Someone Like You (5 page)

Chapter Six

Priestly

I resurface from my bedroom at eight-thirty, my hangover cured.

I stumble to the bathroom and take a quick shower to wake me up. It’s Friday night, so I’m going to go out and have a damn good time.

Besides, I have to take a break from Party Central since it’s the weekend and Nerd Girl doesn’t have to get up early. It’s no fun throwing a party when I can’t piss her off.

After changing into jeans and a shirt, I make my way through to the living area to find it immaculate.

Fuck. This girl is not going to give up.

But, on the plus side, I was right – she was full of crap about threatening me.

I grab my wallet and then glance around curiously.

I thought she’d be here, reading a book like she always does.

Curious, I sneak a peek into her room and discover that she’s not there either.

Probably at another study group or shit like that.

Shrugging off those thoughts, I lock the flat and make my way to one of the student bars.

It’s not long before I find
Carter and some other people I know.

“Hey man.” Carter says before taking a slug of beer. “How goes it with Nerd Girl?
Get rid of her yet?”

I shake my head. “No,
but she pitched a fit about the mess of the flat yet again so I think I’m getting close.” I add with an evil grin.

He laughs. “Excellent. Although, I can’t help but find myself curious about her. Am
I ever gonna meet the chick face-to-face?”

I frown at him. “Why?”

Carter grins evilly. “I’d love to make a move on her, see if she really is a Nerd Girl after all.”

I shake my head. “You’re evil man.”

He downs his beer and laughs. “Hey, maybe if I did it’d scare her enough to leave.”

Oh my God … that’s it.

“Carter, you’re a genius!” I tell him with a wicked grin.

He looks at me curiously. “What are you on about?”

“You
should
start messing with her.” I tell him with a laugh.

“I’m not following.”

“She’s totally uncomfortable when it comes to anything suggestive.” I explain.

“So, she’s a
bit of a prude?” Carter says with a grin.

Not the word I’d use but what the hell, I’
m not going to argue the details.

I nod. “Sort of. She seems to freak out at the idea of interacting with guys.
I mean she blushes at the drop of a hat.”

Carter laughs. “So
that’s
your big plan? I hit on her?”

I nod. “Yeah, don’t you see? If
you hang around the flat a lot and keep trying to put the moves on her, she’ll freak out and run for the hills.”

Carter takes a sip of beer before saying,
“But what if she like, tries to report me for harassment or something?”

“Just d
on’t come on that strong. Keep it to a bit of harmless flirting and innuendos and see where it goes from there. If she does try anything, you can just play dumb and say that it’s all in her head.” I tell him assuredly.

“Not to burst your bubble, but what if this goes the other way?” Carter asks, looking unsure.

I frown. “What do you mean?”

“That she really thi
nks I like her.” Carter explains.

I
let out a low laugh. “Oh, just say that you were only being friendly and nothing more. She’ll probably be so embarrassed that she’ll be dying to leave.”

Carter grins. “Okay then, sounds like a plan my man!”

He then slaps me on the back and downs his beer.

“Okay, enough about Nerdo, let’s check out the hotties in here.”

I smile in agreement and glance around the bar.

I suddenly
spy a hot blonde at the other end of the bar. She smiles and I throw her a cocky grin.

T
his is the way student life is meant to be … not sitting with your nose stuck in a book or joining study groups.

No, it’s meant to be about having fun
, flirting with hot blondes and all that shit … something Temperance Brannigan knows absolutely nothing about.

For such a sma
rt girl, she’s clueless about life.

In fact, if I
ever saw her having fun, I’d probably die of shock.

The girl’s probably never even had a drink in her life and she certainly wouldn’t be caught dead in a bar like this.

I can’t wait to have some fun with her.

It’s then that I realise that I’ve been too busy thinking about Nerd Girl to pay attention to Hot Blonde.

Shaking off all thoughts about Temperance, I flash Hot Blonde a charming smile.

S
he flips her hair and starts to make her way towards me.

Score!

***

Temperance

Okay, I caved. I wore the outfit Anson picked but I still put on a cardigan over the vest.

Still, I mustn’t look too bad because Nixon keeps staring at me with a big smile on his face.

“
So, where do you wanna go now?” Nixon asks, taking my hand as we leave the restaurant.

I shrug. “I don’t know. Wherever you want.”

