Page 35 of Pick Me

I growled at my own thoughts. Why didn’t I feel like I owned them anymore? Why did it feel like Thea had sunk her nails into my brain and was clutching at every nerve, controlling my thoughts?

And why the hell did that thought turn me on?

“Thea, I need to tell you something.” Wetting my lips, I said, “I can’t stop thinking about you.Fuck, that’s an understatement. You’ve taken over every single thought. I don’t want you going out with another guy because I don’t think he’ll ever be able to satisfy you the way I could, the wayIwant to.” I closed my eyes, biting my bottom lip. Was I taking this too far? Probably, but I wasn’t known for my subtlety. “Let me take you out on a date instead. I can’t promise I’ll be as charming or dashing as the dude you went out with tonight, but just give me a chance to show you I’m something other than your annoying roommate.” I paused, thinking about it all for a second. “Or at least let me sleep with you, I might be able to get some of my brain back then.”

My ears prickled as she shuffled around her room, which I took as confirmation she’d heard my request. Was she coming to the door? Why did I have visions of her opening it and pushing me against the counter so she could kiss me? Oh, yeah, because I was obsessed.

Five minutes went by, and the door didn’t open.

I knocked one more time, and although there was no response, that was answer enough. She wasn’t interested. She was trying to help me save face by leaving me out here to stew in my own confession.

Dammit.

I turned, resting my back against the door, and ran a hand through my hair.

Nothing. Not even a shitty retort to keep me at bay.

What was I expecting? She just got home from a date, one that went so well she was planning a second one. I wasn’t an idiot. I knew what guys would try after the second date, and it seemed she was all for it. She told me she kept him waiting tonight as a game. I had no doubts she’d probably invite him in next time to gloat. They’d go into her room, and I’d have to listen to them have obnoxiously loud sex.

I huffed, stalking to my room. This wasn’t me. I wasn’t supposed to be down bad for a girl with no interest in me. Not one iota.

Slamming the door, I paced my room, thinking about how stupid I was to admit everything to Thea like that. Now she knew I was obsessed with her and would probably rub it in my face in the morning.

The lights around the edges of my gaming chair were lighting up as messages were popping up on my computer. Liam, no doubt, wanted to do a live tonight and capitalize on his face going viral again. How was I supposed to work through level sixty when I couldn’t focus?

My ears perked up when I heard Thea moving in her room. So she was up. I bet she was texting her new man, telling him how obsessed her roommate was with her. Who was this idiot, anyway? I needed to talk to him. Muttering to myself, I grabbed my phone and decided to text the one person directly responsible for this.

Jackson:Britt. Did Thea go on a date tonight?

Britt:Why do you want to know?

Jackson:Because I do. Now, tell me who it was before I lose my mind.

Matty:Don’t speak to my wife like that.

Jackson:What are you doing here? I thought I was texting Britt privately.

Matty:Pay attention, you’re texting the group chat.

Matty:But also, don’t text my wife privately.

Matty:Ever.

Jackson:Possessive much? Is this how he won you over, Britt? I can imagine you like that kind of thing. Well, you know what? I like being bossed around in the sheets too, so if you want to be in charge for once, I’m here.

Matty:I’m blocking you.

Jackson:No, you’re not. You have too much fun with me to do that.

Britt:Is there something you need, J?

Jackson:Yeah, your help. You need to text Thea and find out who she was on a date with tonight.

Britt:Not going to happen.

Jackson:Why not? It’s a little text to your friend to ask what she was up to. I can even write it for you. All you need to do is copy the text, paste it into the chat, and click send. Then your work is done. That’s it. Simple.

Jackson:Hey Thea, what did you get up to tonight? Who are you dating?

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