Her best friend burst into laughter; her green eyes gleaming with mischief. “Answer.”
Sofia pressed her lips together and immediately regretted every vivid thought that flashed in her brain, the ones where she’d imagined closing the distance, biting his neck, licking that tanned line of skin right above his waistband, wrapping her legs—
“No. It’s just fake,” she muttered.
“Liar.”
With Alejandra, she could be honest. But her pride was still intact. Barely. Instead of confessing how often she fantasized about tearing his shirt off or what it would feel like to have him slide between her thighs, she said, “I’m just scared. My judgment in men is clearly crap, and I don’t think I could handle another heartbreak.”
Alejandra squeezed her hand. “He’s not Thomas. This guy? He wouldn’t care if you had money or not. He’d kiss the fucking ground you walk on.”
“What if it’s all in my head?”
“It’s definitely not.”
“We’ll see.”
22
ILIAS
I’ll be Waiting – Cian Ducrot
Being backon tour made him feel stoked. Steven had apologized to him, told him how terrible his behavior had been, and admitted he’d crossed the line.
Sofia, who’d been there when it happened, had replied coolly, “Maybe next time you shouldn’t think so much of yourself to assume you’ll have a chance with me.”
Ilias had nearly dropped to one knee right then and there. That was it. He was done for her.
Steven had mumbled something unintelligible and walked away, leaving them alone on their way back to the rented apartment.
They had spent dinner with Amira, Alejandra, and Carlos. Coach and Gretchen had introduced themselves to Sofia, a chance they hadn’t had in Ericeira, and had already returned to the house. Sofia’s presence made the familiar atmosphere of the USL feel unexpectedly intimate.
“It’s good to have you on my side,” Ilias said, her hands in his. She was wrapped in one of his sweaters, looking adorable, and utterly fuckable. How was that mix possible?
“Steven’s an idiot,” she declared, with no trace of hesitation.
A soft silence fell between them as they entered the house.
“Are you tired?” she asked, letting out a yawn, motioning towards the kitchen.
“Jet lag’s kicking in. I can sleep on the couch if you don’t want to share the bed.”
Sofia frowned. “God, no. You’ve got a competition coming up. I can sleep on the couch.”
“I’m not letting you sleep on the couch.I refuse.”
She shrugged. “Then I guess... we can just sleep in the same bed.”
A smirk tugged at his lips. “Are you sure?”
“Nothing has to happen,” she said, opening the fridge and deliberately avoiding his gaze. “We’re two mature adults, sharing a bed.”
Ilias pressed his lips together, trying to stay calm. “Sure. Absolutely. I’m going to take a shower, okay?”
“Sure,” she replied with a neutral nod. Not at all like she’d just made him the happiest man alive.
Under the hot spray, he reminded himself that sleeping in the same bed didn’t mean anything. But still, they were slowly, very fucking slowly, getting closer.
