Page 29 of The Trade

“The whole jealousy thing? Do you like it when a guy is possessive over you?”

“I don’t really know.” His gaze continues to bore into me, making me shift uncomfortably. “I’ve never been with a guy like that.”

“So, what, you’ve just been with a bunch of nice guys, then? Little Freddy clones?”

“Pretty much.”

“Well, that must be fucking boring for you.”

“Pretty much,” I echo back, laughter escaping my lips.

“If you’re actually bored, why do you keep going for guys like that?”

“I don’t know, really.” I chew on my lower lip, trying to come up with an answer that makes some sort of sense. “I guess it stops me from caring too much. Besides, that’s the only type of guy that seems to go for me.”

He raises both brows, clearly unconvinced. “I highly doubt that.”

“Why?”

“Jade, you’re cool and funny and smart. Not to mention your body is—” His gaze drops down to my hips, lingering there before slowly raking up my legs and then back to my eyes. “Well, you’re really fucking hot.”

Flustered, I manage to stammer out, “Right,” as a blush spreads from my neck to my cheeks. “I am a force to be reckoned with, after all.”

His grin broadens, amusement evident in his expression. “Yeah, and I’m smart as hell.”

“Damn right,” I say with a chuckle. “Well, er, anyway, thanks for the latte.”

“Of course.”

For a moment, I just look at him, a kind of mutual silence settling between us. But after a second, for whatever reason, I find the intensity of his gaze uncomfortable, and I’m compelled to break the silence. “You know, you don’t actually have to bring me coffee every day.”

He frowns at that, confusion lining his features. “A deal’s a deal, Jade.”

“Right, about that.”

“What, you’re seriously trying to back out of the banquet already?” he teases, but there’s a hint of genuine surprise in his tone.

“No.” I shake my head, dismissing his suspicion. “I just want to make sure that it’s just a casual thing. You know . . . a double roomie hangout.”

“For sure, of course. Shan’s date is actually a pretty cool guy.” His voice slows a bit, as if he’s carefully considering his next words. “I think you guys would get along.”

“Yeah?” I ask. “What’s his name?”

“Camden Scott.”

“Wait, really, the linebacker Camden Scott? That guy is massive.”

His jaw clenches slightly. “You know him?”

“I mean, I’ve just noticed him on the field. The guy’s incredible. He’s one of the best defensive players on your team.”

He rolls his eyes, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. “Right, of course. So, you noticed Cam out on the field but not me?”

“Sorry!” I say, feeling a twinge of guilt. “I told you that I don’t get to cover the football games. TheDailykeeps me pretty busy with other stuff. But when I do make it, I mostly keep an eye on the defensive side.”

His brows knit together. “And why’s that?”

“Ah, um, because my brother’s a cornerback.”

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