Page 115 of The Roommate Remodel

Then I slip into a form-fitting pink dress that Brax once told me is his favorite. If he really is looking at me, then I might as well make it so hecan’tlook away.

When Brax arrives home after practice, he stares at theFor Rentsign before slamming the door. Then his gaze swings to me, and his eyes nearly pop out of his head as he takes in my dress.

He blinks once before tearing his eyes away, and the annoyedexpression returns to his face. “What’s this about?” He points to the sign.

“Some of us have a mortgage to pay,” I reply, daring him to challenge me. I wipe my hands on the dish towel I’m holding. “I can’t be abandoned at the last minute.”

His eyes meet mine for the first time in days. “You think I’d leave you like that?”

It’s not a question. It’s an accusation. But I refuse to back down, even though he still makes me feel things I’d rather not. “I think you’d avoid me and then leave without saying goodbye.”

I wheel around and head back into the kitchen, letting my words sink in.

He follows. “Jaz, I would never do that to you.”

I toss the dish towel on the counter and cross my arms. “Really? Because based on how much you’ve tried to avoid me this week, it seems like you might.”

Then I walk to the sink and plunge my hands in soapy dishwater. It’s easier than facing him. If he looks into my eyes, he’ll know that I still love him and want him to stay, even if I’m furious right now.

His footsteps stop behind me, and his gaze burns a hole into my back.

With my head down and eyes averted, I scrub a dirty plate.

“There are things I can’t tell you about yet,” he says in a low voice. “I thought you, of all people, would understand this.”

I swivel around to face him. “I may have been wrong to keep Alex’s secret from you, but I didn’t really have another choice.”

His gaze pierces mine. “There’salwaysanother choice, Jaz.”

Doesn’t he know that I’ve already beat myself up a thousand times since everything fell apart? What does he even mean byanother choice?If I’d had another choice, I’d be with him right now, instead of watching him distance himself from me.

A knock on the door interrupts our conversation, and Brax frowns at the intrusion. I wipe my hands and brush by him as he growls, “We’ll finish this later.”

When I open the door, a middle-aged man in crooked glasses stands on the front porch.

“I’m Chad. I saw the ad online and wondered if you’ve rented the rooms yet?”

I blink at the realization that he could be my next renter, even though it makes me sick.

“Yes. Come in. I’m Jaz.”

As he enters, Brax steps into the hall and stares at the guy like he’d like to dismember him.

I give Brax a look that saysstop itbefore turning back to the guest. “Let me show you a room upstairs.”

I don’t know why, but this man makes me feel uneasy. The only renters I’ve had are the hockey players, and none of them made me feel this way. Not even Leo, with his relentless flirting. They wouldn’t dare touch me or look at me the wrong way. If they did, Brax would tear them apart with his bare hands.

As I lead Chad upstairs, we pass Brax on the way. With his arms crossed and eyes narrowed, he looks as friendly as a serial killer.

Seriously?I don’t need him glaring at my potential renters like that. I toss Brax a quick look on the way up.Be nice.Then I add, “I’m going to show him your room.”

I don’t ask. I demand. Based on his expression, I think he’d prefer getting mauled by a tiger than letting this guy in his room.

“Then I’m heading out,” Brax growls as he strides toward the front door. I’m halfway up the stairs when I hear it slam shut.

When I open Brax’s bedroom, the heady smell of cologne hits me like a gut punch. It’s all I can do to push away the image of Brax next to me, pulling me close as I settle in his arms.

I wander toward Brax’s dresser, where a framed photo sits. It’s from the night he taught me to skate. He’s gripping my waist, pulling me into a hug, eyes fixed on me. Vale must have taken it from the sound booth. My stomach clenches at the memory and the incredible kiss we shared.

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