I sputter, coughing up the blonde strands stuck to my lips. Blinking against the light, I find the culprit. Maddie, of course.

She’s draped over me, naked and softly snoring, her warm breath tickling my chest. Her arms cling to me, her legs tangled with mine, our bellies flush together. Like a cute, slutty blanket.

Maddie was supposed to give me a quick tour of her dorm following our Saturday picnic lunch near campus. 

Instead, we ended up fucking each other senseless and passing out in the middle of the afternoon.

Without thinking, my hand trails up her neck, brushing back the golden strands that have fallen over her eyes. Her slumbering face is peaceful, almost angelic. A far cry from the insatiable little demon who jumped me the second the door clicked shut.

A small, involuntary smile tugs at my lips. 

Then, someone clears their throat.

From the other twin bed.

I jolt, my arms instinctively tightening around Maddie, pressing her against me. My head snaps toward the sound, and I find a girl about her age reclining on the mattress with a book in her hands.

“Hi there,” she says, sounding more amused than anything. “You guys are not dead after all?”

She claps the book shut and sits up, finally looking me over. I can already feel Maddie stirring against my chest. This is not a good sign. She’s the only thing covering my body from the other girl’s eyes.

“So you’re the famous Roman,” she muses, drawing out my name in a mockingly sweet tone. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

I squirm, debating if I can grab the bedding from the floor without flashing her in the process.

“Uh… yeah. And you are?”

She lifts a brow. “I’m Tasha.” A beat of silence. Her expression shifts to mild disappointment when it’s clear I have no clue who she is. “Maddie’s roommate? Obviously.”

Before I can answer, Maddie groans into my chest.

“Tash’, what the fuck?” Her words are muffled against my skin, but she lifts her head, blinking groggily as she shoves her hair back. “Can’t you see I have someone over? Fuck off.”

Tasha chuckles but still gets up, dodging the pair of panties Maddie flings at her. 

In her defense, her aim is probably off due to her good hand shielding her bare chest.

“You forgot to put a sock on the door, dumbass,” Tasha calls over her shoulder as she pulls it open. “See you around Roman!”

As soon as we’re alone, Maddie collapses back onto my chest with a mewl. She tucks her arms beneath my shoulders, pressing herself into me like she belongs there.

“Sorry about that,” she murmurs, with a real note of shame in her voice. “But don’t worry about Tasha. I’ve walked in on her with random guys more times than I can count.”

“She’s the new Paige. Got it.” I press a quick kiss to her forehead before stretching to grab my phone off the bedside table. The screen lights up: 6:03 p.m.

“Crap, we’ve been sleeping forever.”

I tilt the screen so Maddie can see the time. She groans but still slithers off the bed. I’m about to follow suit. But I can’t tear my eyes away from her.

She fits in perfectly with the decor.

A naked college girl, picking up her bra from the floor, surrounded by the organized chaos of dorm life. The State U pennant hanging above the small desks. The books strewn over every surface. Her laptop still open beside a forgotten coffee mug.

The whole scene is bathed in a late-afternoon golden glow that makes her skin positively radiant.

Maddie’s already pulled on her T-shirt and skirt, but her panties still lie abandoned near the door. She catches me watching her, sprawled naked across the bed, and pauses.

A slow smile curls at her lips, her cheeks tinged pink.

“What?” Her voice is curious, but there’s a tinge of pride beneath it.

I don’t answer. I just get up. She knows exactly what she’s doing to me.

Her eyes widen as I reach into the open drawer and grab a condom. I don’t say a word and step toward her.

I tower over Maddie, and she shivers when my hand touches her chin to tilt her head up. By the time my mouth reaches hers, she’s turned into willing putty for me to use as I please. 

When I pull back, her teeth sink into her lip. She watches me, thrumming with anticipation.

I grip Maddie’s waist and whip her around, pressing her up against her small desk. She gasps but quickly braces herself, hands flat on the surface. I flip up her skirt, revealing the curve of her bare ass. She lets out a soft sound and lowers herself slightly, angling to give me a better view.

The wrapper makes a foil noise when I tear it. In a breath, I toss it away and roll the condom down my cock.

She’s still wet from our first round. Sliding into her is effortless. It only takes one smooth thrust for me to bottom out.

Maddie moans louder than usual. She always gets worked up when I lean into my more dominant moods.

Her hair hangs loose, and I gather it into my fist, tugging just enough to make her back arch. But still, she twists, trying to look over her shoulder, desperate to watch my cock disappear inside her.

We’re groaning, barely a coherent word between us. Her glistening neck draws me in, the heat radiating from her skin impossible to ignore. I bend over her, keeping my rhythm steady as I bury my lips against the curve of her throat, getting as much of her taste on my tongue as possible. 

Maddie bravely removes her hand from the desk. Her fingers tangle in my hair, holding me there, pressing me into her as I lick and suck my way up her damp skin. 

I fuck her harder now, and she bucks back, her body meeting each thrust head-on. Sharp, wet slaps fill the room, the sound growing more frantic as she throws herself against me, desperate for more.

Unfortunately, it’s the end of the heroics for me.

