

  And my first time wrapped in the arms of a guy built like a Greek god.

  Coming from a small town has its downside. One of them being the guys I had to choose from had all been my friends since we were little kids. Because of that fact, I'm a virgin. I was never attracted to any of those boys.

  But this man, this man is making my body do things it just shouldn't. My heart is fluttering at a million beats per second. My blood is running hot, so hot I'm sure my cheeks are red as radishes. Every inch of my skin is tingling, and my panties are damp. I'm breathing heavy, and it's not because I'm afraid anymore, it's because of him.

  “Good,” he says, pulling his hand away.

  I turn around to face him. “Her brother?” I ask again.

  “Yeah, like I said, my name is Dash.” He takes a step back and holds out his hand.

  I shake it. “Anna Derry.”

  “Right, Anna Derry, my sister's online roomie. Where you from again?”

  “Shouldn't I be asking you the questions? I mean this is my new place.”

  “And it's also my sister's, which inherently makes it mine while I'm here.” He smirks, crossing his arms over his chest. His pecs flare and his abs clench.

  My body goes crazy again. Heart jumping into my throat and my mouth salivating. I have to look away. I'm afraid if I don't, my body is going to burst into flames.

  “Right, your sister. And where is she exactly? She told me was going to be here yesterday.”

  “You haven't talked to her?”

  “No. I tried to call her, but all I got was her voice mail. I just figured her phone died or something.”

  He takes a small step forward, looming over me like a sexually charged wire . The temperature feels like it's rising. My hands are clammy and sweat is beading up on the back of my neck.

  Why is it so damn hot in this apartment?

  “Betty got hurt. She's in the hospital—”

  “Oh my God! Is she okay? What happened?”

  He holds out his hand and pats the air. “Don't worry, she's okay. She got in a car accident. Some asshole wasn't paying attention and rear ended her while she was stopped at a red light. She's pretty beaten up. Her leg is broke, and she got a decent gash on her head.”

  “But she's all right?”

  “She's fine. Trust me, that girl is tough. I've tried to get rid of her since we were kids, it hasn't worked yet.” He chuckles, giving me a thick smile that makes two dimples crease at the corners of his mouth.

  I'm in awe. He's beautiful. I know that's not usually how most would describe a hot guy, but this guy isn't just hot, he's fucking gorgeous. My belly swirls into knots as he relaxes his arms and lets them hang at his sides. Every muscle ripples as he moves, like waves in the ocean.

  “So, until she's back to one hundred percent, I'm your roomie for now.”

  My jaw falls open and I open my eyes wide. “What did you say?” I didn't hear him right. He must mean something else.

  “That's right, you and me. I'm going to live here until she's back on her feet. Literally.” He grins again, those damn dimples popping on his cheeks making my heart skip a beat.

  “You and me?” I ask, pointing between us.

  “That's what I said.” He turns to his left, and points at a door. “That's your room. I'll be right across the hall. So, if you need anything—anything at all, don't hesitate to ask.”

  “I won't need anything. I don't ask for help. I can do things on my own.”

  “Whoa,” he says, holding up open palms. “Calm down now, I'm just being polite.”

  Polite is one thing, but I don't want him thinking that just because I'm here, that I'll become his friend with benefits or something. I know how men think. And I know by the looks of him that he's a guy who knows he's good looking and might be used to getting what he wants.

  I'm not that kind of girl. Drawing the line in the sand now is best for both of us. He needs to know upfront.

  “Well, even so, don't go getting any ideas. We're roommates.” I slice my hand through the air, making sure he gets my point. “That's it. So, you better behave yourself.”

  2

  Dash

  “So, let me get this straight. You're saying that you might not be able to control yourself around me? Am I getting that right?” I hold my smirk, giving her a deadpan stare.

  Anna scoffs, her pretty green eyes exploding open. “What? No! That's not what I'm saying at all.” Her cheeks flush the sexiest shade of red, and her hands are wrangling each other at her waist.

