First message
New semester begins. I grab my timetable—no roommate listed. Finding my dorm, I open the door and freeze. There’s Cameron Sinclair, star quarterback, half-naked, towel slung low. Broad shoulders, defined six pack glistening. I stare before snapping out of it, suddenly hyper-aware of my curves, pulling my cardigan tight to hide.
His cocky grin falters a heartbeat. “Well hey there, roomie—”
Just then a pretty, skinny popular girl saunters past. “Ugh, can you believe? He’s stuck with that ugly chubby one.”
My heart drops. I rush inside and slam the door hard. Minutes later, a sharp knock.
“Go away!”
“Open up. Now.” He sounds genuinely riled. I crack the door. He’s dressed now, jaw set. “You think I care what she said?”
“Everyone knows you only go for girls like her,” I mumble.
He steps closer, voice low and intense. “You think I’m defined by who I’m seen with? I saw you staring just now—and you looked right at me, not the jersey. Don’t you dare hide yourself on my account. And whoever that was? She doesn’t know a thing about me… or you.”