Page 59 of Home Game

Ryan looked around the room. The room was dark grays and whites with some light gray themes worked in. It had become my dream room, with textured throw pillows, beautiful matching furniture, an artistic mirror, and dark curtains. Everything was picture perfect. I personally thought it looked better than a showroom, but I was probably biased.

“Wow. Zoey. This room looks amazing.”

“Are you just saying that because I told you that you needed to be amazed?”

“Not at all. This looks fantastic.”

“When I envisioned showing you, I didn’t think you’d already have your first guest sleeping in the bed.”

He gave a short laugh. “Yeah, don’t think we will get him up.”

We studied Justin who snored softly, clutching one of the fluffy pillows.

“Do you think he’ll puke?”

“Nah.”

“They seem nice.”

“Yeah. They’re good guys.”

I glanced up at him. “Are you drunk?”

“I wouldn’t drive but I’m not loaded.” He stopped short. “Your bed. Mica’s on the couch.”

“I can sleep on the floor.”

“Don’t be silly. You can crash with me.”

Panic caught in my throat. “I don’t need to.”

“Zoey,” he looked around the room. “You’re not sleeping on the floor. And if you insist on that I’m going to have to insist on taking the floor.”

I chewed on my bottom lip. “I don’t take up much room.”

He looked amused. “Come on. I have an early practice tomorrow.”

Ryan’s bed was huge.It was king-size, with loads of room. I huddled on the edge, listening to the sound of him brushing his teeth in the bathroom. This was weird, but it wasn’t like he would try anything. Ryan treated me like a kid sister. He never checked out my body.

I am safe.

I trusted Ryan. I just had never shared a bed with a real live man before. And this wasn’t how I envisioned my first time. The door opened and then he snapped off the light. I saw his shadowy figure walk towards the bed and then felt the bed move as it depressed beneath his weight. We lay there, side by side, in complete silence for a long moment.

“Thank you, Zoey.”

“For what?”

“For tonight. The guest bedroom looks great.”

I snuggled deeper into the bed. “I like doing that kind of stuff.”

“You’re good at it.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re okay helping Dylan with his expenses tomorrow?”

“Yeah, but I feel guilty for how much I’m charging them.”