I bury myself deep and slump on top of her, panting. The shift is immediate. Maddie softens beneath me, switching from feral to soothing as I spill into the condom. My forehead rests in the crook of her neck while her fresh lips awkwardly pepper my scalp, her body still pressing back against mine.

She shifts under me, running her fingers lazily through my hair.

“What was that for?” she asks, amused.

I’m not sure how to answer. ’I was supposed to get married today. I needed the distraction.’ Seems like a callous thing to tell the girl who’s just offered herself to me.

Instead, I force a smirk as I pull out and quickly discard the condom. “Did you not like it?”

Maddie turns and presses a quick peck on my lips.

“Loved it,” she beams, propping herself up on the desk to watch me get dressed. “You should lean into that side of you more often.” Then, tilting her head, she adds. “Wouldn’t mind cumming too next time, though.”

I snort. “I did all the work. You’re getting spoiled.” 

“Asshole.”

Still, her hand holds on to mine as we leave the room. After popping the window, of course.

The dorm room opens to a small communal area with a few couches and a small kitchen tucked in the corner. Jeers rise up from the small group gathered around the low table. 

Fuck me.

I shoot a quick glance at Maddie. She’s clearly more proud than embarrassed. She gives me a shy grin before dragging us toward Tasha, who’s sitting next to a boy their age.

“Roman,” she drawls in her sing-song tone. A few of the other girls echo her, trying more or less successfully to sound like Maddie.

“I need to get your number.” Tasha continues over the laughter as we approach. “Find out how you managed to make Maddie howl like that.”

“Shut up,” Maddie shoots back, but there’s a large, happy smile on her face.

I finally get why she was making so much noise. It wasn’t just for me. I exhale, looking around. At twenty-five, I’m easily the oldest person in the room. I wish I could disappear right now. Anything not to feel like such a creep.

Maddie presses into my side, trying to get me to sit down with her.

“What are you guys doing tonight?” she asks as I relent and lean non-commitally on the armrest next to her.

“We’re hanging out here, and then a few of us are going to a party over at Jason’s,” Tasha answers. “Are you in?”

Maddie looks up at me, her big blue eyes full of hope.

I have no interest in finding out who this Jason person is and even less in supplying beer to a bunch of nineteen-year-olds. I’m really not in the mood.

I need to get out of here. But, I don’t want to be an ass to Maddie.

“Sorry, Maddie,” I say in a sad voice. “I had a big week. I think I’m going to turn in. You should definitely go, though.”

Her face collapses for a second. But she puts on a brave front for her friends.

“Are you sure?” she tries, her fingers having loosened their grip on my wrist. “See you tomorrow then?”

I nod, pressing a gentle squeeze to her shoulder and brushing my lips against her cheek before I flee.

===

My phone’s ringtone plays out over the car’s speaker. I press the button on the wheel.

“Hey Paige, what’s up?” I say, struggling to hide my surprise. We don’t really do phone calls.

“Nothing much,” she says, her voice a little hoarse. “Just woke up and decided to check up on my favorite brother.”

“Just woke up? It’s two p.m.” I let out a low chuckle as I navigate through the thick downtown traffic.

“Maybe I went out last night.” She pauses. “I, uh… I noticed the date,” she continues, softer now. “Wanted to make sure you were doing okay.”

“Yeah, I’m good. Thanks, P.”

“Oh, that’s nice,” she hesitates. “By the way, would you happen to know if they want the dress back?”

Naomi’s parents covered the cost of most of the wedding. The venue. The catering. The bridesmaids’ dresses. Never change, Paige.

I burst out laughing. “Jesus, P.”

“What?” she huffs. “I look great in it, that’s all.”

“Don’t worry about that. Pretty sure the store wouldn’t want it back anyway now that it’s full of your cooties.”

“Shut up,” there’s a smile in her voice. “So, what’s on the agenda today?”

Can’t quite tell her that I’m on my way to pick Maddie up to spend the rest of Sunday at my place.

“Uh… just seeing some friends,” I say, keeping my voice even.

 Paige makes a small humming noise. “Okay,” she draws out, but lets it go. “Well, take care, Rom. And call me if you’re feeling down, alright?”

“I will,” I lie. “Love you!”

Right as she hangs up, I park next to a small coffee shop. It’s in the heart of the city, pretty close to my office, actually. During the week, it’s packed, but on a lazy Sunday afternoon, there are only a few customers enjoying the decent coffee and great free WiFi.

Maddie started working there right after we returned from the lake trip. But now that the semester has begun, she can only manage a shift here and there.

My eyes immediately dart to her. She’s leaning on the wall next to the entrance, already clocked out. The shop’s brown apron would look downright dowdy on anyone else, but she’s cinched it perfectly over the curve of her hips. Her blonde hair is up in a messy bun.

Some guy is taking a cigarette break and trying to chat her up. But as soon as she notices my car, she unties her apron, hands it to her coworker, and waves politely as she dashes toward me under his disappointed gaze.

The smell of baked pastry follows her as she slips next to me in the passenger seat. 

“Hey you,” I lean in for a kiss, but she dodges me.

