Power Drilled (Roommates, #8)(39)

“One of those new followers is me,” Lila said. “And yes, the stuff you’ve been posting is great.”

Pleasure filled me. This was Lila’s world, and if she thought I was doing a good job, that meant a lot. But I still tried to sound modest. “I don’t really know what’s different from the videos the former guy made. The triplets look hot no matter what they do.”

“I’ve looked at some of the older vids. Your guys are more animated now. They’re not afraid to show off their muscles.”

“Wasn’t that true before?” At least one triplet, if not all three, was usually shirtless in the videos on their channel.

“Yeah, but now it’s like they’re flirting more. Really hamming it up for the camera.”

I thought that one over for a moment. “Maybe they know that that attracts more viewers.”

“It does,” Lila agreed. “But it’s like they’re trying to eyefuck the camera now.”

“Well, maybe—”

“It’s because of you, Penny. They’re not flirting harder with their unseen audience. They’re flirting with you.”

“They don’t flirt,” I protested. Well, at least not most of the time. “They take their renovation work very seriously.”

“I get that, but those smoldering looks they’re giving the camera—those are aimed at you. That’s why views are up. The audience may feel that the triplets are trying to eyefuck them, but it’s actually directed at you.”

My voice was hoarse. “That’s not possible.”

“Of course not. Because when a woman stays a house with three hot-as-fuck men, that kind of thing can never happen.”

Okay, she had a point there, especially since it had happened to her.

“Anyway, I’m not saying that to knock your filming skills. You know I think you’re the best. But there’s an extra intensity to everything the guys do, and you’re the reason why.”

“Maybe,” I said softly.

“Definitely,” she answered. “The question is, what are you going to do about it?”

“I have to do something?”

Lila laughed. “You’ve got a few more days. But think about it—do you really want to ride off into the sunset after the ten days are up?”

I didn’t have to think about that, because I already knew my answer: no. But I also knew it was likely to happen anyway. Which was why I was determined to enjoy the time I had left with them.

Even when my stupid cousin and my stupid ex were around.





16





PENNY





It felt very strange to drive myself to the hotel on Thursday afternoon. My car didn’t sound all that great, but at least it worked. Or maybe it just took pity on me because it was a special day.

I met with Claire in her room and helped her with her vows. Hearing Claire’s heartfelt words about Matthew was enough to make my heart ache and tears flow. I couldn’t even imagine finding someone I loved as much as she loved her fiancé. I was really glad they’d found each other.

After a lot of hugs and a bit more crying, I headed to my room to get changed. Jackson was coming a bit later and then we were going out for dinner with other members of the wedding party. Claire was insistent that tonight was only for the relatives in their twenties and thirties.

Instead of going straight to my room, I walked through the lobby, intent on getting something to drink from the coffee shop. I fished my wallet out of my purse when I neared the little shop, but a receipt fell out, and I bent down to pick it up.

If I hadn’t, I would’ve walked straight into Jeff and Tanya.

My heart pounded in my chest as if I’d seen a ghost. Those two were the last people I wanted to run into, especially when I didn’t have a hot triplet by my side.

I took a few steps backwards, but that put me in a corner with no way to retreat. I pressed myself against the outer wall of the coffee shop and hoped they wouldn’t see me.

To my horror, they stopped in the lobby right in front of the little shop. The reason became clear when I calmed down enough to actually listen.

They were having a fight.

“You were flirty,” Tanya said, holding a cup of coffee.

“I was just being friendly,” Jeff said.

“I have eyes and ears. I saw the way you looked at her. And holy shit, you never tip that much.”

“She was cute,” Jeff said with a shrug. “That’s a fact. Why am I in trouble for it?”

“Because you’re with me.”

Jeff stepped forward and tried to take my cousin’s hand, but she dodged him.

“Hon, I’m with you because I want to be. The way I talk to attractive women has nothing to do with you.” Jeff took one look at Tanya’s face and backpaddled. “I mean other attractive women. You’re the prettiest of them all.”

Tanya seemed slightly mollified by that even though as far as I was concerned, Jeff was practically waving a red flag in her face.

But Jeff wasn’t done yet. “You’re gorgeous, babe, but not when you’re jealous. No one’s attractive when they’re jealous. Just ask Penny.”

My breath caught in my throat, and I nearly dropped my purse. Jeff thought that I’d been jealous during our relationship? Was he actually blaming me for his infidelity?