Page 126 of Echoes of Us

“Yeah.” I sighed.

“He’s hotter than I thought,” Mathew said, tilting his head while inspecting him.

I felt a flare of familiar jealousy. I made a noncommittal noise.

“Someone told me he was bisexual. Is he?”

“Last I heard, yeah.”

“I stumbled over some gossip about him once, that he had a boyfriend. Super hot, too—” He stopped abruptly.

My lips were clamped shut.

He glanced at me, realization dawning. “He’s your ex, isn’t he?” He was already looking pretty embarrassed.

“Yup, that’s the one,” I admitted.

He tittered nervously. “Shit, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“I can’t believe your ex is Noah Rossi. What was that like? To date him?”

It was such a loaded question. I could spend years trying to explain. “Traumatizing,” I said instead.

Mathew laughed again. “I’m so sorry. Let me buy you a beer. As friends. You need a break,” he offered.

I took a deep breath before nodding. “Sure. Just the one, I’m going to the gym later,” I told Mathew.

He smiled. We got up, and I looked back towards the team. Noah was still frowning.

“Col,” I called out, and he turned towards me. “I’m headed out. See you at home,” I said, and he waved.

My eyes drifted towards Noah. He met my gaze. This time, he didn’t even pretend to look away. The confusion in his eyes was unmistakable. I turned towards Mathew, and we left, leaving Noah’s gaze burning into my back.

One beer turned into two, and two hours later, they had turned into six. I agreed to walk Mathew to his apartment and somehow got roped into going up. He kissed me in the elevator, our bodies pressed together in a rush of alcohol-fueled urgency. We stumbled into his apartment, making out as Mathew’s hand slipped down my pants. He closed the door behind us and guided me towards his room, the air thick with anticipation.

Once there, he made me sit on his bed and eased my shirt off, his eyes gleaming with approval.

“Shit, I knew you were going to look good, Att, but this might be even better than I imagined.” His voice was husky.

“Thanks,” I replied.

Mathew kneeled between my legs, and I felt a pang of uncertainty as he ran his hands over my thighs.

“Do you want me to suck you off?” he asked in a low voice.

“Do you normally do this with your friends?”

“If they were as hot as you, sure, I’d be game. I know you’re not up for a commitment right now. We can just do this and have fun. I swear you won’t have to answer to me or even do it again,” he assured me, his eyes filled with amusement.

“I’m not a very casual guy,” I admitted.

“I know you’re not, but you’re not getting any from the guy you’re hung up on, so maybe you’re due a little fun.”

I thought about it. Mathew was attractive, and I was drawn to him. If I had to categorize him, he fit into what Chase called “my type.” He was easy to talk to, and he seemed trustworthy. Still, it felt unfair to get off with someone while thinking of someone else.

“I’m not sure.”

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