“I smell like baker’s yeast,” she cuts. “Can’t wait to change out of these.”

I’m about to argue about how cute she looks in her green uniform, but something about her demeanor makes me think it over. I still feel a bit guilty about the way I ran out of her dorm yesterday.

“Everything okay?” I try.

“Just a shitty day,” she mutters, slightly annoyed. “Don’t worry about it.”

That’s the last full sentence she gives me for the rest of the drive. Every attempt I make at conversation, work, school, or asking if she's eaten is met with a short, clipped response.

I glance at her out of the corner of my eye at a red light. Arms crossed. Face turned toward the window. Jaw tight. I’m not used to seeing her like this.

Did I actually hurt her feelings yesterday?

The moment we step into my apartment, she tosses her bag onto the couch and heads straight for my bedroom.

“I need to call my mom,” she says over her shoulder. The door slams behind her.

Crap.

I head to the bathroom and exhale slowly, running some water over my face. I glance around the room, suddenly hyper-aware of all the things she’s left behind over the past month. 

There is a second toothbrush next to mine, a small makeup bag on the console, and bath products lining the edge of my tub. Hints of her everywhere.

A few weeks ago, she was practically giddy when she found out I had a bathtub. I even bought a bunch of scented bath salts to surprise her. A small, stupid thing. I’d almost forgotten about them, tucked away in the back of the cabinet.

Huh.

I’m ready when she comes out of the bedroom an eternity later. She still has that gloomy look on her face, and for a moment, we just stare at each other.

“Get naked,” I say.

She blinks, reeling from the whiplash. “What?”

“Get naked,” I repeat.

Maddie shakes her head as she turns away.

“Fuck off,” she mutters, already halfway to the kitchen. 

“Get naked.”

She stops mid-step.

The pause stretches, just long enough for me to think she might ignore me as I stare at her back.

Maddie’s shirt is the first to hit the ground, closely followed by her slacks and panties, both tugged away in a single motion. She turns to face me and tosses her assorted black bra at my feet.

There’s a stubborn air in her eyes even as she stands naked in the middle of my living room. Her perky breasts follow the quick rhythm of her breathing. Her stiff, pink nipples are practically trembling in the open air.

Finally, she undoes her bun, letting her hair fall over her shoulders. Her arms come to her sides, not trying to hide anything.

“What now?” she asks. There’s still an edge in her voice, but it’s undertoned by something else.

I step silently toward the bathroom and open the door, standing there and gesturing for her to get in.

Maddie studies me for a second before she starts walking. I can see her biting her cheek, trying not to smile.

She’s still trying to act indifferent. But the second she sees the filled bathtub, it all crumbles. A delighted squeal bursts out of her before she can stop it.

She spins toward me, wide-eyed as if she needs to confirm it’s real, before turning back to take in the bubbles covering the surface and the soft scent of roses curling into the air.

Without hesitation, she holds out her hand. I let her palm settle in mine, keeping my grip firm as she steps over the edge of the bath. My mother taught me how to behave in polite society.

A long, pleased sigh escapes her lips as she sinks fully into the tub.

The water laps at her skin, hiding all but the faintest hint of pink where her chest rises just above the foam. Her head tilts back, exposing the delicate curve of her throat, eyes fluttering shut.

I’m actually surprised at how well my bribe is being received. I should feel guilty, really, but it’s on her for being so easily pleased.

“Come on,” she beams up at me after a while as I stand still next to the tub. “Get in!” She scoots forward slightly, making space behind her. “There’s plenty of room.”

“I’m not getting in.” She pouts when I say this, but her face brightens right up with my next words. “Consider this Maddie Time. What do you need? Music? A book? Wine?”

Silently, she considers her options.

“Uhm,” she begins, a little shy, averting her eyes. “Could you wash my hair?”

Maddie flicks water at me when I chuckle. I rush to the kitchen to fetch a bowl.

I’m welcomed back into the bathroom with the goofiest grin imaginable. Maddie is beyond cute at this point.

I settle behind her on the edge of the tub and dunk the bowl under the surface. She shudders when I press my hand to her forehead, tilting her head back.

“Close your eyes,” I say softly. Before she can retort with a smart-ass quip about how obvious that is, I dunk the contents of the bowl over her head, forcing her mouth shut after a few sputters.

Maddie’s blonde hair turns a few shades darker when wet. She makes for a pretty brunette.

“Was that necessary?” she grumbles, wiping away a strand of hair stuck on her face.

But I ignore her complaint. I am faced with a far greater challenge.

My shower routine is pretty straightforward. I use the same product for my hair and body. Give it a few years, and I might even be able to brush my teeth with it.

Maddie, on the other hand, has an entire arsenal. She’s innocently left half a dozen plastic bottles of all sizes and shapes on the small tray.

“Uhm, a little help?”

She looks at me, surprised, until she follows the direction of my gaze. She shakes her head and picks up the largest bottle.

“Shaam-poo,” she enunciates carefully, dragging out the syllables like she’s teaching a toddler.

She holds it out to me.

“Here, Roman. Shampoo. Can you say it with me?”

I stare at her blankly.

It feels a little humiliating to be lectured by the naked...