Page 39 of The Roommate Remodel

“I am a big deal,” Leo brags. “Even the teacher was into me. We might meet up after a game.”

I grab a soda from the fridge and shoot Leo a look of disapproval. “Only you would hit on a teacher,Ego.”

“What’s wrong with that, Brax?” Leo asks, propping his feet on the coffee table, making himself at home.

“Everything,” I say, cracking open the lid. I roll my injured shoulder, which is still numb from the ice bath I just took.

Vale nods at me. “Looks like you survived without throwing up.”

“Are you sure he didn’t?” Leo jokes. “Did you cry for your mommy?”

“Shut up, Leo,” I mumble, shoving him.

“Or wet your pants?” Leo snickers. I shove him harder this time, and Tate jumps between us, like he’s the sheriffaround here.

“He’s pushing your buttons,” Tate reminds me.

“Whatever,” I mutter and leave the room.

As I head upstairs, Jaz follows me. “Brax, stop.”

I turn to face her. “I can’t hang out with Leo tonight.”

She stays a few steps away, letting me have my space. “Don’t listen to Leo. You were great with the kids today.”

“Thanks,” I say.

Why is she being so nice?This is clearly a pity move to make me feel better. And it’s not helping.

Jaz twists the ring on her finger nervously. “The guys mentioned heading out for wings. Apparently it’s line-dancing night at Boots and Buckles.”

I study her for a beat. She’s changed into ripped jeans that show off her curves, a bright pink cropped sweater, and blue boots that make her just tall enough to kiss easily.

I can’t tell if she’s inviting me out of sympathy or trying to get my mind off Leo.

I rub the back of my neck. “You know I can’t dance. And I don’t need another reason for Leo to get on my last nerve.”

“You didn’t care what people thought at the wedding,” she says, lifting an eyebrow.

I stop on the stairs and slowly turn to face her. Before we escaped to the storage closet that night, I was suckered into dancing with all the groomsmen. A move I still regret.

“That was different. It was a private wedding. I was with family. They’ve already seen how badly I dance.”

“What aboutourdance?” Her eyes lock on me, and something shifts in my chest.

What kind of power does this woman have that she can turn my heart on a dime?

I shake my head. “Anyone can slow dance.” Just thinking of that moment, the closeness of her skin, my hands skimming her bare shoulders—all things I shouldn’t think about now.

“We don’t have to dance,” she says. “I doubt Tate will. Leo, on the other hand...”

“Leowillshow off. It’s Ego’s second nature,” I grumble.

She laughs, glancing over her shoulder to make sure Leo doesn’t hear us. He’s oblivious, still bragging about the kids who thought he was a superhero.

“I think you should join us,” she says. “You guys need some bonding time. Even though you fit in at the rink, this is your chance to bond with them off the ice. Sloan and I are just tagging along for fun.” She gives me a smile that feels like sunshine. Funny how one look from her cracks open my stony heart.

I should say no. Ineedto say no.

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