Four Can Play That Game: Roommate series, #1

By J.L. Ostle

One house. Three God-like men. What more can a girl ask for?
Her sanity.

Finishing college, at a new school, with new people; Jamie Boyd just wanted to make some new friends and fun memories.

But she never expected to bump into three gorgeous, hot as sin men. Men who ignited something inside of her that she never thought existed.

With a case of mistaken identity, it turns out that the same three guys are now her new roommates and they don't like the idea of her moving in. Watching her each day, craving her, wanting what they can't have.

Determined to make her life a living hell. They are willing to do everything and anything until she leaves.

Too bad for them that she doesn't cave that easily.
She is ready to play dirty.

Will they get their way? Or will they get more than they bargained for?

This book is a reverse harem (one woman, three guys) contains sexual content and mature language. Recommended for 18 and over

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.L. Ostle
• Release date: Jul 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201688479

Book preview

Dedicated

I always dedicate my books

to my little boy, I love you Jake with all my heart.

I also want to dedicate this book to my bartenders/friends who I stole the names from for my two leading men Benjamin and Zeal. Hope you like your fictional characters.

Copyright 2018 J.L. Ostle

All rights reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including but not limited to; photocopying, recording or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to peoples either living or deceased is purely coincidental. Names, places, and characters are figments of the authors imagination, or, if real, used fictitiously. The author recognizes the trademarks and copyrights of all registered products and works mentioned within this work.

All rights reserved.

Edited by Kyra Lennon

Formatted by Leigh Stone

Cover by Kathryn Jacoby

Chapter 1

Looking out the window , I sigh, feeling the butterflies deep in my stomach. I feel like I’m twelve again, starting a new school. Technically, I am starting a new school; well, college. Doesn’t help that I’m joining in the last half of my senior year.

I turn from the window, looking at my parents in the front of the car. My mother’s hand is entwined with my fathers on the gearshift.

We moved to Seattle a couple of months ago, to be closer to my mom’s doctor, the one who has been with her since we found she had cancer six years ago.

The scariest six years of my life.

When Doctor Peters had to transfer hospitals, my parents wanted to be as close to him as possible. Even though my mother is now in recovery, and the tests have come back clear, my father doesn’t want to leave anything to chance. If anything involves my mother, he would move mountains just to make sure she’s safe.

They told me I didn’t have to come with them, that I could stay to finish my degree back home, but there was no way I was going to be that far away from them. At least here, I’m only a couple of hours away.

Luckily, with my grades and honors, the transfer was easy. The only issue with me joining so late was when it came to accommodation. There were no dorm rooms available, which meant I had to find a place just outside of campus. It would be too much, driving back and forth from my parents’ to college every day. It also didn’t help that we only have the one car, and I know my parents will need it. I just hope my roommates are nice and not bitchy know-it-alls.

I had a dream last week that I was in the TV show Gossip Girl, and even though it was my dream, I didn’t fit in. I was invisible. I had no friends, and my last months on campus were a living nightmare.

Thank God it was just a dream, even though it felt more like a nightmare.

I just hope I make friends. I’m not weird or anything. Well, not that weird.

I like to think everyone has something weird about them. I think my weirdness is that I’m stubborn, talkative, I can be quite bubbly, and I like to think I would try everything at least once. Unless you’re a dick, then I put my bitch face on to keep those kinds of people away.

Grabbing my phone, I go on Snapchat, using the head-flower filter, and do a stick-out tongue pose before typing, ‘ready for my new life.’ I look at the photo, looking at my long wavy brown hair, bright green eyes, and pale skin.

I am the double of my mom.

I look back up to her, looking at her brown hair, knowing it’s a wig. You wouldn’t know it was one, but I know my mom misses her real hair. I remember when I was younger, I used to watch her getting ready for parties, seeing her do all these fancy up-dos. I liked that she would experiment with different styles with my hair.

She turns, giving me a warm smile, which I return. She winks before looking at my father adoringly. As if he knows she’s watching him, he turns to face her quickly, lifting her hand and kissing her knuckles before placing their hands back on the gearshift.

Never letting go.

I want what they have. That love that will always shine through, no matter what.

When the car stops, I look back out the window to see my new home. It looks quite cute from the front. There’s a light grey path that leads to the house, with freshly cut grass at either side.

Opening the door, I step out, stretching my legs and leaning back against the car. I’m already having second thoughts. Maybe I could drive back and forth. Could get a second-hand car and just cope with traveling each day. At least I know I’d be closer to Mom if she needs me.

I know what you’re thinking. You are staying here. We’ll be fine, my dad says in my ear before opening the trunk and grabbing my suitcases.

What if you need me? What if something happens? I turn, facing him. I feel one of my mom’s arms wrap around me. She places her other hand on mine, pulling me in, kissing my cheek.

Nothing is going to happen, and if anything ever does, then we will call you. That’s what mobile phones are for. Stepping around me, she places her hands on my shoulders. You have been amazing, sweetie, but it’s time for you to finish college, get your degree, and also have some fun. You need to enjoy life. She looks into my eyes.

I don’t want to leave you. Tears prickle my eyes.

She pulls me in for a hug, holding me tightly. You aren’t leaving me; you’re just going to college. I want you to enjoy these last few months, as well as studying, of course. She sighs. You and your father have been my rock these last few years. You had to grow up so fast. She cups my face with her palms. I’m on the mend. I’m stronger now. Please, for me, just be a normal kid. Well, a young woman. We giggle. Study, party, and... she pauses before leaning closer to me. ... kiss plenty of boys.