Nixon grins. “How about the cinema?”

I nod and we make our way down the street, past the hoards of students falling out of different clubs and bars.

Vaguely, I think I hear someone calling my name. However, I shrug if off when I don’t see anyone I know.

Nixon pulls me along and shoots me a funny look. “You okay?”

I nod. “Yeah, I just thought I heard my name.”

Nixon shakes his head. “I doubt it. They’re all drunk Tempy.”

I cringe at the nickname.

I loathe nicknames.

Sure, Priestly calls me Nerd Girl but at least that’s better than
Tempy
.

However, since Nixon’s being so nice, I tolerate it.

Maybe I’ll tell him I don’t like it when I get to know him a little bit better.

I heave a sigh as we make our way into the cinema.

Once inside, I stare at the various movie posters and contemplate what to see.

Nixon, of course, pushes for a horror movie but ends up choosing the chick flick to please me.

He buys me some salted popcorn and a bag of M&Ms.

As soon as
we’re seated, I take the M&Ms and pour them into the popcorn.

Nixon throws me a funny look. “What are you doing?”

“Oh, I like them mixed together.” I explain, wondering if I shouldn’t have revealed this fact on the first date.

I don’t want to scare him off.

Although, he can’t find it too weird, can he? That’d be stupid.

Unfortunately, it turns out that
it is.

He stares at me as if
I’m crazy. “Gross. I’m gonna go grab another popcorn.”

He disappea
rs just as the trailers start as I slink down in my seat, wondering if I can get to the end of the night without screwing things up entirely.

***

Priestly

Sandie – the Hot Blonde – is totally into me. However, she’s insisting on hitting a club before we go anywhere to be alone.

Of course, I’m happy to comply since she’s so damn hot. So, we leave the bar and make our way out into the street.

It is then that I think I see Temperance walking past … with a guy.

It’s quite dark and I’m not drunk but I’m not exactly sober either which is why I can’t make out who she is with.

“Temperance?” I yell unsurely as a crowd of drunken students stumble past, shouting loudly.

I watch as she turns around but the crowd engulfs me, so she doesn’t see me.

By the time the crowd passes, she’s gone.

Fuck.
I guess I was wrong earlier … who knew Nerd Girl had a social life.

Wait. Why the fuck do I care?

Oh yeah, she’s meant to be scared of interacting with members of the opposite sex.

Shit. I hope this doesn’t screw up my plan.

“Hey!” Sandie breathes in my ear. “Let’s get going Presley.”

“Priestly.” I correct automatically, feeling annoyed.

The girl hasn’t been able to grasp my name all night and I’m beginning to get pissed off.

However, she smiles at me flirtatiously and I follow her into a club.

What can I say, I’m a sucker for hot girls.

Chapter Seven

Temperance

Okay,
so the date turned out well up until the end of the night. We had a nice time at the cinema and were laughing and joking on the way home until he walked me to my door – that’s when things turned awkward.

He went
in for a kiss and I freaked out.

Now, that might seem really stupid but I
wasn’t ready for that just yet. It’s a big step for me to go on a date, never mind have my first kiss.

Baby steps. That’s all I can handle.

Anyway, I ended up going for a handshake and kind of hit him in the gut, which left us both feeling super awkward.

I
just hope that he gives me a second chance because he seems like a really nice guy. He’s sweet, funny and maybe a little too charming but I think I could grow to really like him.

I flop onto the couch just
as my phone buzzes.

It’s a message from Nixon:

‘Thanx 4 gr8 nite. CU 2moro?’

There! I was getting worried about nothing. I smile to myself as I type a reply:

‘Sure. CU then.’

S
o, ridiculously happy that my date wasn’t a total disaster, I run into my bedroom and jump up and down on the bed.

Yes, it’s silly and girly but hello, Nerd Girl here. I’m the definition of uncool.

After a few more jumps, I tire myself out so I change into my pyjamas and hop into bed. I fall asleep within seconds.

I wake up quite early for a Saturday morning – eight-thirty – and force myself to get up.

I head to the bathroom but am shocked to bump into a very scantily clad blonde. She looks mortified to see me and quickly sneaks back into Priestly’s room.

And so it starts … the first of many overnight visitors no doubt.

I shake my head in disgust and then jump into the shower, wondering what Nixon will have planned for today.

