Page 32 of The Trade

“Yeah.” She shrugs, seemingly nonchalant about it all. “She’s not usually into athletes, but we thought we’d give it a try.”

My brain churns, slowly attempting to process this new piece of information. Well, it’s unexpected, but I suppose it works in my favor after all.

“Right,” I drawl, leaning back against the couch, my mind already spinning with possibilities. “Maybe I can help with that.”

Inside, though, I’m not so sure. Despite my best efforts to ignore it, there’s a twinge of something uncomfortable, something heavy and tight, stirring within me.

A teasing light gleams in her eyes as she drags one pert lip between her teeth. “What did you have in mind?”

Ignoring the bitter taste in my mouth, I press forward with my plan. “You two should come over next Saturday night,” I suggest, a hint of urgency creeping into my voice. “A bunch of guys from the team will be streaming the UFC fight.”

It’s the perfect opportunity to nudge the Trade along, subtly but surely laying the groundwork.

“That’s not a bad idea,” she muses, a thoughtful crease forming between her brows. “I’ll see what Jade thinks.”

“Perfect,” I say, winking at her as I lean back, my hands finding their place behind my head again. “Plus, that gives you and I the chance to spend more time together.”

She rolls her eyes, though her lips curl into a coy smile. “West . . .”

My smirk widens at her reaction. “Oh, come on. You haven’t actually been to my place before, have you? Some say that my bedroom’s the best spot in the house.”

“You’re relentless,” she says, though her giggles betray her amusement, a faint blush warming her pale face.

My gaze lingers on her rosy cheeks, tracing the constellation of freckles scattered across her skin. It’s interesting, actually. Jade has freckles, too, a charming sprinkling across her nose and the apples of her cheeks. A stray thought, but it manages to wedge itself inside my mind, stirring an unexpected pang.

“Shan, you don’t even—”

My attempt to flirt is cut off by the front door swinging open, and my attention immediately shifts to Jade. She’s holding two paper bags full of groceries, her hair pulled up into a bun, loose tendrils framing her face. She’s not clad in her tiny striped pajamas this time, but she still looks pretty fucking good.

“Hey!” Shannon calls out, then informs her, “West brought you another drink. It’s in the fridge.”

I give Shannon’s knee two casual taps as a parting gesture before pushing off the couch to join Jade in the kitchen. “Hey, Jade.”

“Hi.” Her smile doesn’t falter as she retrieves her coffee. “Thanks for the latte.”

I quirk a brow at her. “Couldn’t wait around for me this morning?”

“Time stops for no man.”

“Right.” I chuckle, my gaze lingering. “Same reason you shooed me out yesterday?”

“Something like that,” she says, her lips closing around the straw of her coffee.

“Well,” I say, clearing my throat, an unfamiliar awkwardness creeping in. “I wanted to make sure you actually got your drink. You know, gotta hold up my end of the bargain.”

Her lips curve into a knowing smile. “Of course, it’s only fair play.”

“Exactly. Alright, I think I’m gonna head out now.” I throw a glance over my shoulder toward her roommate. “Shan, thanks for the company.”

“Bye, West!”

“Want to meet me on campus tomorrow?” Jade’s question steals my attention back. “You know, for the coffee? My first class is right near the quad.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Alright.” She’s opening the front door now, and I move to slip past her. “See ya, Theo.”

And there it is . . . Theo. My given name escapes from her lips right before she closes the door on me, and it hits me like a punch straight to the gut.

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