Adam’s coming out of his apartment when I get to the top of the steps of our shared second-floor landing. He’s dressed in dark jeans and a T-shirt that hugs his broad shoulders.

He tips his head when he sees me. “Hey there, sexy girlfriend.”

“Whaaat?” My heart races and my brain short-circuits.

He waves it off. “Sorry, I was referring to the other night. Thanks again for that. Could have used you earlier today in the cafeteria.”

“I think finding a real girlfriend would be easier.” I meant me, of course, but the look on his face makes it clear that is not where his head’s at. Stupid. Stupid. No, he should not find a real girlfriend if it isn’t me. I swear I don’t just put my foot in my mouth around this guy; I put the whole leg.

He chuckles softly. “Yeah, I guess I shouldn’t complain. Most of them are nice, but I can’t tell which ones are in it trying to help the guys win the bet or which ones actually might be interested. Mav is playing dirty to win. Hooking up with someone for a bet…” He shakes his head.

This is my window, maybe? Perhaps I’m overthinking it and I don’t need a perfect moment or perfect way to tell him.

“Any girl would be lucky to date you. I’m sure they’re all interested. Speaking of, I’ve been trying to figure out a way to tell you something.”

“You have? What?” His hazel eyes soften, but he crosses his arms at his chest. Classic Taurus preparing to hold his ground. He must think it’s something bad I want to tell him.

While I organize my thoughts, the door to the guys’ apartment swings open and a shirtless Maverick fills the doorway.

“Oh good, you’re still here,” he says to Adam. He smiles at me and juts his chin. “Yo, Rea.”

“Hey, Mav.” I wave with one hand.

He looks to Adam. “Can you grab some food while you’re out? The pantry and fridge are bare.”

“Dude, you don’t live here. Go rummage through your own pantry for food.” There’s no bite to his tone. Adam shakes his head. Maverick lives downstairs in a single apartment, but he spends so much time at their place he’s basically the fourth roommate.

Adam’s phone pings. He pulls it out and then rolls his eyes as he reads it. “Thanks for the great oral. Seriously?”

Mav cackles and throws his head back. “You’re the best, Scott. Get some of those Little Debbie swiss rolls.”

“You know my mom has access to my Venmo, right? She’s going to see you sent me a hundred dollars for great oral.”

“Then she’ll be very proud of your oral game. Moms want their sons to give good head, right?”

Adam winces. “Too far.”