Page 11 of Pick Me

Didn’t shejustsay it was my night in?

Why was she acting so casual about this?

I glanced over to the refrigerator to the noteshewrote, and it confirmed everything going through my mind. “But it’s my night tonight.”

She crossed her arms and sighed as though I was wasting her time. “I’m aware.”

“So, shouldn’t you be leaving the apartment?”

“Nope.” She tied up her sheer robe, and frankly, it was hard to take her seriously when she was dressed as a Furbie from hell.

I shook my head. “You’re confusing me.”

“Aww, is all of that too much information for you to handle in your teeny-tiny brain? I’m staying in, but don’t worry, I won’t cramp your style. I’ll be in my room all night.” She waved her hand in front of my face. “So, feel free to get back to whatever it was you were doing. Well, actually, if you’re watching porn on the big screen, I’d rather you leave the masturbating to your room. I have to sit on that couch from time to time.”

“Whoa,” a deep voice said in my ear, one I almost forgot was there.

“Did you hear that, Liam?”

“Who’s Liam?”

“I heard everything. Who is this girl?”

“My worst nightmare,” I answered before turning my attention back to Thea. “Pyro. You created the rules, and now you’re not abiding by them.”

“I am. I’ll be in my room all night. It’ll be like I’m not here.”

Looking at her door, I knew damn well that would do nothing to stop her overbearing presence from taking over the place. She couldn’t help it. She just had this way about her. It was almost like she could suck everyone’s attention in the room without even trying. At least, that was how I felt whenever she was around.

“But youwillbe here.”

“I already explained that.”

“I was promised the place to myself tonight.”

“Oh, please. It’s not like you’re doing anything important.” She flitted her hand toward the living room and looked me up and down with disgust.

I glanced over to the TV in mock shock. “Nothing important?” She acts like I’m not allowed to entertain myself during the offseason. I wasn’t a robot like Tanner, but I was also nowhere near as talented, and any hopes of getting drafted were long gone for me. “I’m about to go on a heist with a guy who’d rather get cottage ear than wear a helmet while a thousand people watch.”

“It’s cauliflower ear,” Liam said. “And I don’t risk it, because I’m not in the scrum.”

“Oh, yeah. Can’t ruin your pretty face either,” I said with a smile.

“Who do you keep talking to?” Thea asked.

“My friend Liam. He’s a nice guy, I think you two might hit it off.”

“Why do you think that?” she asked, trying to hide the smirk threatening to cross her face.

“Because he’s in the UK. Time zone means talking to you would be minimal.”

“I’m game. She sounds fit,” Liam said in my ear, and I chose to ignore it. Knowing her, she’d steal all of his time, and I’d never have a heist partner again.

“I hate you,” she said so clearly and concisely I was certain her English teacher from high school would be proud.

“Didn’t we already do this, Pyro?”

Her fists were clenched, and the fluffy outfit only emphasized her body vibrating with anger. Why was it so satisfying to see her like this?

---