Page 33 of Risky Play

I jumped up and searched through my closet. I needed something cute to wear, even if this was a casual hang. Something that would make Matt forget I was Noah’s little sister and remind him what he was missing.

Ari walked by my room a couple of minutes later on her way to the bathroom, but then she backtracked and arched an eyebrow at me. She gestured to the clothes strewn across my bed. “What’s going on?”

I put my hands on my head in frustration. “I need something cute to wear to impress Matt.”

“Show a lot of cleavage or wear skin-tight leggings. It’s kryptonite to men.”

I laughed. “Okay, true, but we’re going to Local Hangout for dinner.”

“Like a date?”

I shrugged. “Just as friends.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “So…is he still trying to be your wingman? Or has he caught on yet?”

I groaned. “No. He’s too scared of my brother.”

“Explain it to me again.”

I pulled out a pair of my nicest jeans and a black tank top. I paired that with a long-sleeved white and blue plaid shirt. It would look comfy left open, like I hadn’t thought too hard about what to wear.

Ari nodded when I held it up for her opinion.

“I want it to be him,” I explained.

“But why? If you want to get laid, there are thousands of guys on campus who would do it and never call you again. That’s what you want, right?”

That was what I wanted, but truth be told, I’d rather it be someone I trusted. I didn’t trust any of the guys I’d met so far. They all screamed douchebags. Plus, Matt and I already had great chemistry, and I knew he’d be gentle. Also, he’d make me come. That was the most important part. Someone who would make my first time having sex not as awful as everyone said it would be.

“Matt and I already hooked up, so I know he’ll make it good. I already know he can satisfy me.”

“Ooh. Okay. I guess I get that.”

“We have great sexual chemistry. We already did oral, so why is he being so weird about it?”

She pinned me with a look. “He’s probably worried about it being awkward between you afterward.”

“But it won’t!” I protested.

Ari shook out her colorful mane. “I guess it depends. It wasn’t awkward after Ty and I hooked up. I’m actually surprised he knew where to find my…” Her face reddened. “Never mind, that’s too much info. We agreed it was a one-night stand, and I told him to take a hike the next day.”

“Really?” I asked. That surprised me about Ari because she seemed like the kind of girl who looked for forever. “You didn’t give him a shot?”

“Do you remember meeting Ty? He’s not a serious guy. Plus, I met someone else.”

“Ooh, tell me! Is it someone I know?”

She bit her lip. “Maybe…I don’t want to jinx it yet. I’ll tell you later. The outfit’s fine. Why don’t you tell Matt how you feel? Because, to be honest, that boy looks at you like he wants you too, but he’s trying to control himself.”

I squinted at her. “He does?”

She nodded. “Yeah, girl! He’s trying to hold back. It’s so obvious to everyone else. It’s probably why the other guys backed off because it looks like you’re together.”

“Then maybe my plan’s working. I want to make him jealous so he’ll see he’s the guy for the job and no one else.”

She stared me down like she could see through my motives. “Are you sure you want sex and nothing more?”

“Yes. I just want to sleep with him,” I lied.