My One Night (On My Own #1) - Carrie Ann Ryan Page 0,2

wake. However, he wasn’t exactly the spider. More like one who convinced those caught in his web that they wanted to be there and were excited by the prospect. I hadn’t seen a person walk away from Pacey’s bed disheartened, angry, or in any way acting as if they hadn’t gotten what they wanted.

“Okay, now I need to know what that look was about,” Pacey said as he stared at me.

I snorted and took another sip of my beer. “I was just thinking that you’re not an asshole when it comes to sleeping around.”

Pacey’s brows shot up, and then he threw his head back and laughed.

More than one person turned our way to stare at Pacey—and I supposed at me, as well—but there was just something about my roommate. If I was in any way attracted to Pacey, I figured the two of us might be a decent match for a relationship. Although we were too busy and focused on school to worry about anything else. Besides, there wasn’t even a flicker of a buzz between us. And I was just fine with that.

“Well, that is kind of you. And I do try to satisfy my lovers.”

“Dear God,” a man said from beside us, practically fainting into another guy’s arms.

I met Pacey’s eyes, rolled mine, and left to go back to my corner, which was thankfully still empty. Pacey followed me with his gaze, a curious look on his face. “Now, do you want to tell me exactly what you were thinking about before?”

I shrugged. “Just school, focusing on things. About the fact that the cops haven’t come in here yet.”

“Stop it. Why would you say something like that?” Pacey asked and knocked on the wood beam beside us.

Miles, one of my other roommates, popped out of nowhere and knocked, as well. “I was four feet away and I heard you. You do not call out to the universe for things like that.”

I held up my free hand and winced. “Sorry. I’m having an off evening.”

“I’d say,” Tanner mumbled as he came forward. Tanner was one of my other roommates, and I honestly didn’t have a good lead on him. From what I could tell, he was smart but tended to brood in his room or at his desk. He shared the library with Miles for their study area. I shared with Pacey in the actual study. The house was set up like that kids’ murder mystery gameboard, and I always found it a bit weird. Our other roommate, Paul, who went by his last name—Sanders—had his little desk area in the foyer. It was a bit more out in the open so we could tell when he was studying or not—mostly not these days—but he had the biggest space. We had all chosen our rooms and study areas courtesy of a bag of Twizzlers the first day we met, in lieu of drawing straws. The Twizzlers were usually in Pacey’s hand, as the guy was addicted to them. I didn’t see them on him now, but I figured they were probably in the pantry, beckoning him like always.

That brought a smile to my face, and Pacey once again glared at me. “Why are you off in your head again? Now what are you thinking?”

“Just about Twizzlers.”

Miles’ eyes widened, and Tanner winced.

“What?” I asked.

Pacey straightened, his eyes narrowing. I thought I saw a little humor there—at least I hoped—but I wasn’t sure. “Sanders and Mackenzie ate the last Twizzler, and I haven’t been to the store to replenish. I was a little busy taking my exam this afternoon and setting up for the party. Therefore, I have not had a Twizzler all day. Let’s not discuss it.”

I looked between all of them, my jaw dropped. “Sanders and his girlfriend ate the Twizzlers?” That offense was a literal Code Red in this house.

“I cannot blame Mackenzie,” Pacey said, holding up a hand. “She didn’t know. She will, though, because I will make sure she does. And Mackenzie is usually nice enough to replenish whatever she eats here.” Somehow, I had a feeling this was all Sanders.

“Did you put the Twizzlers on the common shelf?” I asked, knowing I was treading on dangerous ground here.

Pacey’s eyes narrowed even more. “It shouldn’t matter. We all know I’m the one who buys my favorite candy.”

“I’ve never actually heard you sound so haughty before,” Miles said, holding back a laugh.

“Very, very British,” Tanner said deadpan.

Pacey looked between all of us and lifted his lip in