I can’t wait to meet her.”
TROY
Another week passes, and I barely see Charlie. I should consider myself lucky, but at the same time, I secretly want to bump into her. Each one of our encounters has given me a perverted rush, and the adrenaline junkie in me craves that kind of stuff.
I just got home from the game, which we’d almost lost. If it wasn’t for that field goal near the end, we might have. I’m pissed even though I did everything I could. I love football, but lately, extreme sports have been giving me the type of satisfaction I need. I can’t stop; I have to keep moving, or bad memories will take over.
Charlie’s accusation comes to the forefront of my mind, darkening my mood. If I’m honest with myself, my anger stems from the fact that she guessed about my inner conflict. It’s not like I don’t care about football anymore; it’s just not my favorite pastime. I’d never jeopardize the team on purpose though. For her to assume that based off one game was bullshit.
Distracted, I open the small closet under the stairs to stash my duffel bag when a tower of boxes collapses on top of me.
“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