Chapter 5
Billie
Apartments in L.A. are expensive.
This is why I didn’t want to move here in the first place, but Bodi wanted me to be close to him once he got called up and I let him talk me into it.
That seems to be a pattern with us. I want to do something, he decides it’s not the right decision, and then does everything in his power to change my mind.
When that doesn’t work, he lays on the guilt, and in the end, I capitulate.
In this instance, it really was the right thing to do. The program I’m in at the local university is pretty awesome, and if I decide to finish my master’s by continuing on next year, I can get a Teaching Assistant job that will change everything.
I just have to survive until then.
My current job at a little local grocery store isn’t going to pay rent in this town, and I don’t have a car, so I’m limited in where I can work.
That’s the bigger problem.
I’m loath to ask my brother to help me get a car, but I don’t see any other choice.
I have to work, and if I’m living here, I don’t have any way to get to class.
The bus takes close to two hours from here, and that’s not going to work for me.
I did it today and it sucked. I was late to class, someone followed me from the bus stop all the way until I got to campus, and the idea of doing that twice a day three times a week is daunting.
I took an Uber home, and that cost a fortune, so I’m back to square one with transportation.
I’m going to have to find a better job, where I can afford a decent car loan, and then ask Bodi to cosign.
Ugh.
He’ll totally use it against me but maybe living with him short-term isn’t such a bad idea. He won’t charge me anything, and I can save up. For a car, for a rainy day, maybe even my own apartment if I decide not to finish my master’s and get a job instead.
The only issue with staying here is his gorgeous, hunky roommate.
I don’t know what it is about Rome, but his voice alone makes me want to do dumb things. Like walk into his room naked and ride him like a cowgirl.
Or better yet, let him ride me.
Obviously, I need to get laid.
Too bad the only prospect is a guy my brother would probably dismember just for looking at me wrong.
They think they’re sneaky, but I heard every word of their conversation last night.
I came back down to ask about which bathroom to use since both bedrooms are en suite, and then stood outside the kitchen listening.
Bodi’s attitude didn’t surprise me.
He’s always tried to keep me away from his teammates—I’m used to that.
But I’ve also never met one who makes my insides do funny things, and my girlie parts practically scream for mercy.
It’s weird because I’ve never been the type to go boy crazy.
I had a few boyfriends in high school and college, I go out on dates once in a while, but I’m focused on school.
Relationships seem complicated and unnecessary at this stage of my life.
The only thing I miss is sex.
It doesn’t sound like Rome is on board, though, so I’m going to have to put him out of my mind.
I hear the garage door open and a moment later Rome walks in.
He’s just come back from a morning skate and looks incredible in a pair of shorts, a Phantoms T-shirt pulling tight across his chest, and his hair damp.
Fuck, why does that make him even hotter?
“Hey.” He nods politely.
“Hey.” I smile. “How was the morning skate?”
“Good. Coach let us go early.”
“Do you nap on game days like Bodi does?”
He makes a face. “Sometimes. I’ve never been a napper. My mom says even when I was a baby, I fought it like crazy and then wouldn’t stay asleep long. I don’t need a lot of sleep.”
“I love to sleep,” I counter. “But I don’t get nearly enough of it. Bodi loves it too. As evidenced by the fact that he’s upstairs out cold. He’ll sleep until an hour before he has to leave for the game.”
Rome grimaces. “That gives me hives.” He walks over to the refrigerator and pulls out a bottle of water, pausing to stare down at the papers I have scattered all over the counter. “You looking for a car?”
I nod. “Two hours on the bus this morning is neither practical nor pleasurable.”
“Why didn’t you ask one of us for a ride?” he asks in surprise.
“It was early and you were both asleep. And it’s a game day.”
“I was up. I heard you leave. I would have given you a ride. Two hours on the bus is ridiculous. And not all that safe depending on the time of day.”
“My brother would probably have a coronary if he found out you gave me a ride.”
Instead of the laughter I expected, Rome is dead serious when he says, “I’m not worried about your brother. If you need a ride, just ask.”
Our eyes lock and there it is—that same spark from the night we danced.
How the fuck am I going to get past this insane attraction to him when it practically sizzles in the air whenever we’re in the same room together?
Fuck.
I turn away first.
