Thank god he’s put underwear on and is pulling a shirt on over his head to cover those nipples—nipples it really should be illegal to be showing in public.
“I’m not sure how to say this politely.”Oh dear, I don’t like the sound of this.“I don’t think you’re going to hurt him.”
“What does that mean?”
He opens his mouth. Closes it again. Wait a minute—have I broken Elias’ unfiltered honesty setting?
“You do whatever you think is right. Ignore me. It’s none of my business.”
“O-kay?”
He pulls his sweats on over his underwear. My stomach is in knots as my brain continues to picture his bare butt under those layers of fabric.
“Why don’t you just tell him you’re already dating someone?”
“Because then he’ll ask me who and?—”
“So, tell him you’re dating me.”
He had his back turned while he was talking, pulling a hoodie on over his head. Now he’s fully dressed, but when he turns to face me, he might as well be naked. Is that vulnerability on Elias’ face? Surely not. It disappears as quickly as it appeared. He’s watching me calmly, waiting for me to stop opening and closing my mouth like a fish.
When I fail to pull myself together enough to form words, he jumps in. “Wouldn’t that just be easier? And we have to spend a lot of time together anyway, practicing. Might as well tell him we’re dating. Slap two flies with one swat.”
“How romantic.”
Elias chuckles, eyes sparkling with mischief.
“We wouldn’t have to word it like that, of course. If you like, you can tell him we’re madly in love.” He grabs his racket bag and heads for the door while I stand there like an idiot.
“Think about it,” he says as he leaves.
6
ELIAS
Eyes on the prize, son.
I hear my father’s voice in my head, reminding me to stay focused. Remember the point of why I’m here. But if Ben isn’t distracted by all this stupid date stuff and stressing about not hurting Nate’s feelings, then maybe that will help us play better together? It could also be a great way to monopolize his time. Talk tactics during ‘dates.’ I could even invite him over to the dorm and get him to watch footage of our competitors together. I’m sure no one would bother us if they thought I had my boyfriend in there. Sock-on-the-door policy and all that.
Plus, Ben’s face was cute when I hit him with the suggestion. He looked like he was about to have a stroke.
I check my phone constantly when I get home, waiting for Ben’s answer. Telling myself it doesn’t matter either way. But when he doesn’t text, I can’t deny I’m disappointed.
The next morning, my alarm wakes me and for a moment, I forget all about my offer to Ben. But then I look at my phone.
Want me to pick you up?
My stomach does some weird swoopy thing. I must be hungry.
Should I let him pick me up?It would be quicker and easier than getting the bus.
Sure, I’ll send you the address.
I shoot the address over before jumping into the shower and grabbing something to eat. Twenty minutes later, Ben is texting that he’s outside. My roommates are still asleep as I head out with my racket bag, dressed in my most comfortable joggers and sweatshirt for the journey to Yale.
As expected, Ben drives a nice car, though not the flashy SUV I had been expecting. It’s a BMW hatchback in a subtle silver. I give him bonus points for the German brand.
He glances shyly at me as I close the door to the building before quickly glancing away. I feel the smile tug at my lips. That swoopy feeling in my stomach again.
