“Oh, I know. Do you have trolls in your game?” he asks.
“You want to be a troll?” I arch my eyebrows, not expecting that answer.
“Yeah. A cool one, like Shrek.”
“Technically, Shrek was an ogre. But I suppose we could use a troll who’s not evil. Ben’s character is a troll hunter. I’m sure he would get a kick out of hunting you. But I have to check with the other writers first.”
“All right.”
Well, that’s something. He might not be super enthusiastic about LARP, but at least he agreed to try.
He gets distracted by the coffee machine, and I return to my search. Unfortunately, it seems all the clothes on this particular website are on the super slutty side. Not my style at all.
“What’s with the frown, babe?”
I sit straighter. “I was frowning?”
“Big time. Does this sudden need to buy new clothes have anything to do with the party on Saturday?”
I twist my face into a scowl. “Yeah. Don’t laugh, but I’ve never been to one of those infamous football parties.”
“You have nothing to worry about. Just wear whatever you’re most comfortable in. It’s not like there’s a dress code or anything.”
“I’m most comfortable in my pajamas. Should I wear them?” I laugh.
“That depends. Are they the sexy kind?” His lips curl into a wolfish grin.
I throw my hands up in the air. “Oh my God. What’s with you and sexy outfits?”
“I’m a guy.”
My eyes drop to his crotch. Troy is wearing a snug shirt and sweatpants, which means there’s no hiding his erection. My mouth suddenly goes dry while a wisp of desire curls around the base of my spine.
He snaps his fingers, getting me out of my trance. “Hey, eyes up here, Charlie.”
Heat creeps up my cheeks. “You’re breaking the rules.”
“Am I now?”
“Those pants cover nothing.”
“I’m dressed. Those are the rules. We never specified clothes that weren’t allowed.”
I watch him through slits, already concocting payback. “Fine. But you’re not going out like that, are you?”
“What’s wrong with my clothes?”
“For starters, you’re not wearing any underwear.”
That devilish grin appears once again. “My, my, Charlie. Aren’t you observant?”
I ignore his quip. “So unless your plan is to make every single female on campus stare at your package, then I suggest you change.”
“And what if I don’t? Are you going to make me?” His eyes gleam with mischief. I hear the challenge loud and clear.
“No. But I can’t be held responsible for gouging their eyes out if they dare to stare.”
Troy doesn’t move a muscle for a couple seconds. Then he throws his head back and laughs out loud.
“I’m serious!” I say, exasperated.
“Sure you are.”
“In case you haven’t noticed, I’m short-tempered with revenge tendencies.” I cross my arms over my chest, aggravated that he’s laughing at me.
He walks around the counter and then pulls me into a hug. “You’re so darn cute when you’re angry, babe.”
“How cute are we talking?”
“Cute enough to make me want to do this.” He kisses my neck, drawing his hot tongue up to my ear.
My reaction is immediate. My nipples become hard, my breathing turns shallow, and my clit throbs in anticipation even if my head is telling it to cool off. Not willing to simply stand there and take Troy’s torture, I turn my face so I can kiss him hard and deep. He responds in kind, grunting like a savage and grinding his pelvis against mine.
I bet I could make him cave right now, but we don’t have a lot of time, and there’s no quickie with Troy. Reluctantly, I step back. His half-hooded eyes drop to my lips, and he would have followed them if I hadn’t pressed my palm against his chest.
“If you want to catch a ride with me, then you have to finish getting ready. And before you complain, underwear is mandatory.”
“You’re so bossy.”
“When it comes to punctuality, yes I am.”
Grumbling, he veers toward the stairs. “Fine. I’ll put decent clothes on. Don’t want you gouging anyone’s eyes out on my account.”
I shake my head, then go grab a cup of coffee.
“Charlie?” he calls from the middle of the stairs.
“Yeah?”
“Are you free on Friday?”
“I think so. Why?”
“Would you like to have dinner with me?”
The butterflies in my stomach explode in a crazy fluttering while my heart takes off. “Are you asking me out on a date?”
“Yes I am.”
The thumping inside my chest becomes louder. Settle down, damn muscle!
“That’s so sweet.” I smirk, trying to hide my excitement.