Step One; Don't Fall

THEODORE

“More… please more…”

I know I must be in some form of dream world when strong and muscular hands pin my wrists above my head and against the cool brick behind me. Like always, this person has no face, but I don’t have the time to worry about that when they’re pressing me down with all that solid muscle and sea salt and mint.

They shove their thigh between mine, spreading me open as hips rolled forward, slow and demanding.

“I just know you’re going to be tight for me,” the low voice growls against my throat. Teeth scrap at my collarbone, sending a jolt down my spine. “Been waiting all night to ruin this perfect neck… and those perfect lips.”

I arch my back forward, the need to feel more coursing through me. I try to touch them, to pull them closer, but my fingers catch nothing but air. The pressure disappears. I reach again…

And wake up gasping, heart pounding against my ribs, my cock hard and leaking against my stomach.

“Ughh,” I mutter, dragging a hand down my face. Something must be… what the fuck is wrong with me?

The walls keep on vibrating behind me, rocking my bed forward because this is a stupid apartment. The vibration mixed with the loud, breathy moans drifting through the thin plaster is identical to the hammering of the insides of my head.

“Oh god… yes, right there. Come on…”

Not again.

“Fuck me,” I groan again, yanking my pillow over my head. That doesn’t help. My roommate, Sue, is at it again. Just like yesterday, and four days ago. A quick glance at my phone tells me it’s barely past two in the morning, that I got nothing but a few hours of sleep on my radar, and I have practice in four hours.

Coach is going to eat me up for breakfast and spit me right out if I dare to show up late and play like a fool.

I remain on the bed, rolling my eyes at every moan, until I can’t take it anymore. I throw the covers off, swing my legs out of the bed and stand in nothing but my black boxer briefs. The bare floor sends chills up my feet as I stalk down the short hallway, the epitome of shamelessness following me every step of the way.

The neighbors are probably getting a free audio book version of my roommate’s nighttime activities.

“Maybe a cup of coffee is all I need.” I flick on the kitchen light and stop dead. Oh dear God, help me. There is a used condom on the floor close to the foot of the fridge, full of cum and tied off like some trophy. Bile rushes up my throat the longer I keep my eyes on it. I grab a paper towel, pick it up with two fingers, and drop it into the bin. The lid slams shut.

Unbelievable. This is fucking unbelievable.

With nothing else to do, I start the preparations for hot cocoa, My left shoulder still ached from yesterday’s practice—nothing new, but the lack of sleep isn’t helping. That dream wasn’t helping.

I’m just lifting the mug to my lips when the bedroom door creaks open. The sound of footsteps hit my ears, before a tall, muscular guy steps out. His shirt is half-buttoned, jeans low on his hips. He doesn’t say a word to the roommate of the girl he just fucked. Just grabs his jacket and slip out the front door.

Sue appears a minute later. She stretches in the doorway like a satisfied cat, arms high. The oversized t-shirt she’s wearing rides up, flashing bare skin and the curve of her ass. Her hair is a wide mess, cheeks flushed, lips swollen. The moment those eyes fall on me, her entire face lights up with a bright, unapologetic grin.

“Theodore! I didn’t know you were up.” She pads closer, barefoot. “Want some leftover pizza? Cold pizza after sex is elite.”

Yeah, for the person who had the sex, not the roommate who woke up because of it.

Sue leans on the counter beside me, close enough that I catch the mix of her deodorant and after-sex. “Okay, grumpy. What’s with the death glare? Did we wake you?”

I take a slow sip. The cocoa burns my tongue.

“Come on, roomie. Talk to me.” She pokes my arm. “Was it the moaning? Sorry. He’s just… he’s very good with his fingers and I couldn’t help myself. I’ll be quieter next time.”

Not a word from me.

She tilts her her head back, studying me. “Where I come from, most people would be thrilled their flatmate is getting laid this regularly. Free entertainment.” She nudges my shoulder with hers. “Unless you’re jealous.”

I set my mug down harder than I mean to. The sharp sound cuts through the quiet kitchen.

“Sue.”

“Yes?” She bats her lashes.

“It’s two-thirty. I have morning practice at six-thirty. Some of us need actual sleep instead of listening to you fake orgasms through the wall.”

“I don’t fake them.” She sounds so fucking proud of herself, grinning. “That was one hundred percent real. Guy had excellent stamina and knew exactly how to…”

“Stop.” I hold up a hand, but the corner of my mouth twitches.

Of course Sue notices. Her grin widens, and she launches into this exaggerated retelling of the night, complete with the silly voices and wild gestures, describing how the guy nearly tripped over his jeans during a failed sexy striptease.

I try to stay annoyed. I am really really trying to stay annoyed. But I cannot help stop the chuckle that slips out. I shake my head. “You’re impossible.”

“Yet you love me.” She beams before stealing a sip from my coffee. “Mmm. Needs more sugar.”

We remain in silence for a moment, that flat finally quiet except the hum of the fridge. Then Sue’s eyes widen. She traces a finger along the counter, suddenly avoiding my eyes.

“Hey… so I’ve got some news,” she started carefully. “Professor Leonard has been pestering us about this internship stuff for a while now, so I finally caved. I’ll be away from the apartment for six months, but don’t worry, I sorted the rent.”

“Sorted how?”

She takes another sip of my cocoa. “I found someone to take my room while I’m gone. He’s moving in tomorrow. Super chill guy… you’ll barely notice him.”

“You’re subletting your room to a stranger for six months and you’re just telling me now? Are you fucking serious?”

“Not a stranger,” she says quickly. “Friend of a friend. He’s totally vetted and it’s only temporary. I’ll be back before you know it.”

My grip tightens on the mug until my knuckles whiten. The flat suddenly feels smaller. I’d gotten used to Sue’s chaos—the noise, the messes, the ridiculous energy. The thought of some random guy sleeping in her room, using her kitchen, sharing my space while I already have practice, games, and the need to keep my shit together… this news lands harder than I expected.

“Sue.” I empty the mug. “You could have at least asked me first.”

She winces but keeps smiling. “I know, I know. It all happened so fast.” She pokes my arm again, trying to lighten the mood. “But think of it this way—no more listening to me through the walls for six months. Silver lining, right?”

This time I don’t laugh.

Sue lets out a sigh, eyes still on my face. “Come on, Theo. You might even like him.”

I push off the counter, suddenly feeling more of the effects of the last twenty-four hours. “I’ve got practice later. I’m going to get some sleep. Try not to have orgies… I really want to sleep.”