In my peripheral, I catch Josie’s head snapping my way as I shoot to my feet, but as quick as I’m standing, the bitter and cold reality freezes me in place.
The asshole chasing her tail is the one she claims to want riding it.
She might want him on a normal day, but no matter the reason, last night she wanted me.
The thought knocks my ass back to the cheap wooden stool, but the next is the only thing keeping it planted.
I can work with that.Holy shit! I just admitted to masturbating to the thought of my fake boyfriend to my fake boyfriend.
I drop my head against the bathroom mirror, shaking it a moment as a light laugh escapes.
I wash my hands and then give myself a minute to stand there and think, but it takes no kind of convincing.
Plain and simple?
I like Nico.
I’m attracted to Nico, and who the hell wouldn’t be?
He’s tall with strong shoulders and muscular arms, a small tattoo under his forearm adding a little mystery, not that it’s needed. His dark, dangerous eyes are enough to pull anyone in, and with sexy, perfectly messy hair to match, full lips and bright smile, he’s more than easy on the eyes and enticing to the body.
Only, he’s so much more than what you get at first glance.
I’m slowly starting to learn who he really is, and Nico Sykes is beyond what I knew him to be.
A few weeks ago, he was nothing but the guy to the left who loved to stare, glare, and then glanced away. The seemingly too cool for school guy who disappeared whenever I was near. Or at least, that’s how it felt.
Now, though, I know better than to assume who’s behind the mask he gives so many of us.
Nico is witty and daring. He’s athletic and determined, and the most surprising to me, as judgmental as it might make me seem, compassionate.
He’s supposed to be a stranger to me, yet he showed up as if he knew I hated the feeling I was left with every time my mother walks out the door, leaving me behind like I’m no longer important enough for her to care for.
Every day I discover something new about the guy, none of which I don’t like. That’s the scariest part.
Yes, he’s moody, but I can handle it, and honestly, I think he enjoys when I challenge his snappy attitude. Sometimes he shuts down completely and without warning, but so far, he’s always come out of his funk. It’s sort of part of his appeal, not knowing what you’re going to get, but being okay with it either way.
He’s exciting and unpredictable and temporarily mine.
What the hell am I supposed to do with all this?
And how the hell did things shift so quickly?
Nico didn’t agree to the idea of more, he agreed to pretend.
This is a problem because I no longer want to fake date Nico.
I sort of want to keep him.
Would he ever be open to the idea of keeping me?
As if the universe couldn’t allow me to wonder a little longer, I exit the bathroom to find Alex standing right outside, waiting.
I stutter step, offering a tight smile, and go to walk on by, but he reaches out to stop me.
“Hey, running off so fast?” He chuckles.
I give an anxious smile. “Sorry.”
It shouldn’t feel wrong simply standing here talking to the guy, yet it does in every way.
I’m so screwed.
“What’s the rush?” He grins.
“I’ve been gone a few minutes too long.” I give a light laugh.
“I think your ninety-eight percent in the class can afford you a few extra for bathroom breaks.”
“Ninety-nine, but who’s counting,” I joke.
“Right.” He chuckles.
“I better go.” I edge away.
“Yeah, yeah. For sure.”
I give a small wave and head back, but he catches up to me before I round the corner.
“Demi, hang on a minute.”
I hesitate but then turn around. “What’s up?”
“I forgot to ask. I need a little help with the routine for homecoming.”
I straighten at the mention of my team. “Oh, right. You can ask—”
“You’re the main girl, right?” he cuts me off.
“I’m center, front line, basically, but we’re still a team.”
“You think you could help me out? After I get out of practice maybe?”
“Oh.” Shit.
Well, if this isn’t a clear ass sign I’ve officially switched teams.
“Sorry, but that’s not really a good idea,” I tell him, not missing the way his eyes tighten. “But hey, we haven’t started practicing with you guys yet. I’m sure you’ll be fine after this week.”
“Well, your coach, who is really young by the way.” He feels the need to add for some reason. “She mentioned we should practice now.”
“If you really want to, Alex, I’m sure Katy would be happy to help you,” I mention his partner.
“Yeah, but I don’t have her number.” He reaches out to grab my hand. “Help me out?”