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“Do you want me to go check on the chicken?” he asks.

I shake my head. “No, I’ll go out there in a second. I just want to cut the potatoes real quick and get them wrapped in foil.”

He doesn’t say anything, but stands close, watching me. Well, watching my hands.

I lay out a new sheet of foil onto the pan, then set it aside for the chicken. Rolling out more foil, I scoop up the potatoes I cut and set them on it. Then I drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper on them, and I wrap the edges of the foil together, making a packet. I set that to the side and do the same thing to the peppers and onions.

“Okay, I think I’m all set. I’m going to check on the chicken and get these on the grill.” I pick up both packets and start for the door.

“Let me get the door for you, and I’ll bring out the pan for the chicken if you’re ready for that,” he says from behind me.

I look over my shoulder and nod. “That works. Thanks.”

So, I guess this is what it’s like, living with your ex-boyfriend and being friends-ish. I just hope my heart doesn’t start to get other ideas because while I can be civil with this new version of Beck—the roommate—I can’t completely separate him from my old Beck.

After the food was done cooking, I called the guys in for dinner.

We’re all sitting at the table. They’re talking about their upcoming game, and I’m listening—sort of. I’m also lost in thought. My first exam is tomorrow, and it’s open book, but I’m running through my coursework in my head, making sure I have everything I need annotated.

“What do you think, Char?” Casey asks, shaking me from my thoughts.

I look over to my left, where Casey is sitting. “I’m sorry, what? I didn’t hear you. I was just thinking through my exam tomorrow.”

“I just said that we should go to that taco place after the game with Mom and Dad.”

“Oh, yeah, that works,” I say, nodding.

“My dad and Brooke are riding down with them, so they’ll come too,” Beck mentions.

“Sounds good. Do you boys want to come with us, or are you doing your own thing?” Casey asks.

Archie shakes his head and says, “No thanks, man. My dad might come up for the game, so I’ll grab something with him after if he has time to stay.”

“Yeah, I think my parents might come too. But I don’t know if I want them to if I’m not playing. I wish Coach would announce who he’s starting soon. I hate not knowing,” Liam says.

Liam, who is the current starting quarterback, has some competition this season. Bo Callaway was heavily recruited by some of the top schools in the country. Of course, I only know this because I’ve overheard Casey and Beck talking about it. Liam is good, but apparently, Bo is Heisman material already.

Archie nods and puts a hand on Liam’s shoulder. “I feel you, brother. Coach won’t leave you hanging long. I hate to ask, but I have to. What are you going to do if he gives Callaway more playing time than you this season?”

With a heavy sigh, Liam says, “I don’t know, man. I still want to go high in the draft next year. I won’t be able to if I’m not starting.”

“Heard. We’re here for you, man. I just want to get this season going!” Archie says with a clap of his hands.

Casey drums his hands on the table and says, “Yeah, baby! I finally get my chance to stand with you fuckers on the starting line this year.”

Liam raises his fist to bump Casey’s. “You know I’ll give you the ball if I’m QB, brother.”

“That’s what I’m talking about! I know you have my back,” Casey says with a nod.

Archie grins. “This is awesome, boys. I’m into this family-dinner shit. I even dig the flowers. It’s great having a girl in the house.”

I blush and look over at Beck.

He shifts in his chair and agrees, “Yeah, the flowers are a nice touch, Charlie.”

“Thanks,” I state. “They make me happy. Really happy.”

Beck leans back with a small, crooked smile on his face.