After a quick change, I make my way to the kitchen and grab a box of cereal before flopping down onto the couch to watch some Saturday morning cartoons.

Hey, Nerd Girl, remember.

However, it’s not long before Priestly makes his way into the kitchen.

He glances over at me and spots me eating the cereal straight out of the box.

Throwing me a curious look, he makes his way over to the couch and flops down beside me.

“Cartoons?”

I nod. “You don’t like it, tough.”

He laughs as he sinks his hand into the box and grabs a handful of cereal.

“Has Road Runner been on yet?” he asks. “I just love Wylie Coyote.”

I stare at him. “What?”

He grins. “
What
?”

I shrug. “Nothing. I just like him too.”

Priestly throws his head back and laughs. “Hey, we have something in common.”

Indeed. Which is why I’m waiting for something bad to happen.

There is no way that we can just agree on something without one of us spontaneously combusting or something.

I don’t say anything and just stare at the TV.

Priestly grabs another handful of cereal. “So, what did you get up to last night? Could’ve sworn I saw you with some guy.”

I glance at him and frown. “I did hear my name then.”

He nods. “So, who were you with?”

“I was on a date if you must know.” I reply, deliberately avoiding his question.

He smirks. “Nerd Girl had a date?”

I narrow my eyes at him and then smirk back. “Man Whore brought a girl home?”

Whoa! What is wrong with me?

I can’t believe I’ve just said
that.

I glance at him and find that h
e looks a little shocked but then suddenly grins.

“Man Whore?”

I nod. “Damn straight. So, can you remember Blondie’s name?”

***

Priestly

I smirk at her. “Her name’s Sandie.”

She looks disappointed and I can’t help but laugh.
She’s totally surprised me this morning – first with the cartoons and then with the Man Whore comment.

I really didn’t think Nerd Girl would use such a term. Maybe I have underestimated her after all.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t change anything. The girl still has to go. It just might be harder now that I know she doesn’t seem to care about waking up to find random girls walking around.
But, now with my new plan of action, hopefully she won’t stick around too long.

She frowns at me. “Damn. You don’t follow the Man Whore rules that stipulate that you must not be able to remember the girl’s name.”

I throw my head back in laughter before looking back at her. “Guess I’m not a true Man Whore then.”

“We’ll see.” is all she replies.

I raise an eyebrow at her but don’t say anything. Instead, I grab another handful of cereal and nearly choke on it when Sandie appears.

“H
-hey!” I cough out.

Fuck. She’s lingering in the doorway. Not good.

I throw her a charming smile. “Morning.”

She stares at me expectantly.

“Well, Sandie. I’ll see you later. Yeah?”

She looks disappointed but takes the hint. “Okay, see you later Presley.”

I groan as Temperance starts choking with laughter.

I throw her an evil glare and then turn back to Sandie.

“Priestly, remember?”

She nods, looking puzzled. “Um, yeah, that’s what I said.”

I nod, too tired to argue. “Okay, I’ll call you.” I lie.

No
, I fucking won’t. She can’t even remember my name.

“
Okay, see you later then!” she says, flashing me a seductive smile before disappearing out the door.

I glance at Temperance and find her doubled over, hysterically laughing.

I grab a handful of cereal and chuck it over her. “Shut up!”

She brushes the cereal out of her hair and grins. “Presley! Classic!”

I roll my eyes and turn back to the TV.

The girl is nuts. Seriously.

***

Temperance

Something strange is happening.

Did Priestly and I just have breakfast together without fighting?

I’m seriously dumbfounded as I sit, watching some cooking programme while Priestly is in the shower.

Well, whatever it is, it probably won’t last long.

“
Hey, Nerd Girl!”

I glance up to find him standing in
just a towel and feel my cheeks heat instantly.

Drool.

The guy is cut.

Okay, I need to stop staring.

He’s a womaniser, remember?

“Yeah?” I ask, forcing myself to look at his face and nothing below it.

“I just remembered, you never answered my question. How the hell did you manage to get a date?” he asks with a smirk.

And, now he’s back to being an asshole.

Seriously, I don’t know how he can go from charming to an ass in the span of thirty seconds. Maybe he thrives on bringing out the worst in me.

I glare at him. “
None of your business,
Presley
!”

He chuckles and then walks back to his room.

