Chapter 2 002 | THE CONFRONTATION

MARIA

He bites into his apple while scrolling through his phone so nonchalantly while also ignoring the fact that I'm standing there and waiting for an explanation coupled with an apology.

"My goodness, you're such a dickhead!" I snap at him when it dawns on me that I will be getting none.

"Excuse me?"

"First, you fake a name, you abandon me in the middle of our date and make me pay for the food. Now, you do not even have the courtesy to apologize. Have you got no manners?"

"I mean, I didn't know you were Coach Barney's daughter. I wouldn't have accepted to go on the date."

"Okay so you're saying it's fair to do that to someone else that isn't me."

He shrugs, biting further into the apple and I get pissed off all the more. "Life isn't fair." He holds up his hand as though he remembers something. "Also, send me your Venmo so I can pay you back."

That's still not a fucking apology.

"I'm not letting you repay me until you do the right thing and apologize." His expression changes to one that mirrors disgust. "Apologize for what?"

"My goodness! You athletes are so far up your ass you think you're better than everyone. Does Dad know you were out as Jasper?"

"Nah, what I do in my free time has got nothing to do with Coach. He's cool with it as long as I show up to practice, drink responsibly and don't do drugs."

"You know I could tell him that you're the asshole who left me in the middle of our date, yeah?" I threaten and he only laughs mockingly.

"You wouldn't dare. We both know you have zero evidence."

Fuck, he's right. I facepalm, rolling my eyes.

"Okay, but when are you leaving?" I demand.

"Leaving like going to bed or?" Like I give a fuck about the time he goes to bed.

"Leaving like packing all of your shit and getting the fuck out of my house."

"Your father's house and not your house. Also, Coach said I'm welcome to stay till my apartment issue gets fixed."

"How long with that take?" Hopefully he says tomorrow.

"Three months."

That's it. That's fucking it!

I fold my arms across my chest with all the restraint I have before raising my head to look at him. I step really close like I've got all the audacity in the whole world.

"Now, Jasper Cole or Emerson Falls. I don't care what the fuck your name is. I'm simply only tolerating you because you live in my house." I begin, making sure that I don't stutter on my words. "For the time that you will be here, these are my strict non-negotiable house rules. One, No loud music when I'm working. Two, Don't bring your playboy lifestyle into the house. Three, Respect my personal space and stay the fuck away from me."

"And what happens when I break those rules?" A wide and cocky grin plays on his face and I'm irked to my bones.

When? Not even if?

Oh, this one has got guts.

"I'll report to Dad with loads of evidence and you'll get kicked out." I turn around to leave, but he grabs my wrist, pulling me so close to him my chest almost collides against his body. "Funny you would think that you can control me under my coach's roof."

***

The next morning, I wake up with a banging headache that only a hot cup of coffee can cure.

After getting ready for school, I ensure everything is ready for my journalism orientation today before heading straight to the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee.

I stop in my tracks when I hear laughter coming from the guest wing where Emerson currently lives.

"So, same time next week?" An unfamiliar voice asks. I hide behind the wall to see who it is.

A very pretty blonde who's wearing an oversized football jersey and holding a pair of red heels stands right in front of Emerson's room. Emerson is shirtless and wearing only a pair of black boxers while she ogles at him.

"If I'm not too busy." He shrugs while he walks into the kitchen. She follows behind him. The both of them walk past me and he acts like I don't even exist.

"Hi." The blonde girl waves at me awkwardly while she continues to follow him."Come on, Emerson. Be a gentleman and make me coffee at least."

"Haven't got time for that. Can pay for your Starbucks order, though." He offers and she nods.

I stand there, eyeing the both of them as they interact.

I hate the fact that my father is too much of a generous man. Now, I have to deal with this shitty athlete for the next three months? I hope Shania and I can find a really good apartment so that I can move out.

My attention returns to the both of them. I watch her stand on her tiptoes. He leans over and kisses her, cupping a handful of her ass in the process. I'm all the words to describe irritated.

"I wanna see you at the opening match tonight, and you better yell my name at the top of your lungs." He whispers in her ears in a sexy tone and she laughs. "You bet I will, Emmy."

Emmy? Eww.

She eventually pulls away from him, blows a kiss and leaves the house.

"I thought I told you not to bring your playboy lifestyle into this house." I finally speak, breaking the silence.

"Coach doesn't have a problem with it. Get used to it, Maria." He shrugs and my mouth hangs open in surprise. I want to talk, but I just can't find the words.

"What's for breakfast, by the way?" He questions me nonchalantly like I'm paid to work for him.

"Excuse you?"

"Excuse me?" He places his hands on his chest ignorantly.

"You literally sent a hundred dollars to your hookup for a cup for Starbucks coffee, and you're expecting me to wake up and cook for you?"

"Yes. Is there anything wrong with that?"

God. I want to pull my hair out and scream until I lose my voice. Is this a sick joke?

"Whatever her name is, call her back and tell her to make breakfast for you!" I spit and he walks up to me, another one of those silly grins playing on his face. I can't help, but stare at his body. His six-pack, the way his muscles flex, the way.... Focus, Maria.

He stands right in front of me, his six foot-five towering over my own five foot-seven.

"Is this..."He pauses, sniffing around. "jealously I smell here?"

"Oh, fuck you, Emerson. Fuck you!" I slam the door shut as I hear him laugh loudly.