Chapter 10: Violet

"Is there any possibility that you can clear out for the weekend?" With a hopeful expression, Mia pauses before tacking on, "And FYI-I'm making that request more for your sake than my own."

I almost groan because that can only mean one thing. "Carter's rolling into town, isn't he?" My eyebrows rise across my forehead. "And you don't want any witnesses to the depravity that will be taking place for the next forty-eight hours."

The sly look she sends my way is rife with meaning. "I really hope so. Do you have any idea how long it's been? Trust me, you do not want to be around for any of that."

Okay, one-gross.

And two-damn right I don't.

I made the epic mistake of not finding alternative accommodations for a weekend last year when he crashed at our place. Needless to say, I had a difficult time looking Carter in the eyes the next morning.

Those two are ridiculously loud.

And just when you think it's over and people can catch a little shut eye, they start up again. If nothing else, their stamina is impressive. Halfway through the first night, when I couldn't stand another second of their porn-inspired soundtrack, I ended up dragging my blankets into the commons area on our floor. Although, I couldn't get comfortable on the ratty couch because all I could think about was the amount of jizz I was probably sleeping on.

So no, I won't be sticking around for a repeat performance if I can help it.

Mia and Carter are like an X-rated show waiting to happen. They're constantly groping one another and making out. Clothing spontaneously explodes from their bodies, which is exactly why it's better to get the hell out of Dodge for the weekend rather than hang around like some kind of perv with voyeuristic tendencies.

"Maybe I can crash with Anna," I mutter before pulling out my phone and firing off a quick text. A few seconds later a response pops up.

Sorry, headed home for the wknd. Won't b around.

"What about Sydney?"

I shake my head. "She's not getting along with Ellie again and I don't really want to get in the middle of that." If worst comes to worst, I suppose refereeing for the weekend wouldn't be so bad.

In silence, we rack our brains for another alternative.

She bites down on her lip before throwing out a suggestion. "I guess Carter and I could rent a hotel room for the weekend. I mean, that would be kind of fun."

Neither one of us adds expensive, but that's what we're both thinking.

Making a face, I wave a hand and dismiss the idea. "No, that's just stupid."

I can always stay with my grand-

Her voice cuts quickly into my thoughts. "What about Sam?"

Sam?

Well...I suppose I could bunk with Sam and his roommate, Roan, for the weekend. It would be a heck of a lot better than staying here and having to listen to Carter and Mia going at it like a pair of energizer bunnies. Been there, done that. Bought the T-shirt. I have zero interest in a repeat performance.

"Yeah, I'll check with him." I shoot Sam a text.

Smiling like a Cheshire cat, Mia asks, "And how is golden delicious doing?"

Golden delicious.

I can't help but snort out a laugh. That's Mia's pet name for Sam.

Not that he knows it.

When they first met freshman year, she had a massive crush on him. Nothing ever happened between them, but it wasn't for lack of Mia trying. She threw herself at him every single weekend. I have no idea why Sam wasn't interested. Mia is gorgeous with long, thick ebony colored hair. Mossy, green-colored eyes, and an olive complexion that does her Italian ancestors proud. She's also tall and curvy.

Rather strangely, Sam has never batted an eyelash in her direction.

"He's fine."

Mia props her chin up on her hand as she purrs out the next words, "Yes, he certainly is."

Another small laugh gurgles up from my throat as I shake my head. "And what would Carter say if he heard you talking like that?"

She sticks out her tongue in response. "Oh, stop ruining all my fun. I'm always careful not to scream out Sam's name when I'm coming."

"Mia!" I can't help the scandalized note that creeps into my voice. I really hope she's kidding about that. I mean, she has to be. Right? Mia loves her boyfriend. They got together two years ago when Carter was a senior. After graduation, he moved to Philadelphia for a civil engineering job.

Hence the sexfest that is currently being planned for the weekend.

My eyes narrow as a grin slides its way across her face.

There are times when I suspect that she says these things solely to get a rise out of me. I've grown used to it over the years, but I don't particularly like when she makes comments about Sam. Secretly, I'm glad they never got together. That would have been weird.

"Like you've never rubbed one out thinking about that sexy bod of his?"

My mouth drops open before crashing into our thinly carpeted floor. "Mia!" Even though I should be used to the over-the-top remarks she makes, heat gathers in my cheeks. "Of course not!"

She levels a knowing look my way before adding a little wink for good measure. "Oh, please, that boy is hotness personified. Can't say I haven't used my battery-operated boyfriend a few times thinking about all those delicious muscles."

When I shake my head, she spears me with a look of disbelief. "Are you seriously telling me that you have never, not one damn time, fantasized about him while getting off?"

Again, I jerk my head in denial. "Never."

Technically this isn't a lie. I have absolutely never gotten off to thoughts of him. But lately-for some strange reason-I can't stop noticing how good looking he is with all that thick blond hair and those gorgeous blue eyes.

And don't even get me started on that big, broad chest of his.

Plus, he's tall. Not to mention hard.

His body!

His body is all hard and muscly.

For goodness' sake, I have no idea about that.

Dwelling on that part of him feels like it would be crossing an imaginary line in our friendship. Even if he never found out, I'd still know.

Luckily, his response saves me from the god-awful conversation I've been sucked into while I wasn't looking.

"Well? Don't keep me in suspense. What's golden delicious got to say?"

"Sam," I enunciate while skimming over the message, "says it would be fine."

Her smirk turns into a grin that overtakes her face. "I'm sure he did."

I huff out a breath and glare. "He has an extra bedroom because his roommate, Dylan, moved in with his girlfriend." I ground out the words slowly, "So, I'll be staying in Dylan's room for the weekend."

Her eyes widen before she flutters her dark lashes. "Of course, you will. Wherever else would you sleep?"