Slumming It Series by S.M. Shade

I am in over my head.My decision to run from my comfortable upper-class life was an impulsive one, but I’m determined not to regret it. It’s true I have no car, have already been fired from my first job, and can’t cook without starting a fire, but I can do this. Anything is better than the life I was raised to lead as some successful man’s arm candy... moreI am in over my head.My decision to run from my comfortable upper-class life was an impulsive one, but I’m determined not to regret it. It’s true I have no car, have already been fired from my first job, and can’t cook without starting a fire, but I can do this. Anything is better than the life I was raised to lead as some successful man’s arm candy. I’m adjusting to my new circumstances living with three roommates on Violent Circle, a neighborhood known for being eccentric at best and an insanity filled edible trip any other day. On my own for the first time, I am quickly realizing there’s a lot I need to learn, so signing up for the adulting club that teaches life skills at college seems like the perfect solution. Until I walk into the first meeting and come face to face with my gorgeous economics teacher. Screw learning how to change a tire or file your taxes. There are much more adult things I want this man to teach me. less

It started with a summer job and a ridiculous sex dream.If you were to ask my friends to describe me, they’d tell you I’m an ambitious person. Responsible, driven, and focused on my goals. Words like stubborn and uptight would probably get thrown in there too. I’m not sure about that, but I know who I’m not.I’m not the woman who lets a guy derail me from my plans. Watching others make that mistake has taught me well. No serious dating... moreIt started with a summer job and a ridiculous sex dream.If you were to ask my friends to describe me, they’d tell you I’m an ambitious person. Responsible, driven, and focused on my goals. Words like stubborn and uptight would probably get thrown in there too. I’m not sure about that, but I know who I’m not.I’m not the woman who lets a guy derail me from my plans. Watching others make that mistake has taught me well. No serious dating. No relationship until I’m successfully settled into my career. That’s the promise I made to myself and I’m determined to keep it.Despite being an excellent student, there’s one lesson I fear I’ve learned too late. Funny men aren’t as harmless as they seem and should be avoided at all times. They sneak in under your radar and end up under your skirt. One second you’re laughing. The next you’re hunting for your underwear on a hotel room floor. Believe me, it’s not worth it.If only my heart would stop screaming louder than my brain, I might be able to believe that Owen falls into that category. He’s my friend, but every day we spend together in this hotel, or working on our summer job building houses for charity, the harder it gets to convince myself we shouldn’t be more.Years of diligence, and I’m being destroyed by a goofy smile. less

What have I done?Everything was going so well. I have a job that I adore and I just earned my degree in library science.I also have the best friends a girl could want, who weren't about to let my graduation pass without a celebration.It's not their fault. They couldn't have guessed how it would turn out. If I can help it, they'll never know all those drinks lead to Marty's satisfied face smiling down at me in his bed the next morning... moreWhat have I done?Everything was going so well. I have a job that I adore and I just earned my degree in library science.I also have the best friends a girl could want, who weren't about to let my graduation pass without a celebration.It's not their fault. They couldn't have guessed how it would turn out. If I can help it, they'll never know all those drinks lead to Marty's satisfied face smiling down at me in his bed the next morning.My concern when we decided to share this apartment with the guys was that we'd be dealing with a steady stream of women running through Marty's bedroom, not that I'd be one of them.The idea is laughable. Yes, he's good looking. Tall and muscular with golden brown skin from working out in the sun every day. It isn't hard to understand why women fall at his feet when they see him. But I know him.This is the same guy who never misses a chance to take his shirt off to flex around women and once asked his Alexa to call him Daddy.It's safe to say nothing will ever happen between us again. less