Page 118 of Personal Foul

I examine the bulletin board in the campus coffee shop for a free bit of real estate to hang up my flyer. I’ve tried all the digital options, and I haven’t had any luck finding a replacement roommate.

I’m happy that Charity’s happy, but part of me hoped that when we repaired our friendship, she’d reconsider moving out at the end of the semester. I guess I didn’t realize the full reality of her financial situation. So it makes sense that she’d move in with Dylan. No rent. Nice apartment. Sex on demand.

Sighing, I adjust some of the other flyers for missing pets, concerts, and babysitting jobs to make room for mine. I printed it on hot pink paper to make it more eye-catching and took the time to cut the little strips at the bottom with my phone number, like it’s something straight out of the nineties. My mom suggested it, and at this point, I need a roommate as soon as possible, so if that will up my chances, I’ll do it.

Charity paid for May, even though she basically moved out at the end of April. But with finals week nearly over, most people have their summer living situation lined up already. Dylan offered to cover her half of the rent for the summer to give me plenty of time to find someone who can move in for the fall semester. I told him not to worry about it, but I might have to change my mind if I can’t find someone soon.

A low, rumbly chuckle sounds behind me, and I turn to find a muscled chest covered in a gray Marycliff football T-shirt. Tracking upward, I find Caden Mills smiling down at me, his dark hair flopping over his forehead. “Looking for a roommate?” he asks, nodding at the flyer in my hand.

I look down at it, like I don’t know what he’s talking about. “Oh. Yeah. I am.”

“I heard that Dylan had his new girlfriend moving in with him. She was your roommate before, right?”

Blinking, I nod. I’ve met Caden before. He’s one of the linebackers, I think. He’s friends with Dylan. And Andrew Maloney. Ugh.

I’ve been doing my best to avoid football players since Andrew ghosted me. The most embarrassing part was when I saw him in the student center one day after he hadn’t responded to my texts the night before. I’d thought he must’ve been busy, but when I waved at him, he laughed and turned away without even acknowledging me. And I know he saw me. He looked straight at me, and just pretended he didn’t notice.

Dick.

I don’t think Caden was with him that day at least.

But other than Dylan—who I’m only around for Charity’s sake—I do my best to avoid the whole team. It’s not too difficult, really. Occasionally one pops up in one of my gen ed classes, but as soon as finals are over in a few days, I’m officially done with all my gen eds. Next year all I have to take is upper-level English classes to complete my degree. I need to throw in an elective or two so I’m full time both semesters, but I haven’t decided what yet. There’s still time, though, so I’m not worried.

My focus now is getting through my last two finals and finding someone to take Charity’s place in my apartment.

Caden holds out a hand, his easy smile still on his face, like talking to me is a genuine pleasure even though I’ve barely said anything. “Can I get one of those papers with your number on it?”

Confused, I look at the flyer, then back at Caden. “You want my number?” I know some guys like to come up with clever ways to ask for a girl’s number, but this is a new one for me.

He chuckles, that low rumble again. “Well, yeah. I need a place to live. You have an opening. Might be a good fit.”

My mouth falls open. I was planning on living with another girl. Not a guy. Anddefinitelynot a football player.

But the few people who’ve responded to my ads so far have been … underwhelming. One girl tried to convince me to charge her less, claiming she’d barely be around, so she shouldn’t have to split everything fifty-fifty. Another one asked if tarantulas were specifically excluded in the lease’s pet policy. I just said yes, because I don’t want a bunch of tarantulas in my house. Just thinking about it makes me want to shudder. The others who’ve reached out haven’t even replied when I responded, so those are obviously out.

Could I live with Caden?

I gesture for him to sit with me at one of the tables. He runs his hand through his hair, pushing it away from his forehead only for it to flop forward again. He’s cute with that dimple in his cheek, that unruly hair, and that ready smile.

Is him being cute a problem, though?

Not necessarily. I can handle being around cute guys without wanting to jump their bones. And the fact that I’ve sworn off football players will make it easier.

“Are you interviewing me already?”

I shrug and return his smile. “Why not? We’re both here. And I need a roommate soon. When were you thinking you’d want to move in?”

His face falls. “Soon, huh? I was planning on going home for the summer, so I don’t need anywhere until August. Would that be a problem?”

Ugh. Maybe. “Would you be willing to pay for June and July anyway? Sort of like a deposit to hold your spot?”

He frowns, considering.

“Let’s come back to that. First, let’s see if we’d even make good roommates. Are you going to want to throw parties?”

Shrugging, he sits back in his chair, looking relaxed. “Nah. I don’t mind going, but apartments aren’t the best party spots. Don’t want to piss off the neighbors.”

Good answer. “I agree. What about overnight guests?” Is he a whore like his friend?

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