I shake my head, disgusted with myself for thinking that he could go one day without acting like such a dick.

Sighing heavily, I glance at my watch – eleven-thirty.

I then hear my phone buzz.

It’
s Anson:

‘B @ urs in 10!’

I roll my eyes. He probably wants to hear about my date.

Ten minutes later and Anson is propped on the couch, grilling me about every little detail.

“So, it was good then?” he prompts.

I nod. “Yeah, I was fearing the worst when I botched the whole kiss goodnight but he text me to meet later today.”

Anson frowns. “Why
didn’t you let him make a move?”

I
avoid his eyes. “I’m just not really comfortable around guys. Besides, I was a nervous wreck.”

He pats me on the arm sympathetically and then eyes me beadily. “Okay, we can work on that but please tell me y
ou didn’t wear some hideous shirt, did you?”

I shake my head. “I didn’t, I promise.”

He nods, satisfied. “Good, then we’ll just have to work on your flirting techniques after we go shopping. I’ll get you into something super hot to get your confidence up and then you’ll be kissing him in no time!”

I laugh and smile at him gratefully. “Thanks Anson.”

“Well, it’s the least I can do.” he replies, eyeing my baggy t-shirt. “And I thought I got rid of all of those!”

I smile guiltily. “Sorry, but you’re going to have to pry them from my cold, dead fingers before I let you throw them out.”

Anson raises an eyebrow. “That could be arranged.”

I narrow my eyes at him and shake my head. “
I’d like to see you try.”

“Aw, don’t listen to Nerd Girl. She’s full of empty threats. Isn’t that right?” comes Priestly’s voice.

I glance up to find him standing in the doorway of the living area.

I scowl at him as Anson stares at him.

Priestly nods. “Anson. Good to see you.”

Anson tilts his head in acknowledgement. “Yeah, you too.”

“So, you two are going shopping then?” Priestly asks with a smirk.

I nod. “Yeah, why?”

Priestly shakes his head. “Nothing. Anson, just make sure she doesn’t come back with more of those hideous shirts. Get her into something a bit more revealing. Make her show some skin, you know?”

I glare at him. “I’m not going to dress like
one of your conquests!”

He smirks. “Why not?
Because then you’ll actually have to follow through and kiss the guy.”

“You were listening?” I shoot back, outraged.

“Well, I do live here and I can’t help if the walls are thin.” he quips with a wink.

I shake my head, disgusted. “You’re a pig! No wonder Blondie couldn’t remember your name!”

Priestly raises an eyebrow. “Well, at least I got a bit of action which is more than I can say for your date!”

“Go to hell!” I yell, beyond angry now.

Anson stares at both of us, his gaze flitting from me to Priestly.

“
Whatever.” Priestly mutters. “Maybe if you got your head out of those books and paid more attention to guys, you wouldn’t be so scared to actually make a move!”

I shoot him daggers. “Well, maybe if you got your head out of your ass and paid more attention to what girls really want, then maybe they’d remember your name!”

Priestly looks stunned but doesn’t say anything as I grab Anson and push him out the door.

“Come on Anson, let’s go.” I say before slamming the door behind me.

“What the fuck?” Anson yells as soon as we’re out onto the street.

“What?” I ask, frowning at him.

“How the hell do you deal with it?” he asks, completely dumbfounded.

I sigh heavily. “I know, he’s such an asshole, isn’t he?”

Anson shakes his head. “No. That’s not what I meant. How the fuck do you deal with
all the tension?”

I stare at him blankly. “What?”

He rolls his eyes exasperatedly. “The sexual tension! I was getting hot under the collar just watching you two! That was the hottest damn thing I’ve seen in months! I thought you two were three seconds away from tearing each other’s clothes off!”

I blush and hit Anson on the arm. “Anson! It’s not like that. I can assure you there is no …
tension
– of any kind! – between Priestly and I.”

Anson raises an eyebrow. “Uh huh.”

I stare at him. “Seriously Anson, I could never like someone like him! Okay, I admit th
at he’s hot but he’s a total womaniser. That’s definitely not my type!”

“How do you know?” he asks quietly.

“Is that a trick question? Did you not see how we can’t be in the same room for a long period of time without fighting?” I ask incredulously.

Anson throws me a mysterious look. “We’ll see darlin’, we’ll see.”