“Don’t tell me,” Beck says. “Killian Baxter?”
I nod, and they both gasp dramatically.
“No way!” Sarah whispers. “Living with the poster boy of the men’s team himself?”
“I know, it’s crazy,” I say, shaking my head. “I don’t even know him…”
Beck leans in, voice low. “Honestly, no one does. He’s friendly enough, but keeps to himself.”
“Total mystery man,” Sarah agrees. “But so talented and focused. You should see him on the pitch—poetry in motion. He’s also quite focused… at the bars and clubs, if you know what I mean. Has a reputation for having a different girl on his arm every day of the week.”
“Not that you can blame him,” says Beck. “The way he looks, he could get any girl he wanted. Even some of the lesbians on the team, myself included, don’t mind staring at his bum.”
I laugh. “Well, I’m sure he’s great and all, and I have seen him in his undies and can confirm he’s… well-shaped in that department. But I’m here for one reason—rugby. I’ll leave the swooning over Killian’s dreamy eyes or chiseled abs… or exquisite tattoos… to you guys.” I quirk a brow. “Wait, how did you guess I was living with him? There must be a ton of team apartments here.”
“Oh, he and the other guys have been going around telling everyone how they have this hot new female roommate. Which is obviously you. You’re the talk of the men’s team, that’s for sure.”
I roll my eyes and shake my head. “Great, just what I always wanted. Burly neanderthals group texting about my tits. It doesn’t help that I had a nip slip in front of two of them the other day.”
We grin, camaraderie warm between us as I tell them the story of Nipplegate. They empathize and share a laugh with me and it helps me to realize it’s really not a big deal, just a good story. With teammates like these, I feel like I could thrive here, on the field and off.
I smile and give them a nod. “Thanks for the heads up about Killian, though. I’ll try not to drool too obviously over the mysterious dreamboat.”
We all laugh again as we head out of the locker room.
“In all seriousness, though,” Sarah says, “living with Killian and the other guys could be good for you. They’re all leaders on their team. Get some extra pitch time, inside tips, maybe even a management role for the men’s team one day if you play your cards right, and if that’s something you want to do.”
She waggles her eyebrows suggestively and I roll my eyes.
“Doubtful. I don’t even know if he likes me yet. I’m not here to cozy up to anyone, remember?”
“Yeah, yeah,” Beck waves her hand. “All business, we know. We can tell that about you already. But never say never!”
I just shake my head with a grin. “You two are incorrigible. Now come on, I’m starving!”
We chat and joke all the way to the dining hall, their infectious enthusiasm making me feel like I’m already part of the team.
With drive, skill and friends like these, even my unruly roommates stand a chance against me for long.
Chapter 18
Dylan
It’slaterintheevening, and things have progressed to the local bar, a popular post-dining hall watering hole known for live music and cheap drinks.
That’s when I notice a man standing at the bar.
Fuck. It’s him.
I hadn’t thought about him in ages, but I’d recognize those tattoos anywhere.
I’d shoved him out of my mind, because I’m not a one-night stand type of girl. Whatever that means. No shame in anyone who enjoys the thrill of finding a cute guy at the club, taking him home and fucking his brains out, and then sending them on their merry way. It’s just not my usual style.
But there was something about the night we met. The intoxicating beat of the bass in the club, and the way the drinks went down easily, leaving me in a state of comfort and lowered inhibitions. I felt sexy and free, extra empowered by it being my visit to check out whether the rugby program was right for me. And, given the city’s population, I thought there’d be no way I’d ever see him again.
Yet, here he is in all his muscly glory. And he’s wearing tight shorts and a shirt that leave his muscles bulging in all the right places. Good god, he’s looking even better than the first time I met him. His thighs are enormous, bulging so firmly they threaten to tear his shorts. And I know from experience his thighs aren’t the only thing bulging in his pants.
I freeze in place, my heart pounding. Do I say something? Act like I don’t recognize him?