Roommates with Complicated Benefits: Complicated Benefits, #2

By J. S. Cooper

What do tequila, furry handcuffs, shame, and a 6' 2" hot man with a black eye all have in common?

They were all in my bed last night.

Well, shame was there this morning.

 

My asshole roommate up and moved out and rented her "room" to some guy her brother's coworker's cousin "knows really well." The aforementioned roommate thinks we'll get on like a house on fire. I tell her I don't think anything related to fire is a good thing. Especially as this guy and I will now quite literally be sharing the same room, with a divider for "privacy."

 

Sounds bad, right? Well, it gets worse.

 

Ethan Huntington is the most annoying, frustrating know-it-all, pompous jerk I've ever met. I did try to be open and ask him about himself when he moved in. But his responses consisted of, "Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies." Yeah, okay. Cue major eye rolls as I walked away from him. It only made me angrier when I heard him laughing as I slammed the door as if he'd gotten the last laugh.

 

He thinks he's God's gift to women just because he's hot. I can't lie: I've seen him without his shirt, and let's just say he got more than my heart racing. But that doesn't mean I'll succumb to him. No way.

 

Well, that was the plan. Until that night. When we decided to play a few rounds of cards and we drank way too much. Sure, we had one night. But that's all it's going to be. I'm not going to let my one-night mistake stop me from going out and meeting Mr. Right—even if Ethan is still living with me and I can't get him out of my mind.

 

And then the first letter arrived and changed everything. Maybe that one-night mistake was just the beginning of something really special.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. S. Cooper
• Release date: May 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393892724

J. S. Cooper

J.S. Cooper is the New York Times bestselling author of multiple indie-published books, including the Ex Games series, the Private Club series, and the Martelli Brothers series. Born in London, she now lives in the US, where she is currently working on the next book in the Swept Away series.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Molly

---

I’ve been living in New York City for exactly three weeks. Three weeks in a hotel, and now my savings are almost gone. I’d been stupid enough to get a place in Times Square because I thought, as all British people think, that it would be really fun and exciting to live in Times Square. But I soon gathered that it was only tourists and newcomers like me that thought that.

I scoured the newspaper, looking for roommate listings. I needed to find an apartment. And unfortunately, I needed to find one that had a roommate because the salary I was earning in my new job wasn’t anywhere near enough to get my own place in New York City by myself. Not that I would tell my parents or my friends back home that because they already thought I was absolutely crazy. I’d left a perfectly good flat in London. Yes, it was only a one-bedroom flat, and it was on the ground floor, but it was still my own.

I’d jumped at the opportunity to come to New York to work for an up-and-coming fashion designer. Granted, my particular role wasn’t very exciting. I photographed the clothes, trying to make them look good on the models, which wasn’t hard because my boss, Marcia Fredricks, was really talented and she made the most amazing clothes; well, some of her clothes were nice. But she hadn’t made it yet, and as such, I hadn’t made it yet. And on my salary, I needed a roommate. But I didn’t mind because I also had dreams about being on stage and what better place to get a role in the theater than in New York City?

I frowned as I looked at yet another ad that offered lower rent in exchange for personal favors: Single white male seeking female. Rent lowered in exchange for nightly massages and other duties. Call 718-555-2289, I read out loud and rolled my eyes.

Yeah, right. Not interested.

I kept looking, but there was nothing that looked like it was going to work for me. It sucked. I had no friends in the city, aside from some coworkers, and it wasn’t like I could ask them to find me a place. I mean, this was Manhattan. They probably had trouble finding an affordable place themselves.

I turned the page in the newspaper and paused. Hmm. This seems interesting, I muttered out loud, trying to ignore the screaming and shouting coming from the street below.

I was really ready to be out of Times Square. Not only was it obnoxiously loud, but I was pretty sure that there were bed bugs in the mattress. I didn’t have the budget for a nice hotel in Times Square; I was in some cheap hotel around the corner from the nice ones. And let’s just say there was a reason why the rooms were so cheap. I scratched my leg and tried to ignore the itch.

