I turned to glance at Cole. “You live with Oscar.” Relief flooded my system.
“He’s a pretty good roommate. And a great friend.”
We both continued to watch as Zach tucked a piece of platinum-blond hair behind his ear as he tried his hardest to flirt with the massive goalie.
“Your friend shouldn’t try so hard. He’s only going to end up disappointed.”
I spun around to face him. “And why is that? Do you think Zach isn’t good enough for Oscar?”
Objectively speaking, Zach was hot. He could have his pick of any guy he wanted. He was smart, funny, and a good time. I might be a little biased, but everyone loved Zach, myself included.
“I didn’t say that. Just wait and see.” Cole placed his big hands on my shoulders and turned me back around. The warmth of his palms seeped through the fabric of the shirt I was wearing, and I had to force myself to not lean back against him. To feel that thick, hard body pressed against me. His familiar lavender scent mixed with musky man hit me hard, and I hated my dick for reacting the way it did. For perking up at the memories of our summer together.
The sound of a door opening caused Oscar to turn, and a giant smile spread over his face. When Tate appeared holding what looked like a smoothie bottle in his hand, I realized what Cole had been talking about. Oscar wasn’t going to sleep with my best friend because he was in love with Tate. It was obvious in the way his eyes lit up, the smile that nearly split his face, and how happy he looked just by Tate being here. His whole body seemed to light up.
“Good morning, Oscar. Here’s your shake. I tried a new flavor this morning.” Tate’s ears burned pink. His smile was equally as large as he looked around the room before it suddenly disappeared. “Oh, I didn’t realize you had guests.” He let his gaze linger on Zach before he glanced back up at Oscar. “I wouldn’t have interrupted. I should have called first.”
The goalie shook his head. “Why would you need to call? You haven’t interrupted anything. You come over all the time.”
“Well...” Zach slipped off the counter. “I’ll just go get dressed.”
But the hurt was already etched all over Tate’s face. “I have to get to work, anyway. I have an office that ordered two dozen sandwiches that need to be packed up.”
“Just let me grab my keys so I can drive you.” Oscar took a step forward.
Tate shook his head. “That’s not necessary. I don’t mind walking. It’s a lovely day outside, and I wouldn’t want to intrude while you have guests.”
“Tate.” Oscar’s voice dropped lower. “What’s going on?”
Tate took two steps back. “I’m good, thank you. It was nice to see you again, Reed. We should catch up before you go back to New York. Come down to the coffee shop if you have a free minute. Have a wonderful day.” He waved before he turned and walked back out the door.
“What just happened?” Oscar asked. “Did I do something wrong?” His brows dipped as he chewed on his bottom lip.
“Zach was in his underwear,” I pointed out, in case he hadn’t noticed.
Oscar continued to stare at me. “Okay, and? Tate didn’t even let me drive him to work. I drive home whenever I can. It’s our thing. He brings me my shake. I drive him to work. Now I don’t even want it.” He placed the container on the counter with a sigh.
“You should go after him. Assure him that nothing happened,” Cole suggested. “I mean, that’s not wrong, right?”
I nodded in agreement. “You should. I’m sure he would appreciate that.”
“Why? He didn’t want to be near me.” Oscar sighed. “And of course, nothing happened. I don’t sleep around.”
I raised my brows at Cole. “Sweetie, do you like Tate?”
“Of course. He’s my best friend. No offense, Cole.” Oscar’s brows dipped in confusion.
Zach appeared dressed in his leather pants again. “Tate’s in love with you.” Leave it to my bestie to drop all the truth bombs.
“What?” Oscar’s cheeks bloomed pink. “That’s not...He’s not. That can’t be right.”
Zach hoisted himself back up onto the counter. “He’s in love with you. He saw me sitting here in my panties and thought we fucked. Go chase him down and ask him out before he gets too far away.”
“I can’t do that.” Oscar balked.
Zach patted his arm. “I can’t ask him out for you, babe.” He reached for the shake, only for Oscar to pull it away from him. “Go ask him out. Hurry up, babe.” He waved his hands at him.
Oscar visibility swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing nervously before he nodded, taking his smoothie with him and hurried out after Tate. A soft chuckle from behind me caused me to turn around.