“Is it hard?"

"It can be." I scribbled in a 7 into a new square.

"So... your idea of taking a break is to come in here and do a mentally-draining puzzle."

I shrugged and finally turned to face her. Because Brianna had been leaning over to see the newspaper, I suddenly found myself just inches away from her lips.

“Something like that," I said softly.

We just kind of stared at each other for a minute. But she flinched first and then went over to pour her coffee, her back to me as she deliberately avoided Looking at me.

I found myself looking Brianna up and down for the umpteenth time, today in her smooth black miniskirt and green blouse that brought out the color in her eyes. My Enginerd coworkers were right: Brianna was hot. And with Amber putting her new seduction plan into action on Eric, my mind was drifting into idle fantasies about the sexy brunette who called up memories of Danielle in a very naughty way. She would be the best of both worlds, reminding me of my illicit sister and yet not actually related.

But then Brianna finished with her cream and sugar and she started to turn around. I jerked away a Little too quickly, and then grimaced as I realized I'd been caught checking her out.

A moment later, Brianna slid into the chair next to me and tugged it closer to my side. She gave no indication that she'd noticed me ogling her. And all she said was, "Teach me."

I picked up the pen and pointed to the Sudoku puzzle. "You sure?"

She gave me a brave smile and teased, "You can do it. How hard could it be?"

“Mmm... smells really good, Jen." I closed my eyes and just inhaled the wonderful scent. Some kind of chicken roast if I had to guess.

After savoring the sensations, I complained, "You have it sooo easy." I opened my eyes and looked to the left, where Kevin was busy staring at the TV and ignoring my jibe. It was football Sunday, and I'd gotten into the habit of hanging out with Kevin to watch the games every week

My own roommates had zero interest.

Jen poked her head out from the kitchen.

“What, doesn't Amber take good care of you?"

“Sure... GOOD care," I grinned salaciously. "But not in the stomach area. Why do you think I keep coming here every week?"

“Dude, I thought it was to hang out with me and watch the games!" Kevin protested.

“Sorry to break the news to you. But I can't be telling my girlfriend she can't cook worth shit. Not her fault, she's got servants to do that. So football makes for a good excuse."

“And she doesn't wonder why you always stick around for dinner?" Jen asked as she leaned against the doorway.

“That Amber's a smart cookie.

She knows."

I grinned and picked up my beer can.

“Yeah, she knows."

An hour and a half Later, I let out a loud belch and patted my belly in blissful contentment.