The Roommate’s Secret & Silk Nightgown

Where did he get that confidence? He could barely handle one girl, let alone two!

Instead of answering, I just gave him a look and said, "Yeah, that’s not happening."

I folded my arms, chin up. "I don’t need you to take care of me. You and Savannah have fun. From now on, let’s just be normal friends."

Honestly, I’d wanted to end things with Mason for a while. He just couldn’t keep up—physically or otherwise.

But because of our history, I always chickened out.

Plus, it’s not like safe hookups grow on trees these days, so I just let it ride.

Now that Mason wanted to date someone else, I finally felt off the hook.

But he totally missed the point.

He scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Playing hard to get, huh? Autumn, that’s not like you. Forgot how clingy you are?"

"Don’t throw a fit. I don’t have time to babysit."

"Seriously, don’t call me today. Savannah’s not like you—she’s sweet. I don’t want her getting the wrong idea."

With that, Mason basically sprinted out the door like his ass was on fire.

The door slammed so hard the frame rattled. I stared after him, a weird mix of relief and annoyance bubbling up. "Wow...are you for real right now?"

I kept going back to Mason because every time we hooked up, I was never satisfied and always needed more.

Once, I suggested we try something different, but Mason just groaned.

He flopped onto the bed, dramatic as ever. "Why are you so much work?"

Out of respect for our friendship—and honestly, to spare his fragile ego—I let it slide.

Who would’ve thought the boy who used to say he’d marry me on the playground would turn out so...underwhelming in college?

No skills, but still wants to juggle two girls!

I muttered to myself, ready to just handle things on my own.

I flopped back on the bed, staring up at the popcorn ceiling. The room was quiet except for the hum of the mini-fridge. I sighed, suddenly feeling like the loneliest person on earth.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

Was Mason back already?

I threw on a silk nightgown and went to check it out.

The fabric was cool against my skin, sending a little shiver through me. I padded to the door, heart thumping for reasons I didn’t want to name.

Just as I stepped out, the door swung open from the outside, catching me off guard.

A long leg in gray sweatpants stepped through the doorway.

Above that, a crisp white T-shirt, and a face cold as January in Chicago.