Page 5

CHAPTER 5

Tristan

I ’m avoiding Jordyn, pacing my bedroom floor while berating myself for my final words to her. The conversation was flowing between us, and I started to feel hopeful that I’d managed to shift the awful first impression I made to something better. She genuinely seemed impressed by my intelligence. And even though I joked with her, she didn’t seem bothered.

Then she called me a puck boy. It stung like a nest of bees protecting their hive. Although I deserved it, considering what she walked in on.

I can’t take it anymore. I’ve gotta get out of here.

My fingers pull my phone from my pocket and shoot Alex a text.

Me: Meet me at the rec for a workout?

Grabbing a T-shirt, keys, and phone, I pace my room as the three dots appear, and my phone dings when he responds.

Alex: What if I’m in the middle of something?

I smirk as I reply.

Me: Are you?

Alex: Nope. See you in ten.

Fucking Alex. I grin as I hurry from my room, but it fades as I look at her closed door. Should I tell her where I’m going?

I start down the hallway, then stop, feeling like an ass. I’ll need to be civil if we’re going to be roommates.

Turning around, I stride to her door and knock. I hear a series of thumps before she whips the door open.

My gaze scans her sweaty face, blonde hair pulled in a ponytail, and the sports bra and spandex shorts she’s wearing. Holy shit, she’s beautiful . She sure as hell doesn’t look like a nerd like Josh said she was. Not with a body like that.

Sucking in a breath, my gaze moves over her shoulder. Everything has been unpacked, including her books, which are placed neatly on her bookshelf. She even broke down the boxes and stacked them against the wall.

Yanking out an earbud, she gives me a smile, her breathing heavy. “Sorry, I was unpacking.” She gestures behind her. “What’s up?”

“I see. You’ve been very busy.” I force myself to focus on her face and not the delectable body in front of me. “I’m going to the gym. Do you need anything before I leave?”

She shifts her weight uncomfortably before she shakes her head. Forcing a smile and an enthusiastic tone, she says, “Nope. I’m good.” Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes, making me suspicious .

“What is it, Jordyn? You can ask me for things, you know.”

She shifts again, her gaze on the floor. “I’m not used to asking strangers for anything.”

Leaning my shoulder against the doorframe, I study her, my heart softening toward her. “Good thing I’m your roommate and not a stranger. What do you need?”

She blows out a breath before saying, “Do you have bottled water in the fridge?”

“Of course. I’ll get you one.”

“No, no. You don’t need to do that. I was just thirsty and…” her voice trails off, embarrassment coloring her cheeks.

“I don’t mind. And Jordyn, you can eat anything in the fridge, freezer, or cupboards. You never have to ask.”

“Thanks.” She tugs at her ponytail, her embarrassment lessening but still there.

“Of course. I’ll get you a bottle.”

Her hand squeezes my bicep as I push off the door frame. “I’ll come with you. I feel bad enough?—”

“What? That you’re asking for water? Come on, Jordyn. It’s fine.” I lean closer, a teasing smile on my lips. “Lower your pride a little, would ya?”

She smiles, and this time, it reaches her eyes. “Okay. But I’m coming with you to check out the snacks.” Her gaze roams over me before she quickly glances away.

She’s definitely attracted to me.

“Help yourself to any snack you want.” Goddamn. Why did that sound so suggestive?

Her musical laugh fills the air between us. “Hopefully, there’s some junk food around here.” She eyes my physique, and I flex my muscles.

“Of course there is. I work hard and like to indulge when I can.”

“Good. Dibs on anything chocolate.”