Excerpt:
I rush to the stairs at the end of the hall. It will be quicker than waiting for the elevator, and since I’m only going up one floor, it makes sense. After taking the steps by twos, I’m standing in front of the guys’ apartment in no time.
Brushing a stray hair off my face as I unlock the door, I realize I never changed out of my workout attire. My capri leggings, which I wear while lounging around at home more than working out, are black with a camo pink design up the sides. Then I’m wearing a crop top tank in the same matching pink.
I’m glad the guys aren’t here, because I don’t dress like this around them. Ever. I’m normally in a pair of skinny jeans and a fitted tee or hoodie. On occasion, I know how to dress up. I’m assuming if the guys saw my midriff, it would be akin to seeing their sister show too much skin.
I take a few steps into the apartment, and it’s dead quiet, as expected. I look around for the speaker and notice the place is cleaner than it was yesterday. Since Dex moved out last month, it’s become blatantly obvious who kept the place clean—or at least held the guys accountable for cleaning up after themselves.
I chuckle to myself at how much fun Gia and Ruby will have when they have to house-train their men eventually.
I remember that we had the speaker back in Link’s room, testing it with his stream set up. So I head down the hall.
I hear a noise and look over my shoulder just as I run into something hard and wet.
I squeak as I whip my face around, and I jump when strong hands grab both of my arms.
“Shit,” a deep voice mutters.
I stifle a scream right as I process what—I mean who—I ran into.
Wade Roberts.
The Wade Roberts.
Dex’s older brother.
My teammate’s big brother and the guy I’ve shamefully had a secret crush on for years.
Yeah, that Wade Roberts.
He grips my biceps tightly as if he fears I’m going to fall over. And once my vision focuses on him and my eyes drift down his body, and I realize that he’s naked, I think I might just pass out.
Well, hello, abs.
“Bernadette. You good?” His voice is deep, and there’s a trace of humor there.
The way he says my name makes my knees weak. Not many people call me by my full name, but Wade always has.
I nod, still taking him in. Okay, so he’s not naked completely. He’s got a towel wrapped low around his waist, giving me a nearly full view of the perfect ‘v’ and the hint of whatever he’s hiding underneath. I force my gaze back up to his chest, then to his face. Shit, he’s got a nice face.
Christ on a cracker.
“I’m wet now,” I mutter.
His eyes go wide.
I try again. “Shit. No, I mean, why am I wet now that you’re here?”
He barks out a laugh, and I nearly die.
“No, frack. Wait, why are you wet? Because now I am. Is this sweat or water?” I peel my eyes away from the half-naked man I’ve dreamed about for the past few years and take a step back. He doesn’t let his hand drop right away, but then his gaze blazes down my body.
I instinctively cover my stomach with my hand, then drop it because it was an awkward move on my part. I just end up bringing more attention to myself as he drinks me in. When I clear my throat, his eyes find mine.
He seems to shake himself out of something and puts yet another step between us.
“Uh, yeah. Sorry. I just got out of the shower. I wasn’t expecting to run into anyone, so I’m glad I even bothered with the towel.” His throaty chuckle is uncomfortable as I think about what would have happened if he had forwent the towel.
I giggle nervously. “Oh, yeah, same,” I reply. “I mean, wasn’t expecting to run into anyone.”
“Right.” He smiles.
Wow, this is uncomfortable. Anyone looking in would think we were two half-naked strangers running into each other. But we aren’t. I’ve known Wade for almost five years. While he doesn’t hang out a lot with the gang, he’s around. He supports our team and I’ve eaten many meals with him. Some days, I would even consider us friends. We get along well. I’ve just always had a crush on him, and he’s always looked at me the same way the guys do—as a sister. Which is fine. Totally fine. It’s probably for the best.
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