Page 50 of Endgame

He shook his head. “Defense is doing three-a-days. Offense is just doing two-a-days. So I’m good for another couple of hours.”

“That sounds positively terrible, especially in this heat.”

“Eh, it’s all worth it for the six-pack,” Knight joked as he patted his flat stomach.

“I mean, all of those abdominal muscles are a definite perk for sure.”

Knight laughed and angled his head toward the carton of eggs that he’d just grabbed. “Want an egg?”

“Sure, thanks,” Lila said as she settled into one of the barstools arranged around the kitchen island.

“Toast?”

“Yes, please. With lots of butter.”

They sat in companionable silence while Knight worked, not speaking until they were halfway into their breakfast.

“So our new roommate is moving in tomorrow,” Knight said casually. Like it wasn’t kind of a bombshell.

Lila swallowed the bite she was chewing. “So that’s actually happening? I kind of expected there to be a line of applicants and an extensive interviewing process. I was also kind of selfishly hoping I’d have a bathroom all to myself for the rest of the year. I’m so spoiled now,” she teased with a whine.

“Sorry, Li. Our landlord, aka one of Bradley U’s biggest donors, won’t allow such a desirable room to remain empty. Especially not when an athlete wants the slot. So unless you want to pay double rent…” He winked at her feigned shudder. “But, trust me, he’s been thoroughly vetted by Bear and me. He’ll be on his best behavior as far as you’re concerned. You’ll always be safe here, Lila.”

“Thanks. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit nervous. But honestly, living with you guys has been so much fun and so much easier than what I had to deal with last year. And I can still walk around in my underwear during the summer because you’re both not sexually attracted to me. So it’s a win-win.” She gestured down to the longline bralette and matching boxer brief–style bottoms she was currently wearing.

Knight laughed. “I’m sure our new roomie wouldn’t mind if you kept that up.”

“I mean, it’s the same as wearing a bathing suit, so honestly, I don’t know why some people are so weird about it. My own parents included. Like, you should have seen their faces when I told them I was living here. You’d think that we were having orgies every night or something.” She laughed and rolled her eyes.

“Orgies just sound exhausting,” Knight replied with a smirk.

“More exhausting than practicing 37 times a day?”

“Oh definitely. For reasons we will not get into right now, because then we’d have to get into feelings and how I’m only emotionally equipped to handle one woman at a time.”

“How refreshingly non-cliché of you to desire monogamy in spite of being one of the most desired and sought after males on campus.”

“What can I say? I’m just full of surprises.”

“Indeed. I’m assuming our new roommate plays some form of sports ball?”

“I feel like it’s okay for you to admit that you enjoy watching sports now, Lila. At least when it comes to football and soccer,” Knight chuckled. “Hell, you even learned the rules and everything. And yes, new roommate plays…sports ball. Yeah, we’ll go with that for now.”

“Well, at least there will be something I can talk to him about, then.”

“I think you’ll get along just fine.” Lila couldn’t quite identify the cause of the gleam in Knight’s eye and decided to redirect the conversation.

“So, abrupt subject change. I just got done talking to Wren…” At the mere mention of her, Knight Patrick blushed. Actually blushed. “And I’m just happy to hear that the two of you are talking, and I feel hopeful for what’s to come. Obviously you’re both crazy about each other, and I have every confidence that once you all process some things, you’ll be able to work everything out.”

“I think we’re getting there,” Knight said, shifting uncomfortably.

“And you’re okay now that you know?”

“I’m…still processing. But I’m more than okay. I think I might be at a better place than I’ve been in a long time.”

“And you’re feet-over-ass in love with her.”

His smile in response was tentative but also really tender. Lila almost felt the need to fan herself because of all of the love vibes wafting her way.

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