One of Them Girls by Cala Riley (the gingerbread man read aloud txt) 📕

has been very hospitable to me. It’s a different experience.”

“You make it sound like people are assholes where you’re from.”

“Maybe not assholes, per se. Disconnected is the word I would use. Here, everyone is in your business. Where I’m from, people won’t even make eye contact with you on the streets. They are so focused on their own lives that they don’t even look around.”

“That sounds bleak.”

“You can see why Texas is refreshing for me. So you want to play video games? That’s crazy to me. I’m used to girls that care more about taking their next selfie or shopping than spending quality time together.”

“Quality time, huh? Is that what we’re calling it?”

He smiles at me. “Yep. Quality time. Besides, you can learn a lot about a person from the way they play video games.”

“Oh yeah? What are you hoping to learn about me?”

He doesn’t look at me, but I can see the side of his lip tick up. “Everything.”

My heart races.

Why do I want him to know everything?

“There’s not that much to learn.”

“I think there’s more to you than you let on. It’s okay though. I’m patient.”

When he pulls into his parking spot, he gets out.

I don’t move to follow him right away, attempting to fight the sudden blush covering my face.

Friends. We are friends.

He opens the door, reaching his hand in to help me out.

As soon as I slip my hand into his, a spark lights me up. My breath catches as my heart beats faster and I feel flutters in my stomach.

He gives me a smirk like he knows what just happened, but how could he?

How could he know that for the first time in a long time I feel something other than overwhelming grief?

“Come on,” he lets go of my hand, breaking the connection.

I follow him inside, barely containing myself from reaching out to touch him again. To feel that feeling again.

He opens the door to his dorm, ushering me inside before closing it behind him.

I stop, taking in his room. There’s a window along the far wall with the blinds closed. On each side of the room is a bed. To the right, the bedding is messed up like someone had just woken up. To the left, the bed is made and looks immaculate. In the middle of the room, there are two beanbag chairs. Straight ahead, there is a TV on a dresser in front of the window. Jack is sitting in one of the chairs, playing a game.

“That game looks interesting,” I murmur, knowing full well what game he is playing.

“Let me finish this game and X and I will teach you how to play.” Jack says.

I let a smirk fill my face.

They are falling for it. Hook, line, and sinker.

Tonight is going to be interesting.

Xavier

We walk into my dorm to find Jack already playing a solo game in front of the TV we have set up.

It was a short ride, but it was deeper than I expected. I hadn’t expected to open up to this girl the way I have, but fuck if it doesn’t feel good.

I mean some of the shit I’ve told her, I haven’t even told Tinsley. I was always careful with Tinsley, making sure she was okay. She had her own shit going on and didn’t need mine.

I feel like Cassi has her own shit going on too, but with her, I feel like it’s okay to deal with my shit too. Like we can work through it together.

Fuck if that doesn’t feel refreshing.

Cassi’s eyes take in our dorm. It’s not much to look at, but it still makes me anxious.

I want her to like my space.

“That game looks interesting,” Cassi smirks.

“Let me finish this game and X and I will teach you how to play.”

“Avi and I have a bet.” I smile as she uses the nickname she’s given me. “Whoever loses buys pizza. You in?”

Jack laughs. “Totally. Better be ready to pay up, sweet cheeks.”

I smack him across the back of the head. “Watch it.”

He chuckles. “No harm, no foul. Right, Cass?”

“Not at all. Now, what do these buttons do?” She holds up the controller.

She takes a seat on the vacant bean bag chair, leaving me to get on my bed. Not the best vantage point to be playing, but for her, it’s worth it.

After a quick lesson, we jump into a three player game. After the first couple minutes, I can see we’ve been duped.

Cassi’s better than we thought. She’s really fucking good. It’s hot as hell.

“Oh, did I kill you, sugar?” Cassi asks Jack, shooting a wink at me.

“How did you do that?” he grumbles.

“Beginner’s luck, I guess. Oops. I did it again.”

I chuckle, watching her play more than watching my screen. By the time the round is done, Jack tosses his controller down.

“You sandbagging little jerk. You knew how to play.”

She shrugs. “I like ham on my pizza. Ooh, and breadsticks.”

“Watch your girl, X. She’s a hustler,” Jack says as he calls the pizza place to put in our order.

“Where did you learn to play like that?” I turn to face her completely.

“My brother, Ryan. He played a lot when we were growing up. There wasn’t much else to do around the ranch, so we often played together. Sometimes with Jared, too. I guess when you spend hours at a time perfecting your skill so the boys don’t always slaughter you, it kind of sticks with you.”

I laugh. “I would’ve bought you pizza either way. You know that, right?”

“Yeah, but I feel like Jack needed to be reminded women are more than a nice ass and great rack.”

“You’re damn right they are. They’re a good lay too,” he says as he hangs up the phone.

Cassie smacks his arm. “We have brains too you know.”

“Oh, I know. I stay away from the smart ones like you, though. You’re the ones always wanting the big ‘M’ word.” He shivers. “I’m not ready for that yet.”

Cassi laughs. “Big, strong Jack’s scared of a little