Page 21 of The Roommate Remodel

She looks stunning, and it’s obvious the other guys agree because they can’t stop staring.

Do they think they even have a chance with her?Because they don’t. She’s way too good for them.

“This is Jaz,” Lucian says. “She owns the house, along with her sister. Their rules are law around here, so give them respect.”

She offers Lucian an appreciative smile.

“Is anyone hungry?” Sloan asks. “I can cook some bacon.”

Vale raises his hand. “I’m always hungry.”

“Why am I not surprised?” I mutter.

“What?” Vale shrugs. “Need to keep up my energy for our first day.”

Sloan escapes to the kitchen to fry bacon while the boys gather around the enormous oak table in the dining room, passing muffins and coffee cups. The smell of bacon fills the house, while Jaz hangs back, nursing a cup of coffee and checking her phone.

“First things first,” Lucian says, turning his chair around backwards so he can straddle it. “Let’s talk house rules.”

It’s obvious why he’s the team captain; he demands the attention of everyone here. “Jaz, do you want to be part of this conversation?”

She glances up from her phone. “You want to talk about house rules, now?” Based on the surprise on her face, she wasn’t prepared for this.

“The sooner the better,” Lucian says. “We need for this housing arrangement to work until some apartments open up.”

Tate raises his hand. “I, for one, would appreciate knowing the rules.”

Leo frowns at him, like he can’t believe what he’s hearing. “We’re grown adults, Sheriff Tate. We’ll get along just fine if we use common sense.”

Tate glowers at Leo. “How do you know everyone has common sense?”

“Guys...” Lucian interrupts, shaking his head. “Let Jaz talk.”

“We do need rules.” Her eyes skate to me for a second before flicking away, like she’s replaying the memory of me walking in on her. “But use your heads. Don’t be idiots. What questions do you have?”

“Are you okay with us having friends over for a party?” Leo asks.

Lucian frowns. “Parties are out of the question. And you shouldn’t be partying before a game anyway.”

Leo huffs. “Seriously?”

Tate glances at Leo. “We just got here, and you already want to party?”

“I’m not planning anything,” Leo argues. “She asked for questions.”

“I’m glad he brought it up,” I interrupt, folding my arms. “This is someone’s home. We need to treat it with respect.”

“Agreed.” Lucian nods.

I like this guy already.

“What other rules do you think we should cover, boss?” Lucian asks.

“Places that are off-limits.” She looks at me. “The downstairs bathroom isonlyfor Sloan and me.”

“It was an accident,” I remind her, not wanting to turn this into an argument in front of the others.

Leo laughs. “Good way to make a first impression.”

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