Don’t think about it, Molly. Don’t think about it, I told myself as it started to itch even more. "Ooh, what’s this? This looks interesting.

---

That didn’t sound half bad. Single female seeking single female for roommate. Nice apartment in the Upper West Side. Two bedroom, very private.. Looking for friendly, outgoing, and easy-going roommate. If that’s you, contact me at 510-555-2210.

---

I grabbed my phone and quickly called my best friend Henrietta, hoping she’d pick up. Please answer, Henri. Please answer!

Hi, Molly. Is that you? she yawned.

Oh no, I didn’t wake you up, did I, Henrietta?

No. I was just about to fall asleep, though. It’s ten o’clock here, you know.

That’s nothing. You don’t normally go to bed until midnight.

I know, but I had a long day today.

Oh?

Yeah, remember I told you I started my new job?

Oh, yeah. How’s it going?

Not bad. Quite boring, if I’m honest. I mean, you’ve never heard of an interesting chartered accountant, have you?

I guess not. I laughed. Guess what?

You met a handsome American man who wants to marry you?

I wish.

Let me see. You met a handsome Canadian man that wants to marry you?

I haven’t met any handsome men. You know I’ve basically just been at work this whole time.

You need to get out, Molly. That’s part of the experience. You got to meet a handsome Yank.

I smiled. They don’t call them Yanks here, you know.

Yeah, but you’re not from there. You’ve only been there, what? It’s not even been a month yet, has it?

No, it hasn’t. And you know, I’m feeling awfully homesick.

Yeah. But you don’t have to stay there very long, do you? Isn’t your contract just for a year?

Yeah. It’s for a year. But if it goes well, it will be extended. Well, at least I hope so. I don’t really know how this visa stuff works, you know?

Yeah, that’s true. But we miss you. I hope you do come home in a year.

Well, of course I’ll visit. Even if I extend the contract and you have to come out to visit me, too. Didn’t you say that you love New York?

You know I love New York. I’m going to try and come in a couple of months when I can get some time off work. I can’t really leave right now as I just started.

Yeah, I get it.

So, what was your news, Molly?

 Well, I was just about to say that. I think I found an apartment that will be absolutely amazing.

Oh, yeah? How many men do you have to suck off for that one then?

Henrietta, you know I’m not going to do that! I laughed.

Henrietta was the only friend that I’d told about the naughty sounding ads I was finding in the newspaper. We’d been best friends since primary school. I could tell her any and everything. She was the only friend who really understood why I’d packed up and come to New York City. Everyone had told me that I was mad. I’d been working for a top magazine in London. I had my own flat. I’d been dating a guy, not seriously and not for very long, but he was stable and nice.

Everyone thought I’d been absolutely bonkers to give it all up to come to the States. But I knew it was something I needed to do. You didn’t get these chances often. And at 28 years old, I knew that if I were to wait even a couple of more years, I probably wouldn’t have the same energy and excitement to try out a new country.

So is it with a man, then?

No. You know I’m not going to live with a man. It’s with a woman and—

"Oh, gosh, Single White Female! You’ve seen that movie, right?"

"Henrietta, I saw Single White Female years and years ago. And we don’t even know if she’s white."

Okay. I’m just telling you to watch out.

What, would you rather me live with a crazy man that wants me to bathe him?

No, but you know they’re all crazy over there in the States. They’re psycho.

They’re not psycho, Henrietta. You can’t say those sorts of things.

I can say those sorts of things to you.

I laughed. Well, anyway, this apartment sounds really great. I’m going to call, and hopefully, I’ll get in, and hopefully, it’s as good as it sounds.

Yeah. Let me know, then. She yawned again. Oh, Molly, I’m sorry, but I’m falling back asleep. Can we talk tomorrow?

Yeah. I’m going to give this lady a call anyway and see how the flat is.

You mean you haven’t even spoken to her and you think it sounds amazing? Henrietta giggled. You are mad, aren’t you? They’re rubbing off on you already.

