Page 23 of False Play
Never in a million years would I expect Anderson’s place to look like this. I thought it would resemble a typical bachelor pad. Don’t get me wrong, this still screamed bachelor in so many languages—but in a much fancier way. It was almost as if he had bought an entire Ikea catalog—or whatever the fancy furniture store was for rich people like him—to decorate his apartment.
“This is great, seriously. Thank you.” I took a big gulp, trying to push down whatever emotions threatened to boil over.
In a world where kindness and help had been in short supply—partly because I was stubborn as hell—he still offered, not even knowing the full story. And damn, if that didn’t mess with my head a little. Who knew he was capable of being this nice?
I turned around, finding his gaze already settled on me. My stomach tightened at the look alone. “We never talked about how much rent I will be paying.”
He leaned against the door frame, crossing his arms. His biceps bulged against the soft fabric of his shirt and hugged every ripped muscle of his upper arms. “Honestly, Kennedy, I don’t need your money.”
“No,” I replied sharply. “We’re not going to do this. The last thing I want is to be your charity case.”
“You’re not a charity case. You will be taking care of my cat. It’s a fair trade.”
I folded my arms across my chest with a frustrated groan. “Henry.”
“I love it when you call me by my name with that voice of yours. Do it again, please.” His voice was so low and gravelly, involuntary goosebumps sparked all across my body.
I gave him an unimpressed glare and tried my best to mask the unexpected excitement spiking through me at his flirty comment. My body was betraying me, and I couldn’t have that… But I also didn’t know how to control it. “We don’t have to say every thought we have inside our heads. You should try it sometime.”
“No point in lying.” He gave me a casual shrug then stretched his arms. The move caused his shirt to rise, giving me a peek at his chiseled abs.
Was it possible for someone to have such a deep V? And why did he have to wear his shorts so low?Je-sus.
Why are you suddenly so interested? You’ve seen this countless times. Snap out of it!
“My eyes are up here, pretty girl,” he said with a knowing grin as he pointed to his eyes with his index and middle finger.
Shit.Busted.
Heat crept up my cheeks, but I lifted my chin slightly in defiance. “Oh, shut up.”
“I mean…” He did a bigger stretch this time, making his shirt intentionally rise. He flexed, and somehow his abdomen became even more defined.Oh, sweet mother. I was ashamed to admit I had the smallest urge to lick him like an ice cream cone after a hot summer day. “You can take a picture if you want, it’ll last longer.” The asshole dared to sound smug while he said it.
“Get over yourself,” I muttered as I placed the suitcase on the bed and unzipped it, wanting to keep myself busy.
I didn’t know why I thought living with the most annoying guy on the team, who happened to be stupidly handsome despite how much I tried to ignore it, was a good idea.
This was my personal version of hell.
EIGHT
HENRY
CAN YOU PLEASE CALL ME DADDY AGAIN?
HavingKennedy at my apartment was strange, but somehow still a perfect fit. Though I was pretty sure I had already put my foot in my mouth, and she hadn’t even had a chance to settle in yet.
I couldn’t help it. Flirting with her came naturally to me. But now we were roommates, so it probably wasn’t the greatest idea. The keyword wasprobably—because it was too fun, and I didn’t want to stop.
Kennedy sat on the bed and crossed one leg over the other. The fabric of her leggings hugged every bit of her toned legs perfectly. I had never looked at a piece of fabric with so much hatred, wishing it would somehow disappear like a magic trick so I could admire the smoothness of her skin.
“How much rent am I paying?” she asked again.
“You’re not paying rent, Jonesy.”
Her steady gaze met mine in a challenge, and by the look she had on her face, I suspected she’d love nothing more than to wrap her delicate hands around my neck and choke me if she had the opportunity to get away with it.
Was it crazy to think I would have gladly let her under “fun” circumstances? Probably. Didn’t mean I was thinking about it any less.
