Page 90 of Need You to Choose Me

She quirks up a brow. “And why is that?”

“I didn’t even tell my friends back home or the people I lived with for three years at the frat. Why would I tell anyone here?”

“I don’t think you give people enough credit,” she says softly. “But for what it’s worth, I’m glad you told me. Even if it might have been by forceful coercion.”

I huff out a laugh. I’m not going to tell her that a part of me feels relieved. I’m also not going to tell her that weight has lifted off my chest that’s been there since I told the judge I’d stay with my mom when I was younger. I don’t regret any of those things, and I can’t go back and change them. But I never realized how much of it piled up until now.

We fall silent, as I try racking my mind for something to say.

“You like the wrong football team” is what I blurt out when nothing else comes to mind.

She stares at me. “What?”

“We’ve always had a lot in common, but we never liked the same teams. It used to drive me fucking crazy when you’d show up to my place wearing a Giants’ jersey. And don’t get me started on the Rangers shit. I was ready to peel them off you whether we were going to have sex or not.”

The way she snorts at me is actually kind of cute. “As if the Patriots are any better. Even Tom Brady got tired of them. Without him and Gronk they were nothing.”

We’ve had this argument before. “You’re lucky we’re here. If we were at my place, I’d make you pay for those fighting words.”

Her eyes flare with heat. “That’s because you don’t have it in you to admit when you’re wrong. It’s okay. At least New England’s team is grateful for your unwavering, albeit questionable, loyalty.”

She’s playing with fire now, and my dick only gets harder.

Before I can reply, Belle shows up at the top of the stairs like I knew she would. She all but bounces over, her outgoing personality practically popping the bubble of heated tension between me and the girl on the opposite side of the booth.

“Alex, I thought you were supposed to be resting,” she chides, like I knew she would. She sticks out a hand toward Olive. “Hi, I’m Belle. This is my place. Hopefully you’ve taken it easy on Alex since the doctor told himnotto drive or do any strenuous activity.”

Olive eyes dart to me. “You’re not supposed to drive?”

I sigh. “The doctor told me not to drive for forty-eight hours after the incident. It’s been longer than that. Not that it’s any of your business,Belle.”

“I’m Olive,” my date tells Belle, ignoring my tone altogether.

Belle beams. “Oh, I know. You’re Sebastian Henderson’s little sister. I looked you up.”

Olive blinks.

I’m the one who asks the obvious question. “Why exactly did you look her up?”

Belle gives me an exasperated look, like I’m somehow dumb for asking. “Because I was curious. Plus, Olive is such a unique name. I figured there was no way that your Olive was different than the one I saw when that photo went viral with her brother and that hunk of a right wing. Don’t tell Jesse I said that about Hoffman, though.”

I grin. “Oh, I will.”

She narrows her eyes at me. “Meanie. But whatever. I’m stating facts. Hoffman is attractive. Don’t you agree?” Belle directs that question to Olive, not me.

Olive nods, not making eye contact with me while answering. “He’s like a real-life Thor.”

Belle grins. “Thor was always my favorite.”

“I was always more of a Captain America kind of gal, but Thor is a close second.”

I cut in, because I don’t feel like spending my night debating on which superhero is hotter. “Is there a reason you’re high jacking my date, or did you just come over to scold me for trying to live my life outside the confines of my apartment?”

Belle perks up, looking between me and Olive. “Date, huh?” She winks at Olive before refocusing on me. “I like her, so I approve. And while I’m glad you brought her here, there’s a nice steakhouse down the road that you could spend some of your money at. Don’t cheap out on your girl.”

I glare at the implication. “We wanted privacy. What kind of business owner are you trying to turn away paying customers?”

Belle props her hands on her hips. “I always give you good discounts here because you and Jesse play together. I’m simply encouraging you to spend some money on her before she comes to her senses and runs for the hills once that dazzling personality of yours comes out.”

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