Unnaturalism

Chapter One

A/n: Hi everyone! For those of you who don't know me, I'm Nenia Campbell, author of fourteen published books in various genres. I have a Goodreads and a Facebook account if you want to look me up there. I'm currently working on four books and UNNATURALISM is my pet project. Eventually I will publish it for realzies, but for now, please enjoy it for free.

Feedback--critical and non--is very much welcomed. :)

Chapter One

After a night spent cracking an all-nighter for introductory neuroscience, my eyes felt crusty and red-rimmed from exhaustion. I kicked off the covers, and a soft female groan protested the thoughtless gesture. “Piper, what the hell?”

“I didn't think you'd still be here,” I said, smiling, because I was pleased that she was. Shelley Jensen was gorgeous—fair-haired and fair-skinned, bespeaking not so distant Norse ancestry. With her full, pouty lips she reminded me of Lagertha from Vikings.

She threw a pillow at me. “Give me the blankets, you bitch.”

I tossed them at her. “Sweet dreams?”

“Oh, yes.” Shelley batted her eyelashes. “You?”

Images flooded my head—giant creatures with snapping jaws—and I squeezed them back with a tight, compressed smile. “Yeah, same here.” I grinned wider. “Really good.”

“Don't you dare, Piper Sloan,” she said. “You can't I-didn't-think-you'd-still-be-here me, and expect me to fall for your charms.”

“I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way. I really am glad you're here.”

I knew I didn't really offend her—at least, I'm pretty sure I haven't—but she obviously wanted me to spoil her this morning. A prospect that was a little worrying, considering my limited budget. “I'm listening,” she said.

“I'll make you breakfast.”

Shelley sat up a little, groping for her tank top. She looked completely adorable. I felt my heart thaw and melt in quick succession. “What's breakfast?”

You, I thought, but did not say. It was too cheesy, and I didn't want to spoil the moment. This not-quite-awkward post-coital banter. Everything was all so new, I wanted to drink it all in. “Delicious food from the dining commons.”

“Umm.” She shook her head. “No.”

“McDonald's? No?” She gave me an evil look. “How about a donut?”

“Okay,” Shelley said graciously. “You may get me a donut from Eighteenth Hole.”

I sketched a rough curtsy. “Thank you for deigning to condescend to my humble offer, your highness.”

I pulled on my jeans and slid my feet into my sneakers. She leered at me as I snapped on my bra and buttoned up my polo shirt from American Eagle.