Nice Guys Don't Win (The Boys #2) - Micalea Smeltzer Page 0,14

cold pizza?” I ask him. “Or were you too lazy to make an actual breakfast?”

His eyes come back to mine and I can see him fighting not to look down. It’s kind of admirable how much of a gentleman he wants to be. But boobs.

“I don’t mind cooking. I truly love cold leftover pizza.”

“That’s…”

“That’s what?” He prompts, finishing his second slice.

“Interesting. I guess I’ve always been fascinated by every person’s little quirks. Those tiny details of our personality that set us apart from the rest. Lots of people have the favorite color blue, but not everyone eats cold pizza for breakfast.”

His eyes crinkle with a smile. “What’s a quirk of yours?”

I think for a moment. “I never wear matching socks. Not because I’m lazy and can’t match them, but because it feels like this tiny secret rebellion of mine. Society likes to put us in boxes, and most people always wear matching socks, but not conforming to that makes me feel like I’ve taken back a tiny bit of control.”

“That’s…” He pauses, shaking his head. “Fascinating. I wasn’t expecting that explanation.”

I smile, walking around the counter to head back to my room. “I’m full of surprises.”

I feel his eyes trail after me. “Yes, you are.”

7

Cole

“How’s my boy?” I smile at my mom’s voice as I walk out of my media writing class, heading for the exit so I can swing by the student dining hall for some lunch. I’m starving.

“Just leaving class and going to grab a bite to eat.”

“You haven’t called me this week,” she accuses, laying on the guilt.

“I’m sorry, I’ve been busy with classes and going to the gym in my spare time. I can’t be out of shape when practice starts.”

“I know, I know,” she chides. “But I’m your mother. I worry.” She takes a breath and continues, “Anyway, how is it going with Teddy? If I need to scold that boy, you just let me know. He’s a good boy but sometimes he needs a swift kick in the caboose.”

I try not to laugh as I exit the building, throwing up a hand when I see Murray across the quad. He spots me and jogs over in my direction. “Dining hall?” I mouth and he nods, falling into step beside me. “I’m actually not living with Teddy, Mom.”

“What do you mean?” She interrupts me. “Where will you live? Where are you living? I knew that boy needed his ass whooped.”

“It’s okay, it all worked out. I’m still in the same place, just got a new roommate.”

“Who?” she asks.

I open my mouth, ready to answer honestly. I don’t usually lie to my momma, I grew up knowing better than to do that, but I know if I tell her I’m living with a woman she’ll jump to conclusions. “Guy named Zach,” I blurt. “New guy on the basketball team.”

There is no new guy named Zach, but what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.

“Well, I hope he’s a good roommate. You are remembering to clean up after yourself aren’t you?”

“Yes, Mom. I always cleaned up at Mascen’s. I’m not a heathen.”

“Exactly, I raised you right.” Pride echoes in her voice.

“All right, I gotta go. I’m at the dining hall.”

“Okay but promise to call me more.”

“I will. I love you.”

“I love you too, sweet boy.”

I hang up the phone, sliding the device into my pocket and look over to find Murray grinning at me as we enter the building.

“You’re a total momma’s boy, aren’t you?” He can’t hold back his laughter.

I shrug, not at all ashamed. “I have four sisters. I’m the only boy. I’m all of their favorite.”

He shakes his head, amused.

We head in separate directions to grab our lunch and meet back up at a table in the back near the windows.

Unwrapping my turkey sandwich, I dig in.

“You didn’t tell your mom about Zoey.” There’s an accusatory tone in Murray’s voice.

I cringe. Realizing it sounds bad, but… “You don’t know my mom. She would assume Zoey’s some secret girlfriend I’ve had for years and she’d want to meet her and make it into a whole thing. I love my mom, but I don’t have the time for her matchmaking dramatics.”

Murray throws his head back with laughter. “That’s hilarious. I take it she’s tried, and failed, to set you up in the past?” He waits for my answer.

Unscrewing the cap from my water, I give a nod. “Yeah, a few times. And by a few, I mean more than five. Hell, maybe more than ten. I know