She arches into my touch, rocking her hips in a way that makes my vision go hazy with lust.
This is insanity. I’m kissing my roommate, breaking every rule I’ve ever set for myself, and I don’t care.
All that matters is Dylan, here in my arms at last.
When we break apart, panting for breath, Dylan grins. “I knew you’d come around.”
I shake my head, still dazed. “What have you done to me?”
“Improved your quality of life exponentially, I’d say.” Dylan laughs and kisses the corner of my mouth. “You can thank me later.”
Chapter 21
Dylan
Istepintothebrightly lit conference room, a blend of excitement and nerves swirling in my stomach. The large open space is abuzz with energy, packed with rugby players from both the men’s and women’s teams.
There’s a vibrant and eclectic mix of us, some having traveled from far away to be part of the club and its progressive program, but despite our differing journeys to get here, we’re united by the same fiery passion for rugby.
My gaze drifts across the room and lands on Jayden. He exudes an easy confidence, those sculpted muscles flexing with even the slightest movement. His neatly trimmed beard gives him a type of rugged sophistication. Like he would be just as comfortable chopping wood—maybe even chasing me through the woods—as he is out on the rugby pitch.
I have to admit, he’s ruggedly attractive in that glossy magazine kind of way… a pinup rugby player of sorts. But that smug look on his face makes me want to watch the opposing team wipe the floor with him on the field.
Sure, he could probably bench press a truck, but I bet his ego weighs even more.
This room is designed for collaboration—round tables with just enough space to encourage interaction, with rugby posters and memorabilia covering the walls. Normally, some of the punny quotes on the posters would make me laugh.
But all I can focus on right now is Jayden.
Our inexplicable rivalry bubbles just beneath the surface, an intoxicating blend of competitiveness and undeniable chemistry. I have a feeling this seminar will only stoke the flames, but that’s fine with me. I’m more than ready to put this pretty boy in his place.
Jayden’s hand shoots up during the Q&A. “I mean, it’s great we’re all here,” he says with an arrogant smirk, “But let’s not pretend the women’s game is as tough as the men’s. It’s just biology, right?”
There are some chuckles from a few men, and eye rolls from nearly every woman around the room. I see my opportunity to knock him down a peg.
“Interesting point, Jayden,” I say, matching his smirk with one of my own. “But tell me, does having all that muscle make up for your lack of speed, or is it just to compensate for something else?”
The room erupts in laughter and applause as Jayden’s face reddens. He clearly wasn’t expecting me to hit back so hard. I feel a rush of satisfaction at wounding his pride.
On a break during the seminar, he approaches me, irritation lingering in his eyes. “Nice jabs back there. You have a sharp tongue. Do you always fight with your words?”
“Only when the opponent is worth the effort,” I retort. “You planning on taking cheap shots at women’s rugby all season, or was today just a special occasion?”
As much as I enjoy putting Jayden in his place, I can’t deny the exhilaration of our verbal sparring.
This rivalry is just getting started.
The seminar progresses, and to my surprise and frustration, Jayden and I are paired up to demonstrate a tackling drill for the group.
I inwardly groan, dreading the forced proximity. It’s not enough that I have to endure living under the same roof with this guy, or attend this seminar in his presence. But now we have to physically touch each other, intentionally, in front of a room full of people.
Sure, we kissed one time, but I was delirious in a late night ice cream haze so it doesn’t count.
As we take our positions on the mat, Jayden leans in close. “Don’t worry, I’ll go easy on you,” he murmurs.
I scoff, shoving him away. “Oh, I have plenty of surprises up my sleeve,” I whisper back. “You might learn a thing or two if you paid attention to the game instead of just running your mouth.”
We lock eyes in challenge.