What the hell was that?
CHAPTER SIXTEEN: THIS IS COMPLICATED
ZANDER
ClickTease: I can’t believe you haven’t seen The Exorcist. It’s a cultural staple!
GlideControlZ: Do you remember when I said I don’t believe in ghosts but keep an open mind so I don’t accidentally piss one off? Same goes for demons!
ClickTease: You’re not going to get possessed watching a movie.
GlideControlZ: You don’t know that! What if I haven’t been possessed yet precisely because I haven’t seen the movie?
ClickTease: I think you believe in ghosts and demons more than I do.
I laughout loud at her response, which catches Wilder and Jayce’s attention. It’s Monday morning and we’re standing in the locker room, getting ready for practice, and I’ve beenbantering back and forth withClickTeaseas I get dressed in my gear.
“Zander, what’s with you?” Wilder asks with an arched brow. “You’ve been way too distracted by your phone lately.”
“Dude, I think he’s blushing a little bit.” Jayce makes a show of squinting at me.
I roll my eyes. “You guys are stupid.”
Wilder frowns, curious. “Is it the mystery girl you went on your date with on Friday?”
“Seems like it went well,” Jayce observes, looking me up and down. “Did our little Zanny have a good time?”
It’s easy for Wilder and Jayce to mock me about this - they’re both more than happy hooking up with every puck bunny that crosses their path. I don’t know if either of them are really interested in an actual relationship. Actually, I’m pretty sure Jayce intentionally avoids them - there are rumors that he’s actually fighting with his family about an arranged marriage or something crazy like that.
“None of your business,” I chuckle, shaking my head as I tuck my phone into my locker. “Though I will say that she’s probably the funniest girl I’ve ever talked to.”
“Ahhhh.” Carson suddenly appears, batting his eyes and pressing his clasped hands over his heart. “Are you talking about a girl you like?”
“God, not you too!” I groan.
“What are we talking about?” Jensen pops in. “Is Zander in love?”
“That’s so sweet.” Jayce pretends to wipe away a tear.
“You’re all idiots.” Still, I can’t stop smiling. Friday night was so good. Even though it was just virtual, it’s still in my top ten dates of all time.
However, I also remember my shower afterward and what my mind conjured up when I was trying to think ofClickTease.Rylee, on her knees, sucking me into her mouth.
Jesus, why can’t I stop thinking about her? I feel a twisting of guilt in my chest, because I’m already emotionally invested inClickTease, but I can’t get Rylee out of my head. Fuck, I almost kissed her! After she pulled away and went back to her room, she pretty much stayed in there the rest of the weekend and we haven’t spoken to each other since.
It’s pretty fucked up how easy it is to avoid someone, even when they live in the same one bedroom apartment.
Shit… what am I going to do about her?
Trying not to think about it anymore, I dig through my locker in search of my gloves, only to realize they aren’t here.
“Damn it,” I sigh, grabbing my phone again and shutting the locker.
“What’s up?” Wilder asks, looking up from his own locker.
“My gloves aren’t here,” I explain. “Pretty sure I left them in my car. I’ll be right back.”
Wilder nods and goes back to what he’s doing as I turn to make my way out of the locker room and down the hall. I’m so distracted and lost in my thoughts that I don’t pay attention to where I’m going or what’s ahead of me. As I’m turning a corner, I nearly run down a blonde bundle of crazy.