I’m not mad. I just got excited. Thanks for the chat. I just wanted to speak to a friendly voice. I’m a little bit lonely, you know, not really knowing anyone here.

I know Molly, but that’s why you’ve got to get out. Join a dating app or something. Meet someone new.

Yeah … I don’t want to do that just yet. I’m trying to concentrate on the job.

I understand that. See if you can’t go out with your workmates.

Yeah. I think we’re going to go out for a drink this weekend, hopefully. And then, you know, maybe I’ll meet some of their friends and that sort of thing. Meet some new people.

Just don’t go and replace me, okay?

I could never replace you, Henrietta.

I know. Anyway, ta-dah, darling. I love you.

"Love you too. Bye.

Bye.

---

Three Months Later

CHAPTER 1

Ethan

---

There’s something about watching your brother make cow-eyes at his girlfriend that makes you feel kind of sick.

At least it made me feel kind of sick. My older brother, Harry, had never been the sort of guy to fawn over women, but here he was, hanging on Sarah’s every word.

I wanted to belch or fart or something.

So, Ethan, what are you thinking about finding your own girlfriend? Sarah sent a sly smile in my direction.

I tried not to roll my eyes. The love on her face did make me happy for my brother, but it also annoyed me. Just because they’d found love didn’t mean I had to find love. It was the last thing that I wanted. The very last thing.

I don’t think I really need a girlfriend right now, do you guys? I’m just trying to figure out what I want to do next in life.

Aren’t you a bit old for that? Harry stood up, walked over to the bar that he had in his apartment, grabbed the whiskey decanter, and poured more into his crystal glass. Don’t you think it’s time you grew up?

"Oh, no way. I know you are not saying that to me. Really? I stood up and grabbed the whiskey bottle from him. Dude, I’m not trying to be funny, I looked over at Sarah, but you’ve been in love for barely two seconds, and you’re preaching to me? You used to get around town like—"

Hey, hey, hey! Harry frowned at me. Not in front of Sarah.

Sarah started laughing. Harry, I’ve been your best friend for years. I know that you used to be a dog.

Hey, I never was a dog! He shook his head. Okay. Maybe a little bit of a dog, but a cute one. A very, very cute one.

Oh, the cutest! Sarah went over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. That’s why I decided to date you.

You decided to date me because you love me, he replied before kissing her on the lips.

Geez! I groaned. Guys, I didn’t come over here to watch you guys make out. I thought you wanted to talk about business—

I did want to talk about business, but Sarah’s here right now, and—

And what? I said, suddenly frustrated. It means I have to watch you guys kiss and tell me I need to be in a relationship?

We’re not saying that you need to be in a relationship, Sarah said gently, her eyes shining. I just think you’d be really happy if you found a nice girl.

That’s okay, thanks. I’m not really into nice women. I winked at her. I like them bad, you know? I’m a bit of a rough and tumble sort of guy.

Really, Ethan? Harry hit me in the shoulder. Not in front of Sarah.

Harry, I’m not a baby or a little doll. Sarah laughed. I can handle your brother telling me that he’s into kinky sex.

"Well, I didn’t say I was into kinky sex— I stopped as I saw the warning on Harry’s face. Anyways, I’m not looking for a good girl. At least not right now. Maybe in ten, twenty, thirty years."

Thirty years? Sarah exclaimed, laughing. What?

You’re all talk, Harry said snorts. Whatever.

Whatever, I mock him. Just because you got yourself settled down doesn’t mean that me and the other brothers are going to.

Yeah, we’ll see about that, Harry said with a smile. So, his voice suddenly becomes serious, I’ve been going over the books, and I feel like we’re gonna need your help.

I rolled my eyes. Need my help with what?

There’s some money missing from one of the accounts. I think we need an internal investigation.

What’d you mean, there’s money missing? I frowned. How much money?

A couple million dollars, Harry said quietly.