  “I'm pretty sure that's exactly the point you're making,” I say as I walk past her, purposely brushing the side of her arm with my shoulder. “I mean, honestly, I can't be responsible for what you try to do.” I open the fridge, completely aware of the shock and embarrassment on her face.

  She's staring at me like I'm insane for even mentioning this, but I saw the way she looked at me when she came through that door. We both know what she was and is still thinking.

  She wants me. I can see it in her eyes and hear it in her voice.

  The way she's all flustered and her skin is blushing. That doesn't happen for no reason.

  Not that I'm some kind of angel. Her auburn hair, braided into a long rope against her back, would be perfect to wrap around my hand and tug. Her big emerald eyes and plump glossy lips caught me instantly.

  She has a small beauty mark on her right cheek, and curves that would drop any man to his knees. Anna's wearing a jean skirt and cowgirl boots with a flowy top that sits just high enough on her waist that when she lifts her hands as she speaks, I get a nice peek of her belly.

  But her accent. . . Fuck, that accent is hot as hell. Southern twang, the kind that just bleeds sweet innocence.

  I pull out the jug of milk, take a giant gulp, and lean back against the counter. She looks like a deer in headlights. Her eyes are big as saucers and her mouth is partially hanging open.

  “What?”

  “Do you always do that?”

  “Do what?”

  “Drink from the carton that way?”

  I smirk and shrug my shoulder. “Do you always ogle a guy you just met like you want to jump his bones?”

  “I didn't ogle you, and I definitely don't want to jump your bones. You took me by surprise, that's it. I expected your sister.” She crosses her arms and tilts her head. “You're lucky I didn't call the cops.”

  Drinking another big gulp, I just watch her. She really is pretty. When Betty told me she found her new roommate online, I was a bit skeptical. Even if Betty hadn't gotten into an accident, I probably would have insisted that I was here for this anyway.

  You never know nowadays. There are some creeps out there, and Betty is my little sister. She might not like it, but it's my job as her older brother to make sure she's safe. I always have and always will.

  “I don't believe in luck, and you didn't. So, where you from anyway? Betty didn't tell me much, just that your name's Anna, and you're from the south.”

  “Kentucky.”

  “That explains it.”

  “Explains what?” Her voice holds this level of sass. I'm not sure why, but I can tell she's ready to serve up some shit if she feels she needs to.

  I like it. She's a firecracker. There's nothing hotter than a girl who can handle herself.

&nbs
p; “Your accent.” I hold out the milk as I gesture toward her. “You want some before I put it back?”

  “No, thank you.” She waves her hand, and giggles as she shakes her head. “I'll get my own food and stuff. You can keep your germs.”

  “For now.” Grinning, I bounce my brows playfully.

  “And for as long as you're here,” she snaps quickly.

  I don't take my eyes off her. Even if I wanted to, I can't. She's too fucking gorgeous. Anna is one of those girls who doesn't know how beautiful she actually is. There's a hard shell around her, but in the center is a woman who turns heads no matter where she goes.

  We're staring at each other. Neither one of us is blinking. I adjust the top of my pants, and her eyes dip for a split second, landing on my cock then jumping back up.

  Caught you.

  “Don't get any ideas now. I know you want to act like I'm the one who needs to keep their hands to themselves, but I can see right through you.”

  Anna lets out a loud exhale as she laughs sarcastically. “Yeah, okay. You're crazy, you know that? I would never sleep with you. I literally just met you. The fact you're even talking to me like this is enough to know the kind of guy you are.”

  “Seems to me like you're trying really hard to convince yourself more than I am. I know who I am, but you. . .” Pausing, I squint my eyes and look her up and down. “You're still figuring yourself out. But, if there's one thing I know, it's the eyes you're giving me.”

  “What the hell is wrong with you? We just met, and this is how you act? You're a pig.”

  I can't help myself. I know I'm teasing her, and I know she's getting annoyed. But I'd be lying if I said I'm not enjoying this. Her cheeks are crimson, her arms are pin straight at her sides, and her eyes are so big I could jump inside.