Chapter 22
The sun beats down on my shoulders as I sip my iced coffee.
Beck nudges my arm from across our patio table. “So, come on, spill! What’s going on with you and the hotties since we last spoke?”
My cheeks grow red, and it’s not from the sun. “Nothing! I told you, I can’t go there.”
“I think you ought to go for it!” Sarah pipes in. “You only live once, right?”
“But I’m here to play rugby, not date half of the men’s team.”
Beck leans forward, her eyes glinting. “Why can’t you have both?”
“Yeah!” Sarah chimes. “Don’t turn down an opportunity that could be life-changing for you, especially in the bedroom.” She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively.
I roll my eyes, but can’t help laughing. “You make it sound like a plot from a porno or something.”
“Well, you’re the one acting like it’s an after-school special,” Beck teases.
“Come on, Dyl!” Sarah grabs my hand excitedly. “You’re living the dream! Three smoking hot roommates ready to cater to your every need?”
I know they mean well, but I came here to prove myself as an athlete after everything that happened on my old team. I can’t afford any distractions, no matter how tempting.
But maybe I am taking myself too seriously... after all, they’re right. My situation is pretty unique, and one that many women would just about kill for.
“Alright, alright!” I raise my hands in surrender, unable to hide my smile. “I’ll think about it, okay? Now can we talk about something other than my non-existent love life?”
Beck and Sarah exchange a knowing look, but they let me off the hook. For now, at least.
I sip my coffee, already dreading their interrogation at our next girls’ night...
I take a long sip of my coffee, savoring the rich aroma before setting it down with a sigh. “It’s not just about my love life, though,” I say, tracing my finger along the rim of the cup. “Or lack thereof.”
Beck tilts her head, studying me intently. “What do you mean?”
“It’s just...” I pause, trying to find the right words. “I want to be taken seriously here, you know? As an athlete. I feel like I’m finally getting a real shot to prove myself.”
Sarah nods in understanding. “After everything that happened on your old team.”
“Exactly.” I absently shred a napkin on the table. “I got screwed over because of politics and drama. All that behind-the-scenes BS. Nothing to do with my actual ability to play rugby. And I’m scared the same thing could happen again if I get distracted.”
“By three hot roommates,” Beck adds with a smirk.
I roll my eyes again but can’t help laughing. “Yeah, yeah. But truly—I just want to focus on rugby right now. I need to keep my eye on the ball, literally and figuratively.”
“We get it,” Sarah says gently. “We’re going through our own versions of the same challenges. Balancing everything is tough. But Dyl, you do also deserve to have a life outside of rugby, too.”
“I know, I know...” I trail off, staring into my coffee.
“And there are other balls that clearly wouldn’t mind having your eyes on them.”
Her words almost make me spit out my coffee, and for a moment I begin to choke.
Beck reaches over and squeezes my hand and passes me a glass of water. “Hey. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re allowed to have fun too. And sorry. I wasn’t trying to cut off oxygen to your brain.”
I greedily take a sip of water and my breathing returns to normal.
Sarah nods emphatically. “Absolutely! Listen, we know it’s a very real fight to be taken seriously as female athletes. Trust us, we’ve been there.”
“But that doesn’t mean you can’t also enjoy yourself along the way,” Beck adds with a wink.
I chew my lip thoughtfully as their words sink in. Maybe they’re right. I have been taking myself too seriously lately. I’m so focused on proving my worth that I’ve forgotten to come up for air.
“Alright,” I say finally. “You’ve convinced me. I’ll try to loosen up a bit.”
Beck and Sarah exchange a triumphant high-five.
“Atta girl!” Sarah grins. “You gotta get a little wet and wild in the process, too.”
I burst out laughing, shaking my head. “You two are incorrigible.”
“But you love us,” Beck sings.
“Yeah, yeah.” I can’t fight the smile tugging at my lips. “I really do.”
I chuckle as I take another sip of coffee, feeling lighter than I have in weeks.
Beck and Sarah are right—the situation with my roommates really is absurd when I think about it objectively.
Here I am, living with three extremely attractive professional rugby players who I have undeniable chemistry with. It’s like something straight out of a romance novel.
Aside from a couple of stray kisses here and there, I’ve been so focused on proving myself as an athlete that I haven’t stopped to enjoy the delicious possibilities.
Maybe it’s time I loosen the reins a little and have some fun.
I’m young, unattached, and living with three hunky men. I’d be a fool not to explore that tantalizing dynamic.
A delicious shiver runs through me as I think about all the flirty banter, the charged looks, the ‘accidental’ and not so accidental touches.
My roommates seem more than willing to play. And I have to admit, the idea of being the center of their attention is incredibly appealing.
I meet Beck’s eyes, my own sparkling with newfound mischief.
“You know what? You’re absolutely right. I need to lighten up and maybe even play with fire a little.” I grin. “I have a feeling things could get wild with my new living arrangements. And I plan to enjoy every minute of it.”
Beck and Sarah exchange an excited squeal.
“That’s our girl!” Sarah crows. “Go get ’em!”
I laugh, feeling emboldened. I have a sudden vision of myself walking into the apartment, my three roommates’ heads swiveling in unison to take me in.
Oh yes, this could definitely be fun.
I make a mental note to pick up some new lingerie on the way home.
No sense in not being prepared.