Page 48 of Afterglow
Theo laughs, making his way to the passenger side door. He opens it for me. Another thing I’m learning is that chivalry isn’t dead, despite what people say.
“You haven’t fallen in love with me yet,”
My eyes widened, surprise and dread filling the pit in my stomach. Theo’s seemingly casual comment sends shivers through my spine, forcing me to straighten. Every word on the tip of my tongue has disappeared.
“But that’s okay. I’m confident you will fall for my charms one day,”
Andthatis why I’m worried. Falling for Theodore Knight is something that shouldn’t happen. But at this rate, it will be impossible not to.
Chapter 22
Jazmine Allen
I’m not wearing his jersey,”
Willow and Athena stare at me, deadpanned and confused. I roll my eyes. Both the girls have been hounding me for the past hour, trying to convince me to wear Theo’s jersey. I’m not giving him the satisfaction of seeing me inhisnumber. Seriously, his ego is big enough as it is.
It’s bad enough that in the past couple days Theo has been constantly on my mind. Taking me to breakfastand buying groceries for my house—seriously, who even does that?
But I’m beginning to realise, these are only two of the many other things he has done. Helping me through and after my panic attack, even though I was trying to push him away is high on the list.
Earlier, I messaged Theo and he sent me tickets for the sidelines—so you can add that as well.
Everything he is doing is tearing down every wall protecting my heart. The question of whether we are friends or not doesn't matter any longer. Now, I have two options: avoid or succumb to the sexual tension between Theodore and me. Either one could destroy me.
Willow is drowning in a Nevada Wolves jersey—Theodore’s opponent—reaching her mid-thigh, while Athena is wearing her boyfriend’s last name and number across her back. Tonight is Willow’s last night in Arizona, so I caved when both she and my roommate wanted to go to the game.
“You’re right,” Willow said.
“Thank y—”
“You should wear someone else’s jersey to make him jealous,”
“Arghh, you are impossible.” I sigh, bringing my hands to cover my face.
A jingle of keys and the unlocking of our front door, alters my focus. Sofia waltzes through the door, suitcases dragging behind her. Screams of excitement bounce off the walls. Athena and I run towards our returning roommate.
“You’re back!” we yell in unison.
Sofia has been off in New York, working for Cassidy Emerald. She is the founder ofEmerald Designs, a fashion company she built from the ground up. When Sofia found out she was interning there, she broke into tears then we went out and celebrated in style.
“Willow. Come over here,” my best friend walks toward us. “Sofia, this is my best friend, Willow.”
“Nice to meet you,” Willow says before pausing. “You’re the fashion expert, right?”
Sofia nods in conformation.
“Please tell Jaz she must wear Theodore ‘Pretty Boy’ Knight’s football jersey to the game tonight,”
Sofia’s face brightens, her signature devious smile begins to pull on her lips. Oh, no. “It is required,” she begins. “This is how all good romances start. Am I right, Athena?”
The local bookworm replies: “Correct. Jersey scenes are-” Athena lets out a breath, fanning her face in sync.
I am never going to hear the end of this. “I’m wearing the jersey I have on. And we are leaving,” I stamp my foot down. “Right now,”
The girls laugh at my dramatics.
“Good luck girls,” Sofia says, waving us off.
