“What the hell!”
This wasn’t here this morning. I don’t need to look inside to know this is Charlie’s cosplay crap; she’s written it neatly in block letters on top. She has a huge closet in her room. Why did she store her shit here?
Son of a bitch. It’s bad enough that she’s taken over my thoughts—I can’t stop thinking about her—but now she’s taken over my entire house.
I shove the boxes back into the closet, then go grab a beer from the fridge. I don’t want to get into an argument with her now. The boys are coming in a few, so we can chill out and plan our next trip in December when our season is over. I’m jonesing for adventure and also to get Charlie out of my system. Too bad it’s only the beginning of October.
The door opens with a bang, and Andreas comes in, carrying a case of beer. Danny follows, holding two bags full of snacks. Andreas wanted to throw a party, but I’m completely destroyed. The idea of cleaning up tomorrow makes the idea even less appealing.
“So, is your roomie home?” He sets the beer on the kitchen counter.
“Her car is parked in front of the house, so I’m assuming yes.”
“Excellent. I can’t wait to meet her.” He rubs his hands together.
“Don’t even think about it,” I warn him.
He widens his eyes innocently. “Since when can you read my mind?”
“I know you.”
“Should we order pizza now? I’m starving.” Danny opens a can of potato chips and shoves a handful in his mouth.
“Yeah, go ahead,” I tell him.
“Wait. It’s your house. Why do I have to order? I got the chips.”
Groaning, I reach for my phone. “Fine.”
The doorbell rings then, and I glare at Andreas. “You’d better not have invited anyone here.”
He raises both hands. “I didn’t. I swear.”
Suspicious, I jump off the couch and check the door through the window. There’s a guy standing outside, and judging by his posture and fidgeting, he seems nervous. He’d better not be a salesman.
I open the door. “Can I help you?”
His eyes snap to mine, and a second later, his jaw drops. “You’re Troy Alexander.”
“Yes… and you are?”
“Ah, sorry. My name is Jacob Mueller. I’m here to pick up Charlie?”
Ugh, I hate people who end a statement as if they’re asking a question. I keep my expression neutral, but my mind is whirling. Charlie is going on a date with this guy?
I open the door wider and let him through. “I don’t think she’s ready yet.”
“Oh yeah, I’m a bit early. She didn’t mention her roommate was you.”
I shut the door hard. I’m aggravated, and I don’t know why. Who cares if Charlie is going out on a date?
“Who’s the preppy boy?” Andreas asks from the kitchen.
“I’m Jacob Mueller, Charlie’s date. You’re Andreas Rossi,” he says in awe.
“Sure am. Are you a football fan?”
The guy chuckles. “Am I a fan? Yeah, you can say that. Great game today, by the way.”
“What the fuck are you talking about? We almost lost,” I retort angrily.
The guy’s face goes paler. “I mean, yeah, but you didn’t.”
The sound of Charlie’s hurried footsteps down the stairs makes me turn. Fuck me. She’s wearing a burgundy bodycon dress that leaves nothing to the imagination. It’s a dress that screams she wants to get laid. My cock immediately reacts, but it’s fury that’s coursing through my veins now. She wants to bang a loser like Jacob Mueller?
Why do I care? Damn it!
Andreas wolf-whistles, adding fuel to my anger. I’ll never hear the end of it.
“Hi, Jacob.” Charlie smiles at the guy, completely ignoring me. “Am I late? I lost track of time.”
“You’re not late. Romeo was so nervous, he got here early,” I reply bitterly.
Charlie throws me a questioning glance, and then I see she’s wearing makeup. She went all out for this guy. An ugly emotion swirls in my chest, and it feels like jealousy. I must have suffered a head injury on the field today because that’s the only explanation for my reaction.
“He’s not lying. I was a bit nervous,” Jacob confesses.
Charlie smiles. “That’s sweet. Well, we should head out then.”
“Hold on.” Andreas walks around the kitchen counter. “Introductions are in order.”
I suppress a groan, pressing a fist against my forehead. He already knew Charlie was good-looking, but she’s fucking gorgeous tonight. He’ll be all over her, date or no date. I bet he already forgot we’re supposed to dislike her.
“Let me guess. You’re on the team,” Charlie deadpans.
“Running back, babe. The name is Andreas, but you can call me Andy.”
She narrows her eyes. “Right. Well, nice to meet you, Andreas.” She glances at Danny, who hasn’t moved from his spot. “And you too, Pringles Boy.”
Danny arches his eyebrows, but since he’s chewing, he doesn’t reply.
As soon as Charlie and Jacob leave, Andreas whirls on me. “Dude, Charlie is way hotter than I thought.”
“Don’t let all that makeup fool you.” I let the venom drip from my tongue.
Damn it. I am jealous.
“I know a beautiful woman when I see one. Since she’s your roommate, I’m going to ask, are you planning to tap that? Because if you aren’t, then I’m game.”
I glower at him. “Don’t even think about it.”
His eyes become rounder. He lifts his hands, palms facing me, and steps back. “Okay, okay. Just checking. I won’t get in your way.”
“That’s not why—you know what? Forget it.”
“Is it wise to hook up with your roommate though?” Danny asks.
“I’m not going to hook up with her,” I grit out.
“Then why were you acting like that Jacob guy stole your candy from under your nose?” Andreas quirks an eyebrow.
“I wasn’t.” I return to the couch to grab my phone.
“Sorry, bro. Your head might know Charlie is the enemy, but your dick sure doesn’t.”
“Fuck off, Andy.” I keep my attention on the phone.
“Are you finally ordering food?” Danny asks.
“No. Change of plans. We’re having a party.”
CHARLIE
This has been the worst date of my life. Jacob spent the entire dinner yapping about football and how Troy is a god among us. How could Vivian set me up with a football fanatic? And if he’s such a fan, doesn’t he know I was the one who wrote the nasty article about Troy?
Jacob seems oblivious that I want to gag him with a chain saw as he drives me back home. I’m ready to bail as soon as he parks the car in front of my house, but it isn’t to be. The house is packed with random people. Some are outside, chatting animatedly, and loud music can be heard, even from inside the car.
I can’t believe this. Troy decided to throw a party without telling me? That’s fucking wrong.
“Whoa. I didn’t know you were having a party tonight.” Jacob drives past our house instead of stopping, so I can get out.