“Thank you. I’m going to have to ask him to cosign a loan for me to get a car. I can’t afford any apartments that are close enough to campus to walk, and this place is just too far away.”
He frowns for a minute, like he’s thinking. “You know, I might have a solution for you. Let me make a phone call this afternoon and I’ll get back to you.”
“About… a car?” I ask in confusion.
He nods. “My dad’s car is still in the garage. Mom refuses to sell it even though he passed away five years ago and she has her own.”
“Oh, I couldn’t—” I begin.
“Sure you could. Mom can never resist doing something nice for someone, and she really needs to let go of the car.”
“Are you originally from here?” I ask suddenly. “I thought you just got traded here?”
“Yes, I was born and raised here. Went to college back east and never came back for more than a visit. Never wanted to either, but I guess fate had other plans for me.”
“What about when you retire?” I ask curiously.
He shrugs. “I have a cabin in upstate New York. Bought it a while back, one of the few things neither of my exes wanted in the divorces. It’s on Lake Canandaigua. Quiet. Pretty. Almost paid for. I’ll probably move there.”
“Away from your family?” I wrinkle my nose. I can’t imagine purposely going that far away from Bodi. I don’t want him in my business twenty-four-seven, but I still want him in my life. Especially later, when we’re both married and have a few kids.
“If you knew my family—and you probably will now that you’re living here—you’d understand.”
I sigh. “Is it obvious that I’m most likely going to have to stay here with you guys until the end of the season?”
He nods. “Well, yeah. L.A. is expensive as fuck and we’ve already determined that roommates can be tricky.”
“If I decide to finish my master’s, I’m hoping to maybe live on campus next semester as an RA or something, but I applied too late to do that this semester.”
“You’re going to keep going to get your master’s?” he asks.
“I don’t know yet. I’m on the fence because I need to work and make money. Bodi got called up during the playoffs last season and he wasn’t sure he would make the team this year, but then he did so he talked me into following him to L.A.”
“How did you feel about that?”
“Honestly?” I chew the inside of my cheek. “At first, I really didn’t want to, but the program here is amazing and they offered me a great deal with the dual program. It turned out to be a good thing. Except for how expensive it is to live here.”
“Can’t your brother help you?”
I sigh. “He does but… look, he’s been taking care of me since I was fifteen. He basically missed his shot at the NHL because of me so I’m trying not to be a burden now that he’s finally getting his chance. And money’s always been tight so I’d like to pay my own way for once.”
“But you’re still in school.” He says it like it’s the simplest thing in the world.
“I know but?—”
I’m interrupted as Bodi comes in. “What are you guys talking about?”
“I might have a solution to her car problem,” Rome says smoothly. “My dad bought a new car a year before he died and it’s been sitting in the garage for five years. Mom won’t let it go. But I think she’d be okay with letting a smart, responsible college student use it.”
Bodi frowns. “Why would you need a car? You’ve never needed one before.”
I roll my eyes. “This morning’s two-hour bus ride was more than I could stand. I mean, you want me doing that at ten o’clock at night on the days I have my late class?”
His eyes narrow. “Fuck that. No.” He turns to Rome. “I’ll be happy to pay for the insurance and whatever.”
Rome nods. “Let me talk to my mom. She and my sister will probably be at the game tonight and you can meet her.”
I purse my lips. “Bodi doesn’t allow me back in the family lounge.”
“He…” Rome turns to Bodi. “What the fuck, man? Don’t you think you’re taking this overprotective dad business a little too far? She’s your family. There are wives, girlfriends, parents, grandparents, and children there. What do you think is going to happen?”
There’s a tense silence in the kitchen as Bodi stands there, hands on his hips.
“Come on,” I cajole softly. “Do you really think I’m just going to jump into bed with one of your teammates? I promise to only talk to the married ones.”
There’s an awkward beat before Rome starts to chuckle and finally Bodi gives in.
“All right. I guess it’s time. Everyone has been asking about you, and Blake says he doesn’t see you nearly enough.”
Blake was his best friend, teammate, and roommate in Phoenix and he’s like another brother to me.
“You’re the best!” I lean over and kiss his cheek.
Hopefully, he’s going to start to chill out.
Oh, who am I kidding?
That’s too much to ask for.