Sarah’s jaw dropped. No way!

Yeah. Harry nodded and gestured toward the couch. Come on, let’s sit down.

So what do you want me to do about it? I asked as I took a seat.

Well, no one really knows you at the office.

What are you talking about? Everyone knows me at Huntington Enterprises.

It’s not at Huntington Enterprises that we’ve got the issue.

Oh? So where is the issue?

It’s at that new real estate company that we purchased. Eklund Morrison Realty.

Didn’t we change the name to Huntington Realty?

Yeah, but it hasn’t officially gone through yet, remember? That’s next month.

Okay. So what do you want me to do?

I’ve been going over the books from the merger, and there’s a couple million missing. So we need to figure out who’s doctoring the books or who’s taking the money and ensure that they’re not with the company much longer.

And you want me to figure this out?

Ethan, you trained as a private investigator. You’re the best guy for the job. We need someone that can be trusted.

Any investigation company can be trusted.

I don’t want just anyone. I want you.

Really? You know that I—

This is our family company, Ethan. This is important. I know you don’t want to take over the business, and that’s fine, but you’re not doing anything else right now.

It’s only because I sold my last startup.

Yeah. We all know you sold your tech startup for ten million, and you don’t need the family money. Harry rolled his eyes. But the family needs you, okay?

It’s not about the money. I don’t care about money.

Sure you don’t. Harry chuckled. You love money. You wear Rolexes, you’ve got Tom Ford suits. Don’t think I didn’t see that Maserati you pulled up in.

Well, I like nice cars. Doesn’t everyone?

Dude, you couldn’t survive a minute without money.

Really? You don’t think I could survive without money?

Dude, you live in a penthouse, you drive a Maserati. You have never had to worry about money.

Yeah, and I could still survive without it.

No, you couldn’t! Imagine if you had roommates. Harry started laughing. There’s just no way.

You don’t think that I can live with a roommate? I had roommates in college.

Okay, and that was because you were in a frat, and you guys partied all the time.

So? I could do roommates now.

Okay, Harry said with a small smile. Let’s see.

What do you mean, let’s see?

I dare you to live in an apartment with a roommate for the next six months.

What? Why?

Because you said you could do it.

Yeah, I don’t need to prove it to you.

I bet you $100.

$100? That’s it?

Well, you said you don’t care about money, and it’s about more than money anyway. It’s about the principle of the situation. Can you or can you not survive in a world without money?

You don’t think I could?

No. Let’s make this interesting, he said. Find an apartment with a roommate and live only on the salary that you make as an investigator for six months. Then I won’t bother you with any help with the family business ever again.

Really? You will never mention it again, and Dad will never mention it again?

I promise.

Fine, sounds good to me.

Fine.

Harry nodded as if he’d gotten everything that he wanted, and I stared at him suspiciously.

Why did I feel like I’d just fallen into a trap?

CHAPTER 2

Molly

---

Henrietta, I have no idea what I’m going to do. I think I should just come home. What do you think? I knew I was whining, but if you can’t whine to your best friend, then who can you whine to?

Molly, it’s going to be fine. I promise. You’ve only been in New York for a few months. It’s going to get better.

"I have the roommate from hell, girl, and I have the worst job in the world, and nothing seems like it’s going to be getting better."

Well, she’s not literally the roommate from hell. Your apartment’s not burning up, is it?

It might as well be. I told you what she did last week, right? I came home. She wasn’t in, and the pot was still on the stovetop, burning. She nearly started a fire!

Yeah … That’s not good.

No, it’s not good. And when she finally came home and I showed her the burnt pot of rice, do you know what she said to me?

No. What did she say?

"She said to me, ‘Looks like you burnt your rice, Molly. Maybe you should pay more attention.’ Maybe I should pay more attention? I was like, bitch, please!"

You did not call her a bitch, did you? Henri sounded excited.

"No, of course I didn’t actually call her a bitch. I mean, I wanted to, but I’m too nice."

You’re not too nice to call her a bitch.