I choke on a mouthful of air. “Fluid?”
Noah laughs, “Relax, Dylan. It just means to go with the flow.”
We share a laugh, and for a moment, we’re just two players bonding over a shared love of the game. The sun’s rays warm my skin as we run, and I can’t help but think that maybe this won’t be so bad after all.
As we approach the apartment and part ways, I shoot one last glance at Noah’s toned back and his tight butt. Not to mention his massive thighs that could probably crush me to death without him even trying.
No harm in looking, right?
But when I turn around, Jayden and Killian are both there, suppressing grins as wide as the front door.
Damn. Already off to a great start, Dylan.
Killian’s eyes spark with amusement. “Enjoying the view, Dylan? Did we totally just catch you perving out on Noah?”
“Er, no, I just—“ I stammer, my cheeks on fire.
Noah comes to my rescue, his amusement obvious by the giant smirk on his face that I’d love to smack right off. “Sure, she was. I can’t blame her, though. This ass looks good from every angle.” He pats his own behind and winks, diffusing the tension.
“Mate, why don’t you and your over-inflated ego get a bloody room,” Killian retorts, shoving Noah playfully.
It’s like they make fun of whoever is the easiest target, and I experience a sense of relief as their focus turns to Noah.
Laughter erupts and, as I head to my room, I can’t help but feel a little lighter.
Maybe this living situation isn’t so bad after all.
I mean, with roommates like these, I have all the entertainment I could possibly need right here.
Chapter 11
Dylan
Thegrocerystoreisa buzzing hive of activity, shoppers weaving in and out of the aisles like bees.
I breathe in the scent of fresh produce and baked goods, grateful for the normalcy after the tension-filled morning at the apartment. I grab a cart and set off to gather some things, my mind swirling with anticipation of my first practice with the new team.
As I toss items into the cart—spinach, eggs, almond milk, and a few healthyish treats—I can’t help but feel the stares of other shoppers. I know they’re probably just curious about the new girl on the championship rugby team, but it still makes me self-conscious. I’d hoped to blend in here, not be under a microscope.
Lost in thought, I pick up a bottle of cold-pressed olive oil, and my fingers brush against someone else’s. Squeaking, I look up into the deepest blue eyes I’ve ever seen, curiously familiar in their intensity.
“Sorry, I—“ I start, before recognizing the owner of the handsomeness in front of me. “Jayden?” I stammer, my cheeks flushing. Great, just what I need—to run into one of my roommates while looking like a tomato.
Jayden smirks, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “Fancy meeting you here, Queen of the Roommate Mix-Ups.”
I roll my eyes. “Harsh, but fair,” I retort, feeling my cheeks burn even hotter. I’m sure that having a female roommate isn’t their dream either. It probably cramps their style for all the girls they no doubt usually bring around.
“Seriously, I’m sorry you haven’t had the easiest start here,” he says, his smile softening. “And I’m sorry I haven’t made you feel more welcome. It was as much of a surprise for us as it was for you, but we’ve had the benefit of being settled in for a while.”
“It’s fine,” I say, waving it off, even though it isn’t. But I don’t want to make things more awkward than they already are.
The tension between us crackles like lightning. I swallow, desperately trying not to stare at his lips or the way his biceps flex as he places a bag of protein powder in his cart.
Focus, Dylan, I scold myself.
“So, what’s on the menu for you this week?” Jayden asks, changing the subject. “You gonna make us suffer through overly healthy girly crap, or can we live a little?”
I huff. “My cooking is not that bad,” I reply, poking him in the abs playfully.