Page 11 of A Little Complicated

“She’s already taken.”

His eyes widen. “You know her?”

“Yeah.”

“Who is she?”

“Archer’s girlfriend.”

He lifts the blind with his index finger again and whistles. “Fuck.”

Yeah.

“Come on,” I mutter. “You look like a perv.”

“Dude, she’s coming this way.”

My spine pricks, but I keep my feet planted where they are.

I knew she was coming.

Knew she was moving in.

Knew I’d be around her again after avoiding her for so long.

It’s why I had to get shit-faced last night.

Archer gave me some bullshit lecture about how I needed to play nice when she arrived. How I had to make her feel welcome. It only left me more on edge.

He’s gone for the day despite attempting to shift shit around at his internship so he could be here to greet her. Go figure. Now, it’s my job.

A loud knock echoes from the solid door, and Reeves rubs his hands together with a mischievous grin.

“Don’t do it,” I warn.

“Do what?” he asks innocently.

“Whatever you’re thinking.”

“Why not? It’s not like she’syourgirlfriend,” he reminds me.

Reeves is kind of an ass. He’s also one of my roommates and best friends, despite that. Although, at times like this, I’m not entirely sure why I put up with him. Having Ophelia on my radar is one thing. Having her on Reeves’? It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

The house belongs to more than just me. I live with Jaxon and Griffin, who are brothers, along with Everett, Reeves, and my twin. It’s a full house on a good day, but Jaxon graduated this spring, so we should have more space soon if we’re lucky.

Speak of the devil.

Jaxon’s heavy footsteps echo down the stairs as he heads to the front door and answers it, ignoring us in the main room.

“Jax!” Ophelia gushes when she comes into view. She throws her arms around him.

“Hey, baby cousin,” he returns.

“I'm hardly a baby, old man,” she quips, letting him go. “Congrats on graduating and the new coaching position, by the way. I still can’t believe you turned down signing with the Lions to coach a bunch of girls.”

“Yeah, neither can I. Are you ready for me to kick your ass during conditioning?”

“Yes,Coach,” she replies. “I’m excited to get the girls’ team off to a good start.”

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