ANNIKA

“Don’t look now but our partners are watching us.” I whisper this to Kyle as we stand at the counter of the bar near the new apartment he shares with Matt. We’ve only been here once or twice since they moved in last month, but this is a special occasion. Technically Kyle’s buying the drinks in case we’re carded. I never got a fake I.D. because I’ve been legal to drink at home for years.

To his credit, Kyle doesn’t turn around like most people would. He just sighs. “They’re probably wondering how they got stuck with the cranky-ass ones.” His mouth quirks.

I’ve gotten to know Kyle better now that I’m at Matt’s so much. I laugh and shake my head. “No, they’re not.”

We collect a tray of shots and he looks at me, smiling now. “I know. Can you believe it?”

I shake my head again and we start back to the booth where Matt and Lani and Holly and Noah are waiting for us. “Nope! But I thank my lucky stars for it every day.”

* * *

MATT

“Jealous?” Lani’s voice is teasing.

I drag my eyes away from Annika, who is laughing with Kyle at the counter and give Lani an amused look. Holly and Noah are sitting behind us, whispering furiously.

“Nah. You?” She has a good sense of humor and she’s fun to tease. Though not as much fun as Annika. Lani shakes her head, smiling widely.

“Actually, I was just thinking that your boyfriend is conveniently keeping anyone at the bar from hitting on my girlfriend. So thanks for the loan.” I nod in their direction.

“You’re welcome. But you know she doesn’t need Kyle. Annika has a force field all her own.” We watch the two of them walk back to our table.

“Yeah,” I agree. “There’s definitely something to be said for dating a girl everyone on campus thinks is a bitch. And they all seem to think I’m just in it for her looks too.”

That one always gets me. I mean, she’s stunning but that’s not what I love about her.

“I know what you mean. Sometimes I think Kyle is my very own secret.” Her tone is serious now.

“That’s exactly how I feel about Annika.” I shoot her a glance and whisper. “It’s awesome!”

Lani’s tinkling laughter draws Kyle’s eyes and he makes a beeline to her side while Annika sets a tray of shot glasses on the table.

“Okay, folks! In honor of Matt turning twenty-one today I’m treating you all to vodka shots. Russian vodka shots.” Annika can barely suppress her grin and she sends me a sidelong glance that’s hot as fuck.

I groan and lean my head back against the wall because she does like to torture me.

“Seriously?” I ask her. But it’s hard to keep the smile off my face.

She nods and winks at me as she passes around the shot glasses. “But I’m cutting you off after one, Matt.”

“Seriously?” I demand again, starting to feel offended.

She nods again. “It’s another do-over,” she whispers, leaning in. She’s practically giggling and it’s cute as hell. “So don’t pass out on me because I’ve got plans.”

Okay, I’m feeling slightly mollified now. And super turned on. I shift in my seat and pull her down next to me, grumbling.

Everyone lifts a glass except Noah so we all look at him.

“Nope. I’m training.”

We all start talking at the same time then. Ever since Noah started training for the New York City marathon he’s been impossible to hang out with.

“Just one!”

“C’mon, man!”

“For Matt?”

The wheedling continues, but Noah just shakes his head.

“I’m pretty sure this is what those PSAs in middle school warned me about. But I will not succumb to peer pressure and stray from my wholesome life choices.” He leans back, looking smug.

When we all dig into him again he puts his hands over his ears and starts muttering something that sounds like gibberish.

“Arr-mah-weer-um-kway-cah-no….”

Holly claps a hand over her mouth to smother her laughter, but the rest of us just stare.

“It’s Latin,” she giggles. “Oh, Noah!” She shakes her head.

“What?” Noah says, looking perplexed. “Like you all haven’t had to memorize some epic poem!” When we still look baffled, he frowns. “What do you guys do in your classes?”

We’re all convulsing with laughter then. I mean, we’re pretty used to Noah and his scholarly obsessions, but he’s still got surprises left.

“Okay!” Annika tries again. “Noah’s earned his waiver so the rest of us can toast Matt.” She turns to me, looking radiant. “To Matt! The realest, smartest, smoothest, sexiest, all around goodest guy I know.” She finishes with something in Estonian as we crack up again.

“Happy birthday!” my friends call out, slamming down their glasses. I see a few grimaces as the vodka hits. Suddenly I’m uncomfortably warm so I hide my face in Annika’s neck.

“What did you say at the end?” I ask in her ear.

She swivels to look at me, grinning. “And the best fuck.”

So now I’m hot and she’s so going to get it. I stand up, pulling her up with me. “Thanks so much, folks! I look forward to more birthday celebrations just like this as the rest of you catch up to me and Kyle and Lani. Hey,” I pause, frowning at Annika. “When’s your birthday anyway?”

Her arms and smile go super-wide. “Fourth of July!”

Our friends are hooting and laughing, but all I see is Annika. I shake my head, feeling awed.

“It’s fate!” I whisper. She nods happily, tangling her fingers with mine.

I turn back to the table. “So! As a couple, we’ve been running a three-month deficit but we’ve implemented a stimulus package that has upped productivity significantly. We better get back to work, Anni,” I say this as solemnly as I can but only Annika bursts out laughing. It’s good to know I still got it when I need it.

“Yes, sir!”

I shoot her a warning look as our friends wave us away, their taunts trailing after us.

“Stimulus package, my ass!”

“Get out of here with that kinky shit!”

We don’t need to be told twice.