Scrub. Scrub. Scrub. Why wouldn’t this fucking stain budge?
This whole thing had to be nipped in the bud; I couldn’t afford to let him get that close to me again, to allow him to take such liberties.
We’d seen how that ended — with my body betraying me and him taking full advantage. There had to be someone else out there who could make me feel that way. I nodded to myself and started scrubbing again.
Besides, I highly doubted that Dom’s focus would remain on me. He’d be a starter this year with Colt leaving, and he was going to have more female attention than he knew what to do with. Which would be good — forbothof us.
The only reason Dom was fixated on me at the moment was because I’d been a part of his first college experience. He associated me with that exciting time, to which our night together had probably contributed.
Once he realized that he could get that from a plethora of girls across campus, he’d forget about me.
Finally, the stain budged. I exhaled in relief, straightened my aching back, and walked over to the sink to squeeze out the sponge.
Knowing myself and my penchant for overthinking, I was probably worrying about nothing. What were the chances that Dom would want to hang out with his big sister all the time?
I didn’t have any siblings, but the general gist I’d gathered was that most siblings were annoyed by each other.Especiallythose so close in age.
Rubbing the stove dry with a dishtowel, I surveyed my work. The counters were spotless, the stainless steel of the appliances gleamed, and the room was free of clutter.So satisfying.
I folded the towel, turned off the kitchen lights, and headed back to my room. Yes, I’d definitely overthought this. Chances were, I wouldn’t see him again for the rest of the summer.
And after that, well … BRU’s campus was big. There was no reason for anxiety. Even less for butterflies.
Those fucking moths in drag better stay the hell away from me.
***
I’d been on edge, skulking around the training facility and steering clear of the athletic dorms as if they were radioactive. I didn’t want to run into Dom — God no — but I sure as hell didn’t want to see anyone from my old sorority either.
The thought of facing their fake smiles or sideways glances made my skin crawl.
But with each passing day, I felt a little less like I had to constantly look over my shoulder. After two drama-free weeks, with no whispers and not a trace of that big, tattooed frame, I decided I was being ridiculous. I’d been acting like Dom was some kind of evil Jack-in-the-box, just waiting to spring out any second and ruin my life with one smug look.
“Silly goose. Told you, you were overthinking,” I murmured under my breath as I pushed open my door, a large basket of laundry in my arms.
“Overthinking what?” A deep voice said from the couch, and with a shriek, I dropped my basket, clothes scattering around me.
My heart jumped, eyes wide, hand pressed to my chest as I looked up.
Dom was sprawled on the pristine cream sofa, a bowl of what looked like rice and chicken resting easily in his massive palm. The soft glow from the minimalist lamp cast long shadows across his smirking face.
“Oh my God! What the hell are you doing here?” I squeaked, my shock quickly melting into sharp anger.
Dom raised a single eyebrow, playing innocent like a pro.
“My sister lives here? You know your roommate?” His voice was smooth, laced with mock concern.That motherfucker.
“Yeah, thanks for the reminder, smartass,” I said through clenched teeth.
“You’re welcome, Darlin’,” he drawled, a slow smile curling his lips, as he took me in, his eyes trailing down my bare legs.
My nipples stiffened, and I hoped my oversized shirt would be enough to hide them. I couldn’t afford to give him even the slightest indication of him having any effect on me.
My jaw clenched, I bent down wordlessly, and began to gather my strewn-around clothes. I didn’t even hear him get up, but suddenly, there he was, crouched next to me.
“Let me give you a hand with that. I didn’t mean to scare you, Darlin’, I’m sorry.”
I decided that silence was the best policy here. If I didn’t encourage him, he’d surely get bored. He had half the fallen clothes gathered in one hand when he paused.
