Chapter 23
It’s early morning, and I’m leaning against the granite island as Jayden fires up the blender, whipping up his usual kale-apple juice protein concoction.
“You know she’s into us? It’s obvious,” I say with a smirk as I watch Jayden work.
Jayden pours out the thick green juice into glasses. “You really think so? She’s so hellbent on her feminist soapbox. It’s like she thinks every single comment we make is a dig at women’s sports, or at her personally. I literally was talking about a study on the link between high levels of testosterone and dominance on the rugby field, and she decided I was saying rugby was an all-men’s sport and women should be relegated to the kitchen.”
I chuckle, taking a sip of the tart juice. “Nothing wrong with having strong views. Makes her even more interesting, if you ask me.”
We all appreciate Dylan’s fiery spirit, even when we don’t quite understand her perspectives.
I’m genuinely interested in getting to know the real Dylan, beneath the surface. What motivates her? What are her secret passions? There’s an intriguing tension between us as we navigate living together. A sensual energy I’d love to explore.
But for now, I’ll take it slowly, showing my respect on her terms. Our verbal sparring is exhilarating, and I sense she’s starting to enjoy it too. Perhaps an invitation to work out together would break the ice. A chance to connect athlete to athlete, pushing each other’s limits.
I mentally draft a message to Dylan, pitching the idea. I feel a spark of excitement at the thought of our bodies glistening with sweat, hearts pounding in rhythm, endorphins flooding our systems.
I want to discover the unguarded Dylan, stripped of pretense and politics. Based on the times she’s let her guard down and we’ve had a laugh together, I think we could have some real fun.
Killian joins us and leans against the counter, his arms crossed over his muscular chest, his tattoos so closely packed they form two sleeves where each tattoo seems to be jostling for space. “What about inviting her to work out? It could show her we respect her as an athlete and a person.”
I nod, rinsing out my glass and watching the thick green residue swirl down the drain. “I’m game for that. I’ve been thinking along those same lines, getting to know her on her terms, respecting her space and views.” It’s a solid idea—we definitely all have common ground in sports.
Jayden grins, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Alright, how about a friendly bet, then? Who can impress her the most, but with a catch—it has to be by genuinely getting to know her, no shortcuts.” He glances at Killian and gives him a knowing look. “And no bringing out the signature moves.”
Typical Jayden, always wanting to turn everything into a competition. But I have to admit, the challenge intrigues me.
“Alright, I’ll take the lead because I saw her first,” I say, clapping Jayden on the back. “But it’s not about winning a bet. It’s about breaking the ice properly.”
Jayden snorts. “Dude, we literally met her at exactly the same time. But okay, you can have the first try.”
As we finish our juice, the conversation turns towards brainstorming potential activities Dylan might enjoy. We do actually want to get to know her. The bet is just playful banter.
I type out a message:
Noah:
Hey Dylan, some of us are going for a trail run Saturday morning and then grabbing coffee after. Wanted to see if you’re interested in joining. No pressure if you have other plans, just let me know! ???????♀???
I read over the message, hoping it strikes the right tone—friendly but not pushy. I even add a few emojis because I know girls like that type of stuff.
As I hit send, I feel a blend of nerves and excitement. Dylan challenges me in ways I haven’t experienced before. Beyond her obvious physical appeal, her sharp mind and bold views intrigue me. I feel optimistic that getting out of the house and onto a topic other than rugby gives us the chance to form some type of bond.
I want to connect on a deeper level. To understand her perspective and experiences. To find common ground. And yeah, if I’m being totally honest, to eventually get her into bed for some mind-blowing sex.
She’s absolutely gorgeous and the possibility of something more excites me, but I know if it’s meant to be, it’ll happen naturally in its own time.
For now, I just want to see her smile and be comfortable around us.
“Okay, you know what? I think you’re right. She is into us. It’s obvious now that I think about it, if I ignore the massive chip on her shoulder about women’s sports,“ Jayden says with a smirk as he rinses out the blender.
“Oh, you agree now?” I quirk a brow. “In that case, my plan is going to work superbly. More than five minutes around you two and she’ll quickly work out what dickheads you both are, and she’ll be all mine.”