I heard that! Dad shouts, causing us both to laugh.

Good, then you know I give our daughter permission to kiss as many boys as possible. I look at Dad, with his thick dark brown hair and light green eyes, who doesn’t look too pleased. Kissing though. I don’t give permission to anything else. She winks at me.

Of course, Mom.

She pulls me in for another hug. That’s my baby girl. Now, let’s get you moved in.

I hand Mom the key that was posted out to me, and Dad and I grab a few suitcases and make our way up the path. Once we’re inside, I’m shocked to see how tidy it is.

The living area is very spacious with two charcoal-colored couches, a large TV being the main focus. I even notice a mini bar at the far end of the room. The kitchen is to the right; it looks like there is every imaginable machine in there.

I walk towards the first door to my right to find it’s locked. I try three others door, each locked, but one is a small bathroom. There is a door on the opposite side of the others left to go, and I sigh with happiness to find it unlocked.

The room is quite spacious. There is a huge bed to my left, dominating the room, with a desk opposite it. I walk over to see a note and a key.

Hey, hope you found the place okay. Sorry we couldn’t be here to greet you, but we had classes. They key is for your privacy in your room. Will see you later. B.

T hat was nice of them to leave a note, Mom says, reading over my shoulder. She opens one of my suitcases, grabbing the bed sheets. I walk over, taking them from her. She gives me a look. You do know I’m not an invalid? I think I can manage making a bed.

I know that, I just don’t want you to overdo it.

Between you and your father, I’m never going to lift a finger to help out ever again, am I?

Dad and I look at each other before replying at the same time. Nope. Dad and I chuckle and Mom rolls her eyes.

Dad goes back to the car and grabs the last of the boxes and bags while I start making my bed. Mom starts to put my clothes away, even though I tell her not to, but she ignores me.

I know where I get my stubbornness from.

Mom opens a door and yelps. I stop what I’m doing, rushing to her to find out that she was surprised that my room is an en-suite. I have my own bathroom.

Bonus.

When I saw the advertisement online, it never said there was an adjoined bathroom. My roommates never mentioned it when messaging back and forth. It’s not a huge bathroom, but I have my own shower, toilet, and sink. At least there won’t be any problems in the mornings.

Once everything is unpacked, Dad and I take the empty boxes to the car and it’s when he steps in front of me that I feel overwhelmed again. I wrap my arms around his middle. He hugs me back, squeezing me tightly. I step back, looking over to my mom to see tears in her eyes. I hug her just as tightly, not wanting to let go.

For six years, nasty thoughts always crept into my head.

What if she died?

What if she left this world way too soon?

What if she never sees me graduate college? Have kids. Get married.

Those thoughts were what kept me up all night, sobbing into my pillow.

I love you, I whisper.

I love you too, sweetie. She steps back, and I watch them get back in the car. I keep watching until I no longer see them.

I don’t know how long I stand there, but when a gust of wind hits me, I walk back into the house. I grab my bag, locking my bedroom door since the others have. I decide to take a trip to campus, using my phone as a GPS. I need to grab my class schedule and I guess there’s no time like the present.

Chapter 2

It didn’t take long for me to get to campus. It was roughly a fifteen-minute walk, and I don’t mind doing that every day. Looking at the big building, seeing students walking in and out, I feel like an ant. A tiny fish in the ocean.

I take in a deep breath and move my legs, walking through the entrance door. I don’t know why I was expecting a grand entrance. I think I’ve watched too many movies. I was expecting people to look my way and start pointing and whispering, wondering who the new girl is, but, nope. No one even gives me a second look. Not as much as a first, either. To them, I’m an everyday student who has probably been here as long as they have.

Following the signs, it doesn’t take me long until I’m in front of the main office. I’ve printed out the school’s floor plan so I won’t get lost. I’m looking at it, making sure I’m going the right way, when I bang into something hard. My hands fly around when I feel myself falling backward. Expecting my ass to hit the floor hard, I’m surprised when arms wrap around me. I look up to see a very attractive guy looking down at me with a worried look, and I feel like all the wind has rushed right out of me.

Fuck my life. He is the most beautiful man I have ever seen.

Did I hit my head? Am I dreaming? No way a guy this good-looking is a student here. He looks like he could be a professional model with his perfect jaw structure. His eyes are the brightest blue I have ever seen. His hair is mousy brown and a little messy, but in a good way.

Are you okay? he asks.

Why am I still gawping at him?

I can’t form words.

Speak, woman.

Fine... I’m, I mumble, and he smiles. Then my mind processes what I just said. I shake my head, wanting to give myself a slap. I mean, I’m fine. He beams at me, and, oh my God, if he wasn’t still holding me, that smile would have made my knees weak, causing them to buckle. Thank you for catching me.

Anytime. I notice he doesn’t make a move to let me go.

But I’m not complaining. I never want him to let go. I love how he’s holding me.

I was trying to find my way to the main office. I bite my lip and his eyes go to my mouth. My mouth goes dry. I’m so tempted to lick my lips, but I don’t want him to think I’m doing it on purpose.

You new here? He finally stands up straighter but his hands don’t leave me. They move to my hips, his body still close to mine.

Yeah, can’t you tell? I chuckle. I have to look at the campus floor plan to make sure I don’t get lost.

That’s why you bumped into me? His smile gets bigger.

Afraid so. His eyes stay connected to mine, making my