Page 12 of Bad Crush
Move on. The way she says it as if the idea of us together is unlikely makes my chest ache. Like I should tell him, let him laugh in my face, and then get over it. Okay, even Dakota isn’t that cruel, but is that what she’s expecting?
“I will tell him,” I reassure her. I just have to find the right time.
When we’re done at the track, Dakota heads to work at the Hall of Fame, and I go back to our place.
Adam’s coming out of his apartment when I get to the top of the steps of our shared second-floor landing. He’s dressed in dark jeans and a T-shirt that hugs his broad shoulders.
He tips his head when he sees me. “Hey there, sexy girlfriend.”
“Whaaat?” My heart races and my brain short-circuits.
He waves it off. “Sorry, I was referring to the other night. Thanks again for that. Could have used you earlier today in the cafeteria.”
“I think finding a real girlfriend would be easier.” I meant me, of course, but the look on his face makes it clear that is not where his head’s at. Stupid. Stupid. No, he should not find a real girlfriend if it isn’t me. I swear I don’t just put my foot in my mouth around this guy; I put the whole leg.
He chuckles softly. “Yeah, I guess I shouldn’t complain. Most of them are nice, but I can’t tell which ones are in it trying to help the guys win the bet or which ones actually might be interested. Mav is playing dirty to win. Hooking up with someone for a bet…” He shakes his head.
This is my window, maybe? Perhaps I’m overthinking it and I don’t need a perfect moment or perfect way to tell him.
“Any girl would be lucky to date you. I’m sure they’re all interested. Speaking of, I’ve been trying to figure out a way to tell you something.”
“You have? What?” His hazel eyes soften, but he crosses his arms at his chest. Classic Taurus preparing to hold his ground. He must think it’s something bad I want to tell him.
While I organize my thoughts, the door to the guys’ apartment swings open and a shirtless Maverick fills the doorway.
“Oh good, you’re still here,” he says to Adam. He smiles at me and juts his chin. “Yo, Rea.”
“Hey, Mav.” I wave with one hand.
He looks to Adam. “Can you grab some food while you’re out? The pantry and fridge are bare.”
“Dude, you don’t live here. Go rummage through your own pantry for food.” There’s no bite to his tone. Adam shakes his head. Maverick lives downstairs in a single apartment, but he spends so much time at their place he’s basically the fourth roommate.
Adam’s phone pings. He pulls it out and then rolls his eyes as he reads it. “Thanks for the great oral. Seriously?”
Mav cackles and throws his head back. “You’re the best, Scott. Get some of those Little Debbie swiss rolls.”
“You know my mom has access to my Venmo, right? She’s going to see you sent me a hundred dollars for great oral.”
“Then she’ll be very proud of your oral game. Moms want their sons to give good head, right?”
Adam winces. “Too far.”
“Thanks, Scott. You really are the best.” With a wink, he disappears back into the apartment.
“I would apologize for Maverick, but I’d spend my entire day doing nothing else.” Adam smiles at me. “What were you going to say before?”
“It’s nothing.” I chickened out somewhere around the mention of good head.
“All right.” He’s slow to move. “I guess I should go. Good to see you, Reagan.”
Inside my apartment, I bang my head against the closed door. I have to tell him, but not today.
4
Adam
“Be back hereat seven tonight to watch film. Take a nap between now and then if you need to because if anyone dozes off, you’ll all be skating laps.” Coach looks at Rhett. My buddy is notorious for falling asleep while we watch game film. “Colorado is going to be tough this weekend.” With a nod, he dismisses us.
