Page 21 of Rosie
“What class was it for?”
“Food and Beverage Management.” He had the game up on the PS4 and the introduction was starting. Matt turned around and stole a glance at Rosie’s face. She was enraptured by the screen. He basked in her glow while her attention was diverted.
“Oh wow,” she gasped. “Those graphics! It looks soreal.”
“Yeah, it’s awesome.” He loaded the arcademode and customized the settings to go easy on her. Then he was at the ship selection screen.
“There’s so many options to choose from!”
“Yeah, let’s get you used to the controls first. You’ll want to get used to as many of the ships as possible, both light and dark sides.” He picked Poe Dameron’sBlack One, his favorite on the light side, and started the game. “This is how you steer, and this is how you fire the weapons.” He started going through the controls with her, keeping his eyes locked on the screen where they belonged. When the round was over, a new one loaded automatically.
“Your turn.” He gulped when her hands brushed his to take the controller from him. It took her a minute to get a handle on the controls, but then she was spinning through space, chasing after Darth Maul’sScimitar, firing away.
Hours passed as he watched her practice, taking on various ships, winning and losing about equally. She had a natural knack for understanding the strategy, but she’d need more practice to get a handle on the controls. He wasn’t surprised. She was as big aStar Warsnerd as he was, which was crazy sexy. And of course, someone as smart as Rosiewould take no time to figure it out. Sweat broke out on his forehead as he considered how much time they’d have to spend together. Could he handle it? Or would he screw it up? Especially since Olivia wouldn’t be around to remind him that her friends were forbidden.
Matt hadn’t said a word in ages, so his voice cracked when he finally asked, “So, are you in?”
“Heck yes! This is awesome!” Chewbacca’s roar rang out from the television as Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter burst into flames. “Can you get it on PC? I have a laptop I can practice on.”
“Yeah. But the controls will be different.”
“Rats.”
Matt pulled his extra PS4 controller off its shelf and turned it over. The Bluetooth symbol stared up at him.
“You can borrow this, it’s Bluetooth enabled. But you’ll have to sign up for Steam and purchase the game through them.”
“Aw, thanks Matt.”
Their fingers brushed together, and a jolt of excitement shot up his arm. He ducked his head to avoid her gaze. “I’ll let the guys know you’re in. We’ve been trying to practice together every week.”
She paused the game and handed him her unlocked phone. “Text yourself from my phone and then let me know when. If I’m not working, I’ll sign on, too.” Rosie ran a hand through her hair, a light blush rising to her cheeks. Was she really asking for his phone number?
Matt’s fingers nearly fumbled the device as he did as she requested. Across the room, he heard R2-D2 beep, his text notification sound. Her head snapped to look at it, her eyebrows lifted in surprise.
“Text received.” He was sure he was beet red. God, he was such a nerd. Her lips pressed together like she was suppressing a laugh. He found nerds sexy, but who said Rosie felt the same?
“Great. Thanks for … this.” She waved the controller in the air. “I better get going.”
“Thanks for doing this. I’ll see you online?”
“Yup. Later, Matt.”
He stole a glance at her ass as he closed the door behind her. So soft and round. And so totally off-limits.
A few swipes of his fingers had Rosie’s name and number saved in his phone. He’d dreamed of asking for her number for so long. And she’d just offered it to him.
Before he could fall into his own thoughts and wonder at the new contact in his phone, Matt sent a quick text to the guys.
Matt: Never fear, my sister’s friend is available. We’re still on!
Evan: You rock, man!
Keith: Yes!
Damir: Is he any good?
Matt paused. Would the guys make fun of Rosie if they knew she was female? Some nerds could be gatekeepers, especially when it came to women. Maybe he should play it safe. He hadn’t known these guys long. Once she was in front of them, in public, they’d hopefully think twice before saying anything off-color. Or, preferably, not be that type of man.
