Page 7 of Puck Right Off

Tristan nods. “What’s your major?”

“English Literature with a minor in Composition and Writing. I plan on getting my master’s in library science once I finish my undergrad degree.”

There I go again. The nerdy girl with verbal diarrhea and no acceptable social skills.

Surprisingly, Tristan relaxes, seemingly unbothered aftermy little meltdown. “I have no doubt you’ll accomplish your goals, Jordyn. I admire you for not giving up.” The genuine look of respect on his face does something to my heart, but I force myself to ignore it.

“Thank you.” My voice is softer than I expected, resulting in an uneasy silence.

He raps his knuckles against the bookshelf. “Well, I better leave you to unpack your things. If you need me, yell.” Pivoting on his heel, he heads to the doorway, but my voice stops him before he leaves my room.

“Can I have your number?”

He freezes, and I immediately berate myself. But the words hang out there, and I can’t take them back.

I rattle on, my words spilling from my lips like a damn breaking. “Only in the event of an emergency.” A nervous laugh escapes as I push a lock of blonde hair from my face. “It’s not like I’d just be blowing up your phone, sexting you.”

Sexting? Where the hell did that come from?

Tristan slowly spins around, a wide smile spreading over his face. “Dammit. I was hoping you planned to text me and ask if you could give me a blowjob, then ride me on the couch.” The laughter in his voice and his wink causes me to relax and smile at him.

Pulling his phone from his pocket, the used condom slips to the floor. He doesn’t notice, but I do. An uncomfortable feeling wells inside me.

“That’s a good idea to exchange numbers, roomie.” He hands me his phone so I can input my number.

He grins at me, not noticing the change in my demeanor. “I wouldn’t mind if you texted me memes or… whatever.”

I smirk as I enter my contact info. “Be careful what you wish for, puck boy.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I’m horrified. My head jerks up to find hissmile gone, a hurt look on his face. Seconds later, a cold mask slides across his features.

“I didn’t mean?—”

“No, I deserve that.” He glowers at me. “You’d do well to remember that’s what I am, Jordyn. It’s better that way.” He snatches his phone from my hands and strides toward the door without a backward glance.

When it slams behind him, I sink to my knees in front of my suitcases. A long sigh comes from my lips.

“Great start to your new living arrangements.”

CHAPTER 5

Tristan

I’m avoiding Jordyn, pacing my bedroom floor while berating myself for my final words to her. The conversation was flowing between us, and I started to feel hopeful that I’d managed to shift the awful first impression I made to something better. She genuinely seemed impressed by my intelligence. And even though I joked with her, she didn’t seem bothered.

Then she called me a puck boy. It stung like a nest of bees protecting their hive. Although I deserved it, considering what she walked in on.

I can’t take it anymore. I’ve gotta get out of here.

My fingers pull my phone from my pocket and shoot Alex a text.

Me: Meet me at the rec for a workout?

Grabbing a T-shirt, keys, and phone, I pace my room as the three dots appear, and my phone dings when he responds.

Alex: What if I’m in the middle of something?

I smirk as I reply.

Me: Are you?

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