Frowning, he moves a piece of hair out of my face, and I try to reel back the emotions those shitty memories want to stir.
“None of that was your fault.” When I start to argue, he puts his fingers over my lips and keeps speaking. “Anyway, you pulled Roman out of his depression and stood by him every step of his recovery. That’s what Roman remembers—you being there for him. He never blamed you. Hell, he blamed himself for you even being in that position.” He gives me a grim smile. “I’ve never had anyone have my back like you two have each other’s. I’ve spent most of my time putting forth a fraction of effort with people and getting a fraction in return. Even with Roman, and he’s sadly one of my best friends. He just doesn’t realize it.”
That actually hurts my heart a little.
“Kasha feels more like a real sister daily, and it’s because I’m doing my part,” he goes on. “Being someone people want to be around instead of someone they barely tolerate actually feels a hell of a lot better.” He runs his fingers through my hair again, tilting my chin up. “Which is why I have to tell Roman, even if this thing between us doesn’t go any further. I’m tired of putting forth only a fraction of effort. And, as much as I fucking hate to deal with whatever hell he might or might not unleash, I’d only be putting forth a fraction to both of you by keeping it quiet.”
Butterflies. In my belly. Not my vagina. I’m not used to this side of Anderson. Though he’s not saying it, he’s giving himself more effort too. Not just others.
“Okay,” I finally say on a sigh. “But not this weekend. Wait until after it’s over. Then we can both talk to him.”
His grin returns, and he leans down to brush a barely-there kiss on my lips. “I’m not sure how I feel about being your dirty little secret,” he says, his words whispering across my lips with a teasing touch. When I laugh and pull back, he winks at me. “We’ll keep it between us until the weekend is over,” he agrees.
Someone bangs on the door, and I jump straight up, practically flying off the bed. Anderson remains on the bed, looking as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
The door opens, and I blow out a breath of relief when Henley pokes her head in, her eyes not spotting me as she stares at Anderson. “Seriously? Kasha is trying to find you and you’re still in your room? Who’s the guy with Bobby Jo?” she asks.
I’m confused as hell.
“Who the hell is Bobby Jo?” Anderson volleys, eyebrows up in confusion.
“My friend,” I blurt out, forgetting I’m trying to remain unseen. “The woman who flirted with you when you picked me up from lunch.”
Henley’s eyes cut to me and widen as she takes a step back. “I saw nothing. I know nothing. I only witnessed Anderson lying on his bed, and never once did my eyes land on Roman’s sister in his room with blushing cheeks and a guilty expression.”
With that, she turns and walks out. Anderson brings his arm over his face to muffle his laughter. “Operation Super Secret is going excellently so far,” he quips.
I flip him off, straighten my clothes, and peer out his door to see…everyone in the hallway.
Just freaking great.
Since they’re all weirdly staring at my room’s door and haven’t noticed me, I step out…and hear a lot of sounds. A lot of really loud banging sounds. Who’s banging on the wall? And why is there a lot of feminine moans coming from my room?
Kasha sits cross-legged on the floor with Roman’s head in her lap as he lies on the ground and reads something from his phone.
Walking quickly, I make my way down the hall and clear my throat. Lydia looks up at me, a wide grin on her face, while Kasha’s gaze stays riveted to my bedroom door, a matching grin on her face.
Simon comes walking down the hall and hands Lydia and Kasha a bowl of popcorn. Henley takes a seat between them to eat some too. Okay then. Not random at all.
“What’s going on?” I ask. Anderson walks up behind me, his fingers brushing mine as he moves toward the end of the hallway. Just that small touch has a shiver running up my spine, and his lips twitch like he knows it.
“Bobby Jo is my spirit animal,” Kasha says on a dreamy sigh before popping a piece of popcorn into her mouth.
Anderson takes a seat beside my door, sitting across from Henley, who never looks away from my door as a man’s loud grunts grow more insistent.
“Are…are we listening to them have sex?” I hiss, my face heating as I gawk at them.