I shrug. "No idea, but I don't intend to give him more attention than he deserves."
"Good idea. I think that guy has an issue with women..."
It's late,and I'm having a hard time focusing on my studies. Maybe I shouldn't have had another slice of Saphya's key lime pie. The dessert was delicious, but it's sitting heavy in my stomach.
I close the thick economics textbook on my desk and get up to head to the common room kitchen in search of a life-saving bottle of water. I'm on my way back to study some more when a figure appears in front of me, blocking my path.
My gaze hits a muscled chest then slides down a row of abs that would make the most seasoned bodybuilders jealous before moving up to meet Player's brown eyes. My throat goes dry at about the same time my brain decides to leave without a forwarding address.
Player is hot!
"Problem, Alabama?" he asks with a smirk.
It takes me a moment to understand he's talking to me.
"You know I have a real name, right?" I counter. "Just because you don't use yours doesn't mean everyone else has to do the same."
Why am I rambling on about the use of nicknames?
Is it a way to avoid thinking about what the sight of my roommate's sublime body is doing to me? With his physique, no wonder he's so full of himself. He must be used to dropping panties. Player takes a step toward me, and I feel my heartbeat accelerate. I should move to get out of his way, but my feet seem cemented to the floor. When he's close enough for me tosmell his cologne, he leans toward me, whispering, "You want to touch me, don't you, Alabama?"
That was exactly the kind of line I needed to come back to my senses. I lock my gaze onto Player's and don't even try to hold back the fit of laughter rising inside me. My whole body shakes as I laugh until I could cry. My reaction doesn't please Player at all because without warning, he grabs my forearm and pulls me against him. My laughter stops abruptly.
His brown eyes seem to have turned stormy black as he stares into mine. I'm acutely aware of his chest against my breasts, of his breath grazing my lips with each exhalation. I swallow with difficulty. Player's presence isn't threatening, but if I have any fears, it might be for my panties, which could go up in flames just as quickly as those of Player's conquests.
Oh shit! I'm completely losing it! This guy is crazy, and he has no effect on me whatsoever!
"Nobody laughs at me," Player growls.
"I guess there's a first time for everything," I retort, refusing to be intimidated. I don't know where I find the presence of mind to stand up to him, but I'm grateful to have regained my faculties.
Player's fingers still hold my arm, while his free hand moves to my collarbone to trace its outline. His attention drifts to my nipples, which are pointing through the thin fabric of my tank top.
Damn traitors!
"I know you want me, Alabama."
I wiggle a bit trying to make him let go, but I'm really lacking conviction, and Player doesn't budge an inch.
"You wish," I state firmly. "I'm not attracted to..."
I bite my lip to hold back the insults that come to mind.
"To what, Alabama? You've already called me an asshole, surely you can do better."
A fire ignites in his eyes, or is it just the reflection of the blaze racing through my veins right now? I'd rather die than admit that Player attracts me. I manage to retort, "Jerks don't attract me at all."
A small smirk tugs at my neighbor’s lips. You'd think I just asked him to tear off my clothes and take me against the wall.
Where did that come from?
I'm appalled by the direction my thoughts are taking. When did Player become so attractive?
"I love challenges, Alabama." His voice is low, husky, sexy… arousing. His face moves closer to mine, and I sense he's going to kiss me. I should run! Except I don't want to at all… do I?
His lips are almost on mine when he adds, "But little Miss Goody Two-Shoes have never turned me on."
It feels like a cold shower. Player pulls back, though he doesn't release my arm.
