I burst out laughing, shaking my head. “You two are incorrigible.”
“But you love us,” Beck sings.
“Yeah, yeah.” I can’t fight the smile tugging at my lips. “I really do.”
I chuckle as I take another sip of coffee, feeling lighter than I have in weeks.
Beck and Sarah are right—the situation with my roommates really is absurd when I think about it objectively.
Here I am, living with three extremely attractive professional rugby players who I have undeniable chemistry with. It’s like something straight out of a romance novel.
Aside from a couple of stray kisses here and there, I’ve been so focused on proving myself as an athlete that I haven’t stopped to enjoy the delicious possibilities.
Maybe it’s time I loosen the reins a little and have some fun.
I’m young, unattached, and living with three hunky men. I’d be a fool not to explore that tantalizing dynamic.
A delicious shiver runs through me as I think about all the flirty banter, the charged looks, the ‘accidental’ and not so accidental touches.
My roommates seem more than willing to play. And I have to admit, the idea of being the center of their attention is incredibly appealing.
I meet Beck’s eyes, my own sparkling with newfound mischief.
“You know what? You’re absolutely right. I need to lighten up and maybe even play with fire a little.” I grin. “I have a feeling things could get wild with my new living arrangements. And I plan to enjoy every minute of it.”
Beck and Sarah exchange an excited squeal.
“That’s our girl!” Sarah crows. “Go get ’em!”
I laugh, feeling emboldened. I have a sudden vision of myself walking into the apartment, my three roommates’ heads swiveling in unison to take me in.
Oh yes, this could definitely be fun.
I make a mental note to pick up some new lingerie on the way home.
No sense in not being prepared.
Chapter 23
Noah
It’searlymorning,andI’m leaning against the granite island as Jayden fires up the blender, whipping up his usual kale-apple juice protein concoction.
“You know she’s into us? It’s obvious,” I say with a smirk as I watch Jayden work.
Jayden pours out the thick green juice into glasses. “You really think so? She’s so hellbent on her feminist soapbox. It’s like she thinks every single comment we make is a dig at women’s sports, or at her personally. I literally was talking about a study on the link between high levels of testosterone and dominance on the rugby field, and she decided I was saying rugby was an all-men’s sport and women should be relegated to the kitchen.”
I chuckle, taking a sip of the tart juice. “Nothing wrong with having strong views. Makes her even more interesting, if you ask me.”
We all appreciate Dylan’s fiery spirit, even when we don’t quite understand her perspectives.
I’m genuinely interested in getting to know the real Dylan, beneath the surface. What motivates her? What are her secret passions? There’s an intriguing tension between us as we navigate living together. A sensual energy I’d love to explore.
But for now, I’ll take it slowly, showing my respect on her terms. Our verbal sparring is exhilarating, and I sense she’s starting to enjoy it too. Perhaps an invitation to work out together would break the ice. A chance to connect athlete to athlete, pushing each other’s limits.
I mentally draft a message to Dylan, pitching the idea. I feel a spark of excitement at the thought of our bodies glistening with sweat, hearts pounding in rhythm, endorphins flooding our systems.
I want to discover the unguarded Dylan, stripped of pretense and politics. Based on the times she’s let her guard down and we’ve had a laugh together, I think we could have some real fun.