Page 24 of End Game

It’s annoying.

“He’ll eventually take the hint and back off from you,” Nico reassures me. “Give him time.”

I shrug helplessly, sending him a quick look but not saying anything as I walk past him and head to my bedroom to drop off my bags before I fix myself something to eat. Weirdly enough, Nico follows me, hovering in my bedroom doorway and watching me set my bags on top of my bed.

“How was school?” he asks, like he actually wants to make conversation with me.

“Good.” I keep my back to him as I slide my backpack off and drop it on the floor.

“And your classes?”

“They seem like they’re going to be okay. Probably a little intense.” I pause, turning to face him. He’s still standing in the doorway, apparently not going anywhere anytime soon, so I keep up the conversation. “How were your classes?”

“They were all right. My load is a little lighter this quarter since I took summer classes. I only have fifteen units.” He takes another bite from that delicious-looking burrito, and I swear my mouth waters.

“I’m jealous,” I admit. “I’m taking eighteen.”

“That’s a big load. With football I couldn’t handle it. Plus, I was here all summer, so it made sense to get some classes out of the way.” He shrugs those impossibly broad shoulders, drawing my attention to just how big he is.

He towers over me. Feels like he’s twice as wide as me and can probably crush me with his bare hands. I shouldn’t find that hot, but there is something about him and all that contained strength that’s a turn-on.

Or maybe I’m just warped and sex starved. It didn’t help when Sienna described the football team as beasts in bed. Worse because the first one I thought of was Nico.

I can only imagine . . .

Shutting off my wayward thoughts, I ask, “Why were you here all summer?”

“Because of football. We have camp and then summer practice, and our season started a couple of weeks ago,” he explains.

“Really? Before school started?”

He nods, holding his burrito out toward me. “Want a bite?”

“What? No.” I shake my head, taking a step backward. More than a little confused by the sudden subject change.

“Oh. You were staring at the burrito like it was the hottest thing you’ve ever seen.” He grins. “Figured you were hungry.”

My stomach chooses that moment to growl, of course. I can feel my entire face get hot, and a knowing smile curls Nico’s perfect lips. “Uhh ...”

“You’re definitely hungry,” he says with a chuckle. “I’ll share it with you.”

“No. It’s okay.” I shake my head, embarrassed. “I couldn’t take your dinner away from you. I’m sure I can find something here to eat.”

There are plenty of things in the fridge, not that much of it appeals. I should know what’s in there since I’ve been cooking dinner for these guys the last few nights. They’re always appreciative of it too. Complimenting me on the meals I’ve made and offering to help clean up the kitchen, which I always let them do.

“This place makes the best burritos I’ve ever had.” He’s trying to tempt me. The seductive tone of his voice, the look on his face, the way he just took another bite of his burrito, his gaze never straying from mine ...

No wonder women just fall into bed with him. He’s working his magic on me over a freakin’ burrito.

“I don’t think—”

“Come on,” he interrupts. “I’m taking you out and buying you one. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look back.”

“Do they sponsor you? Is that why you’re pushing them on me so hard?”

He laughs, and the pleasant sound ripples over my skin, making me warm.

“Nah. I just like their food,” he calls over his shoulder as he starts walking.

---