Page 4 of Roughing the Princess

“I’m serious. Also, every sports show wants to interview you about it.”

I laughed again.

“It seems like you think I’m joking. But I’m not.” He pulled out his phone and showed me the podcast.

And the comments. So many fucking comments. About me and Tova.Holy shit.

“I think #Talva is trending on TikTok,” Jasper said.

“You actually fucking posted that? What the fuck?!”

“You’re welcome.”

“I didn’t say thank you!”

He smiled. “At least you didn’t talk about how you lost your virginity while listening to one of her songs…”

I took a step toward him and he jumped off the counter. He sprinted around it before I had a chance to tackle him to the floor.

“Why are you pissed?” he said. “Tova has your number. That’s what you wanted.”

“Not like this I didn’t.” I tried to grab him again but he sprinted around to the other side of the counter. For such a large man he was surprisingly quick.

“You should be saying thank you. Not only do you get to talk to her now, but you’re going to get a ton of publicity.”

“I’m already in the limelight enough.”

“Not as much as she is.”

I glared at him.

“She’s a global phenomenon. You’re just popular in the states.”

“We’re world champions,” I said. “World.”

“Football is only played here and you know it.”

“Two Super Bowl rings.”

“She’s gone platinum like a million times. Or whatever. Is that even a thing still? And she’s definitely won some Grammys. Regardless, she’s out of your league. And I hooked you up. Bow to me.” He motioned to the tiled floor where he presumably wanted me to bow.

I lunged for him again.

He laughed and dodged me. “Can’t touch this.” He shimmied his shoulders.

And I couldn’t help but laugh. “I can’t believe you posted that shit, man.” It was legit mortifying. It was bad enough being rejected by her at her concert. I didn’t need the whole fucking world to know about it.

“Have you even checked your phone yet?” He pointed at me. “You’re smiling! See! I knew you’d be excited about this.”

“I’m not smiling.”

“You’re definitely smiling.”

“Whatever. Good night, asshole.” I walked toward the stairs.

“I know you’re going to check your phone!”

I ignored him.

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