Page 20 of The Roommate Remodel

That man spends more time on his appearance than most girls I know.

After I scroll through hockey news on my phone, Vale still isn’t out of the bathroom. With Lucian set to arrive any time, I grab my toiletry bag and head to the downstairs bathroom.

As I swing the door open, I’m immediately confronted by Jaz wrapped in a towel, razor in hand, and her bare leg propped on the sink.

“Get out of here!” she yells and levels a look at me like I’m some kind of perv.

I back away. “I didn’t see anything! I mean, except for your...” I wave toward her bare legs.

“Don’t you know how to knock?” She shoves me out of the room.

“Well, good morning to you too, Princess,” I grumble. “Need I remind you someone failed to lock the door?”

She holds up the razor, which now looks like a dangerous tool aimed at me. “Need I remind you that same someone is holding a sharp object?”

I take a step back and put my hands up in surrender. “Sorry.”

“First rule of the house:Alwaysknock.” Then she slams the door in my face.

Now that we got that out of the way.

In less than twenty-four hours, I’ve stumbled into not one, buttwocompromising situations with her. How many more accidental run-ins before she thinks I’m a total creep?

If this is what it means to live in the same house together, I don’t know if I can take it. Not just running into her, but the thought of herimaginingme as some slimeball who only wants to see her half-dressed.

I’d punch anyone who even thought of her the wrong way.

Yet, my mind is burned with that image. And I don’t want to think of her only that way or have her look at me like she did just now.

Like she doesn’t trust me.

Earning back her trust is first priority, but that will only work if I put some rules around our roommate situation.And my feelings.

Vale finally trots down the steps, his hair neatly combed. “Bathroom is all yours.”

“Thanks to you, I walked in on Jaz in the bathroom.”

His face snaps to mine in amusement. “Day two and you’ve already gotten on her last nerve?Thattakes talent.”

“She threatened me with a razor blade.”

Vale chuckles. “I wouldn’t leave your door unlocked at night.”

As I toss the peas back in the freezer, Lucian pulls up, and the two new players climb out.

The team captain greets us with a smile. “I trust your first night was okay?” I nod and my gaze flicks over to the jersey he’s holding. The one promised to Jaz. A twinge of jealousy twists inside me.

Cool it.He’s the team captain, trying to make her feel welcome. And the first game is two weeks away.She can pick any jersey she wants to wear, which I respect. But I still want her to pick mine.

“I’d like you to meet your new roommates.” He motions to the taller one, with the chiseled jaw and the hair falling over one eye. “This is Leo.”

The guy doesn’t even crack a smile. Instead, he gives me a quick nod and grips my handhard.

Save it for the ice, Mr. Ego. Even now, he looks ready to take me out.

“I’m Tate.” The other guy, with the beard and dark eyes, steps forward. He immediately puts us at ease with a warm smile.

Tate’s gaze flicks over my shoulder as Jaz enters, wearing a long black dress, her hair curled loosely around her shoulders.

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