“Is there any moment in your life that isn’t heated?” He snickers.
“Oh yes, there is when you’re not around. You, especially, make me…incredibly patient,” I riposte, emphasizing the last words with a pointed look. Why do I even engage with him?
He chuckles. “Wow, I didn’t know I had that effect on you.”
I shrug nonchalantly. “Consider it a special skill of yours.”
“Does that mean you look forward to our encounters?” he asks teasingly.
I meet his gaze squarely, resting my chin on my hand to hide my flushed cheeks. “Let’s just say they’ll never be boring.”
He leans in slightly, his voice dropping to a softer tone. “Good to know.” The space between us feels charged.
I am fighting the urge to roll my eyes, trying to maintain my composure. I need to escape this tension. “Anyway, it’s late, and I don’t live on campus. So, let’s meet tomorrow.”
He nods, still wearing a cheeky grin. “Alright, see you tomorrow. Good night, beautiful.”
His words linger in the air and I can’t help but feel my heart skip a beat at his words. “Don’t call me that,” I whisper, my tone sharp.
“Why not? It’s just the truth.” He shrugs. I feel my cheeks flush at his words, but I quickly try to hide it with a scowl.
“Just because it’s true doesn’t mean you have to say it,” I mutter, crossing my arms defensively.
He smirks at my reaction. I feel he is deliberately playing with me. “Whatever…” I roll my eyes. “Let’s meet at three in the afternoon tomorrow,” I reply, getting up again.
“Okay. Will Deja Brew Cafe work for you?” he asks. I nod, trying not to think about how much time I will be spending with him.
“What a waste of time,” I mutter as I walk away, leaving him behind. I give him one last look over my shoulder, he has an amused smile on his face. I turn away quickly. This isn’t going to be easy.
∞∞∞
4
DANIEL
“See you later, Cap!” Ethan exclaims, and I wave at him. I look around the locker room which is filled with the sound of chatter and clattering feet as guys walk around, getting changed. A row of lockers lines the walls, and the floor is covered with towels and discarded clothes. It’s the usual post-practice chaos. The air is filled with a mix of sweat and the scent of shower gel. Some guys are sitting on benches, talking and laughing as they change into clean clothes.
The atmosphere is relaxed. Louis pats my back. “Come on. Let’s head back,” he says coolly.
“Dude, I still don’t understand how you can not bathe and be okay with all that sweat after such a long game.” I sigh, shaking my head in disappointment.
“Not everyone is as obsessed with hygiene as you are, Danny boy,” he teases me, slinging an arm over my shoulder. He grins, clearly enjoying winding me up.
I glare at my roommate. “Some of us like to wallow in our own sweat and stink,” he says.
I scrunch up my nose in exaggerated disgust, shoving him playfully. “It’s still a wonder to me how girls fling themselves at you.”
He feigns a hurt expression, placing a hand over his heart. “Come on, man, that stings.” He laughs. “You’ve wounded me with your words. It’s not just my charm that attracts the ladies, you know,” he wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.
I chuckle. “And you don’t have to be so humble, darling.” He goes on. “You’re getting a lot of attention, too. Why don’t we host a party, dude?” He almost whines.
“You don’t even need a reason to party,” I remark. “Fine, it’s been a while anyway. And with these new responsibilities of a captain, I do need to loosen up.” I close the locker.
Louis grins at me. “I knew you’d be down for BBB,” he teases.
I furrow my brows. “What’s that?”
He grins widely. “Boobs, booze, and bangers.”
