Page 14 of Fair Play
Billie
Apartments in L.A. are expensive.
This is why I didn’t want to move here in the first place, but Bodi wanted me to be close to him once he got called up and I let him talk me into it. That seems to be a pattern with us. I want to do something, he decides it’s not the right decision, and then does everything in his power to change my mind. When that doesn’t work, he lays on the guilt, and in the end, I capitulate.
In this instance, it really was the right thing to do. The program I’m in at the local university is pretty awesome, and if I decide to finish my master’s by continuing on next year, I can get a Teaching Assistant job that will change everything.
I just have to survive until then.
My current job at a little local grocery store isn’t going to pay rent in this town, and I don’t have a car, so I’m limited in where I can work.
That’s the bigger problem.
I’m loath to ask my brother to help me get a car, but I don’t see any other choice.
I have to work, and if I’m living here, I don’t have any way to get to class. The bus takes close to two hours from here, and that’s not going to work for me. I did it today and it sucked. I was late to class, someone followed me from the bus stop all the way until I got to campus, and the idea of doing that twice a day three times a week is daunting. I took an Uber home, and that cost a fortune, so I’m back to square one with transportation.
I’m going to have to find a better job, where I can afford a decent car loan, and then ask Bodi to cosign.
Ugh.
He’ll totally use it against me but maybe living with him short-term isn’t such a bad idea. He won’t charge me anything, and I can save up. For a car, for a rainy day, maybe even my own apartment if I decide not to finish my master’s and get a job instead.
The only issue with staying here is his gorgeous, hunky roommate.
I don’t know what it is about Rome, but his voice alone makes me want to do dumb things. Like walk into his room naked and ride him like a cowgirl.
Or better yet, let him ride me.
Obviously, I need to get laid.
Too bad the only prospect is a guy my brother would probably dismember just for looking at me wrong. They think they’re sneaky, but I heard every word of their conversation last night. I came back down to ask about which bathroom to use since both bedrooms are en suite, and then stood outside the kitchen listening.
Bodi’s attitude didn’t surprise me.
He’s always tried to keep me away from his teammates—I’m used to that.
But I’ve also never met one who makes my insides do funny things, and my girlie parts practically scream for mercy. It’s weird because I’ve never been the type to go boy crazy. I had a few boyfriends in high school and college, I go out on dates once in a while, but I’m focused on school. Relationships seem complicated and unnecessary at this stage of my life.
The only thing I miss is sex.
It doesn’t sound like Rome is on board, though, so I’m going to have to put him out of my mind.
I hear the garage door open and a moment later Rome walks in.
He’s just come back from a morning skate and looks incredible in a pair of shorts, a Phantoms T-shirt pulling tight across his chest, and his hair damp.
Fuck, why does that make him even hotter?
“Hey.” He nods politely.
“Hey.” I smile. “How was the morning skate?”
“Good. Coach let us go early.”
“Do you nap on game days like Bodi does?”
He makes a face. “Sometimes. I’ve never been a napper. My mom says even when I was a baby, I fought it like crazy and then wouldn’t stay asleep long. I don’t need a lot of sleep.”
