Page 49 of Weak Side

“What is she doing?”Ford’s confusion hit the back of my head as I headed toward Theo.

Did Theo and I just have a silent agreement?

The closer I got to him, the more my lips ached to curve. The hardness in his gaze softened, and it was obvious he was relieved to see me heading his way. I straightened my shoulders and slowly slithered up beside him, looking all four puck bunnies in the eye.

Theo’s arm snaked around my waist, and I sucked in a quick breath. “There you are,” he whispered, leaning down into my space. I tilted my head to the side, allowing his warm breath to hit the side of my neck.

“Who…?” The girl with pretty auburn hair scoffed, stopping mid-sentence. “Oh, so you already have plans for tonight?”

“Looks like it.” I smiled sweetly and wrapped my arms around Theo’s torso, noticing how tight it was. I briefly remembered how chiseled his muscles felt when he was curled against me last weekend. There was a familiar pull in my stomach that I quickly stomped on.

Taytum’s laugh echoed down the hall, and Theo’s hold on me got tighter, as if he knew that I was about to step away. “Don’t,”he whispered, letting his lips brush over my cheek. My entire body grew warm, and I raised an eyebrow at the girls staring at us in disbelief, hoping they’d turn around and take off before I orgasmed from my roommate’s raspy voice.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

I slowly blew the trapped air out of my mouth as each girl turned around begrudgingly and trudged down the hall, ignoring Ford as he sarcastically waved at them.

The second they were out of sight, I peered up at Theo. “You can let me go now.”

The playfulness on his features was back, and his curved jaw caught my eye as he grinned down at me. “Now why would I do that, Bryant?”

I bounced my eyes back and forth between his, and I hated that I couldn’t figure out what he was thinking. There was definitely something formulating in the back of his mind, and I was afraid to know what it was.

“Was that planned?!” Ford asked, sliding beside us. Theo eventually dropped his arm from my waist, and I stepped away a little too quickly. Taytum caught my eye, and I purposefully looked away.What the hell am I doing?This was Chad’s fault. He crawled into my head and burrowed his insults in there, causing me to latch onto something that wasn’t even there. It was a type of subconscious revenge.

Theo chuckled as he pulled his hat off and ran a hand through his messy hair. “No, but it’s not the first time Claire has stepped in and rescued me.”

“Um, what?” Taytum looked at me and pursed her lips. I pretended not to notice her disapproval.

I sighed. “You forced me to do it last time.”

Ford stuck his head in between Theo and me. “Forced you? Careful what you say, girl.”

I shook my head. “No. I—”

Theo pushed Ford back out of my space. “You know how puck bunnies are. They’re relentless.”

“Not if you have a long-time girlfriend,” Alicia said, grabbing onto Jett’s hand. He brought their clasped hands up to his mouth and kissed her knuckles.Okay, they are cute.A wave of disappointment flew through me, realizing that Chad and I never, ever had that.

“Exactly.” Theo snapped his fingers. “I acted like Claire and I were a thing the other day and scared a puck bunny off. It seems that Claire is the best form of defense when it comes to these leeches.”

His shoulder bumped into mine lightly, and he smiled at me, throwing me off balance. “Thanks, roomie.”

Roomie.

“Dude, that is brilliant.” Ford snapped his fingers just as Aasher walked out of the locker room, looking fresh-faced and ready to go.

“What’s brillant?” he asked, sliding up beside Theo. He nodded at me, and I sent him a small smile.

“Claire acting like Theo’s girl.” Ford slapped Theo on the chest. “That’ll be the end of your worries.”

My face began to turn red. I knew it because I felt the same way I had in fourth grade when I fell off the stage during one of my recitals.

Aasher threw his hands up. “You’re the only fucking dude on this team that would complain about too many puck bunnies wanting your attention.”

“They’re unwavering in their attempts, and I don’t want them around when Tom Gardini is looking to put me on his team. He needs to see that I’m focused. Plus, they show up in our room naked. Unannounced. Ask Claire. She knows.”

Who is Tom Gardini?Taytum’s elbow made contact with my ribs, and I quickly snapped my head up and made eye contact with Theo. “It’s not like you turn them all down,” I blurted, seemingly more irritated than I actually was.

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