Chapter 1

Melody was my college roommate for senior year. Over that year we grew closer, and by the time Spring Break came around she insisted that I go with her to her family’s vacation home. She said that there were clubs nearby, house parties and she always threw at least one party herself. Despite not being a party person myself, I let her convince me that my hard work had earned me a wild break prior to graduation. Not that graduation in May was the end my studies. Immediately after I would start an 18 month program to become a licensed ultrasound tech. It was good money for low stress, according to my pre collage research into potential careers. My late grandmother had left me enough funds after she passed to cover the tuition and about 6 months to live on while looking for a job after obtaining my credentials. It had been hard to let her go, since she was the last of my family and had raised me since I was 10. But she wanted to know I would be okay and we discussed finances openly.

I had a clear plan. Jareth was not a part of those plans.

I knew Meldoy was rich. She always had nice designer clothes and accessories. She had a perfect ombre that was always expertly blown out or curled. She would have been intimidating if she wasn’t so friendly and outgoing. She latched onto me and never made me feel like I wasn’t at her level, despite my frugal living and average appearance. Though ‘vacation home’ was more like a ‘vacation mansion.’

As our Uber was pulling up through the gated entrance across an expansive lawn, I saw what could only be described as the Wayne Manor coming up in the distance. Melody explained that her family had a Condo in the city where they lived most of the time and only used this house to host events and time away from the city.

“Also, I have to share it with my brother.” Melody sighed like that was an obvious burden. “He isn’t even in college anymore, so I don’t know why he insists on being here again this year. He always sleeps around using girls like a weekend bag or something. It’s so gross. Please tell me you will not be one of those girls.” Melody clasped both my hands in hers, giving me a pleading look.

“You know I am not a one night stand girl, and unlikely to catch feelings for the rich play boy type,” I told her confidently.

“You’re right. You are so anti-Jareth I don’t even know why I brought it up. Plus side for this vacation, his adorable friend Brian is always with him. I have had a crush on him for forever. Maybe during this trip I will finally get the nerve to tell him how I feel. Not that I haven’t been a compete coward at every other opportunity up until now, but maybe you will be my good luck charm.” She affectionately squeezed my arm and smiled. I saw two men at the front door waiting for us as we pulled up.

“Speak of the devils” Melody said and got out of the car. “Come to take our luggage gentlemen?”

“We have staff to do that. Just curious who you dragged with you this year.” Said one of the men. The tinted car windows did not give me a good few of the speaker. However, when I got out of the car I saw him clearly. Tall dark and handsome personified. No wonder Melody had warned me about Jareth beforehand. His blue eyes cast a devastating stare at me. He wore a wicked smile as he looked me up and down. Remember, he is a playboy and doesn’t give a damn about you as a person.

“Hi, I am Olive. Nice to meet you.” I extended my hand. He took it into his large hand and gave me a firm business shake.

“Jareth, Melody’s brother. This is my friend Brian.” He motioned to the blonde Abercrombie model beside him. Brian stepped up and also shook my hand. “So, you are Meldoy’s handler?”

“I do not need a handler!” Meldoy protested “I am a mature young woman who just so happens to know how to have a good time.”

We all walked into the house and I felt eyes on me. I made a conscious choice to not look back and confirm if Jareth was watching my ass sway up the steps to my guest room.

Our first destination, that very first night of our spring break adventure, was a local club that Meldoy wanted to go to. We rode together with Jareth and Brian who said they wanted to come with. Melody was hesitant at first, but I hinted to her that she could flirt with Brian, and that sold her. That was step one of my plan to help my friend. If there was anything I could do well, it was make and execute a plan. She was so generous letting me come with her and offering to pay for everything, that the least I could do was help her with her crush.

We had found a booth for the four of us and I started step two. I insisted that I help Brian grab the first round of drinks while Melody and Jareth watched the table.

As we waited I leaned into Brian so he could hear me above the thunderous club sounds. “You know Melody has a crush on you.”

“Oh? I thought she might, but I wasn’t sure.” His expression was intrigued by my conversation choice.

“How do you feel about her?” I asked.

“Straight to the point huh?”

“I don’t see any reason to waste time beating around the bush. If you like her, I think she would respond to you making the first move.”

“What kind of move would you suggest?” I could see this conversation was now making him blush. Sweet kid probably had never done anything before because he didn’t want to date his friend’s sister. But we are adults now. No reason why they can’t share and be happy.

I shrugged. ”Ask her to dance. Then go from there.”

I grabbed two of the four drinks and went over to the table. I sat on the other side of Jareth leaving the spot next to Melody open for Brian.

Brian took my “go on look” and did not sit down. Instead, he held his hand to Melody and asked if she wanted to dance. Meldoy enthusiastically took his hand and they headed into the gyrating crowd.

“Not going to join them?” Jareth said next to my ear as I sipped my vodka tonic. I shook off the chills that his breath on my neck gave me.

“No. Meldoy has a crush on him, so I figured I would give them sometime together and see where it goes.”

“What if I don’t want to give my friend to Melody?”

I looked at him this time. “He is not a toy to be argued over whose turn it is. He is a person who has a right to be happy and fall in love.”

He chuckled like I was stupid. “You think it is love?”

“No” I said flatly. This seemed to surprise him. “I think they are two pretty people who have fluttered around each other so long that now they are curious.”

“So, what am I supposed to do now that you sent my company away?” He inched closer to me with our legs now touching.

Oh boy, here it is. He is going to want to flirt with me and use me like I was warned. I am not so easily swayed by smoldering bedroom eyes. I looked straight into those eyes and replied. “There are plenty of attractive women in this club who would love to keep you company.” He smirked at my dismissal. “And what about you? Who will keep you company?” He rubbed one of his knuckles against the bare skin of my forearm.

“My drink.” Do not engage Olive. Do. Not. Engage. “I am going to enjoy my drink while I people watch.” I turned to look at the crowd. Ignoring the heat his soft touch was stirring up inside me.

He chuckled. “Fine. But if you get lonely or want to get a ride back because you are bored, just let me know.” He slid out of the booth and into the crowds. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. That man was smooth and he knew it. I watched the room and no one in particular as I contemplated how I would survive the next two weeks living under the same roof as the big bad wolf.