The Games We Play: An Enemies to Lovers Romance by Melissa Toppen

Author:Melissa Toppen [Toppen, Melissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: the games we play, melissa toppen, Sports Romance, college romance, mental health, enemies to lovers, enemies to lovers romance
Publisher: Author Melissa Toppen
Published: 2022-11-03T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

ROME

“You were out late last night.” My father looks up the moment I enter the kitchen. He’s in his usual spot at the table, drinking coffee while scrolling through the news on his tablet.

“Good morning to you, too,” I grumble, tugging open the fridge to retrieve some juice. “Where’s Mom?”

“She had some errands to run.” There’s a short pause. “Where were you?”

“Where was I when?” I knock the refrigerator closed with my hip, before snagging a glass from the cabinet to my right.

“Last night.”

“I met up with some friends, had dinner. I already told you that, didn’t I?”

“You were with Bexley, too, were you not?”

I keep my back to him as I pour myself some juice.

“Among other people, yes.” I build onto the lie that we initially told our parents.

Taking a deep breath, I turn back around, juice in hand. Leaning against the countertop, I tip the glass to my lips.

“Is there a reason why you dropped her off around the corner from her house?” His gaze narrows, watching my reaction closely.

“Is there a reason why you know that?” I fire back.

“I had to run out to pick up something from the store. Thought it was interesting when I saw my car parked around the corner from Pete’s house, with two people inside. Care to explain?”

“Not really.” I snort, taking another swig of juice.

“We’ve talked about this, Rome.” He blows out a frustrated sigh, abandoning his tablet on the table as he swivels in his chair to face me. “You are not in a position to...”

“You can stop right there. We were just talking. You know, that thing friends do sometimes. No need to get your knickers in a twist. Not that it’s any of your business.”

“None of my business?” He barks out a humorless laugh. “Need I remind you that...”

“That her father is your best friend and anything other than friendship between the two of us would fuck up your perfect little world. Yeah, I got the message a hundred times already. You can stop saying it. I know I’m not good enough for her.”

It’s not, not true. I’m not. But suddenly, I’ve stopped caring. I want her. It’s that simple. And after last night, there’s no walking away. Not now. Maybe not ever. I know that makes me a selfish asshole of epic proportions, but there it is. I never claimed to be anything else.

“You understand, it has nothing to do with you not being good enough. Of course, you’re good enough.”

“I’m just too fucked up in the head, is that it?” I finish my juice, turning to deposit my glass into the sink.

“Rome, I never said that.”

I turn back toward my father, crossing my arms in front of my chest.

“No, but that’s what you were thinking, is it not?”

“You have some...” He swallows. “Troubles, I’ll admit. But I don’t think you’re messed up in the head.”

“No? Then why are you so sure that the only thing I’m capable of is fucking things up?”

“I never said that.” Irritation creeps into his tone.

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