A DEAL WITH THE CAPTAIN

4.NEW HOUSEMATE

CHAPTER FOUR

HUNTER’S POV

NEW HOUSEMATE

I wake up in a tangled mess of sheets, my head pounding so f*****g hard I swear those western tom tom drums sound quieter than this. I know it’s probably a lesson I’ll break soon but tequila and whiskey should never have been mixed. Morning sunlight streams through the gaps in the blinds, painting golden stripes across my bedroom floor. I blink a few times, trying to remember exactly how the night ended. f**k! It was one hell of a night if I’m being honest. Then I feel the weight against my chest. Jenna. What? Despite my reputation I do have the decency to know the names of who I bring on my bed.

She's fast asleep, completely naked beneath the comforter, one arm draped lazily across my stomach while her blonde hair fans over my chest like a blanket. A small smile tugs at the corner of my lips as fragmented memories from last night drift through my mind-the bar, the flirting, stumbling through the front door while trying not to laugh too loudly because Ryan had threatened to murder me if I woke him up again. Safe to say, neither of us got much sleep.

Carefully, I slide out from under her arm, making sure not to wake her. She mumbles something unintelligible before rolling over and burying her face in my pillow. Problem solved. I throw on a pair of gray sweatpants and head downstairs, following the unmistakable smell of freshly brewed coffee. The house is already awake with Darren and Ryan occupying the kitchen island, mugs in hand, while highlights from last night's game play on the television mounted above the refrigerator. Judging by the animated gestures that from afar might convince someone they are about to throw hands on each other and constant interruptions, they've been arguing about one particular play for a while now.

"Look who finally decided to join the land of the living," Darren says the moment he notices me. He dramatically checks the watch on his wrist. "Ten in the morning on a Saturday? That's a new record, even for you, Hunter."

"I know," I mutter, making a beeline for the coffee pot. "Honestly, I think Jenna f****d the alcohol right out of my brain."

Ryan nearly chokes on his coffee, "Jesus Christ."

"What?" I ask innocently.

"Some things don't need to be announced at breakfast." He counters. Of the three of us, I’d say Ryan is probably the only one who is definitely not a manwhore.

Darren bursts out laughing.

"You should've heard them when they got home."

"I told you to put headphones on." I point out.

"I shouldn't have to wear noise-canceling headphones in my own damn house."

Ignoring the two of them, I pour myself a generous mug of coffee before taking the first glorious sip. Instant relief.

"Anyway," Ryan says, setting his mug down, "I think I found the perfect replacement for Jace."

That gets my attention.

Jace transferring at the end of last semester left us with an empty bedroom, and while none of us were desperate to fill it, splitting rent three ways instead of four definitely sucked.

"Who?"

"Bill."

I raise an eyebrow, "Bill Turner?"

Ryan nods, "Yeah. He's looking to move out of the fraternity house."

"Why?"

"Says he's over the constant parties and wants somewhere less…chaotic. Plus, he's single, plays hockey, and already knows all of us. Seems like a pretty easy fit."

Darren shrugs, "Honestly, it'd basically turn this place into one giant bachelor pad."

I lean against the counter, considering it. Bill and I aren't exactly best friends, but we've shared enough locker rooms, a few road trips, and practices over the past year for me to know he's a decent guy. He keeps to himself most of the time, pulls his weight on the ice and doesn't start unnecessary drama. At least not with the team. Besides, he is much of a campus playboy like me.

"You know what?" I finally say. "I'm good with it. He's not a bad choice."

Ryan immediately unlocks his phone.

"I'll text him then."

"If he says yes," Darren adds with a grin, "we're making him buy the first round of beer."

"Deal."

Cradling a second mug of coffee, I turn and make my way back upstairs. Jenna's probably awake by now. And judging by the amount we drank last night, she's going to need caffeine just as badly as I do.

When i get back into the room, she is sitting up, her hair tangled while she scrolls on her phone. She looks like s**t and so am I. But damn is she pretty. Too bad she is only in town for the weekend.

“Hey, you,” I say, getting her attention while stretching my hand to hand her a cup of the steaming coffee.

“Hey,” she looks up, flashing me a small smile as she accepts the cup, “ How did you know I like it black?”

“Wild guess,” I shrug, “ You sure I cannot convince you to stay in town for a little longer?”

“Come on, Hunter. We both know you don’t know mean it,” she chuckles," Besides, I wanted great s*x, I got great s*x and my cheating boyfriend now can’t manipulate me to stay in that toxic relationship anymore,”

“Damn! He should be an ex,” I point out.

“Yeah, I know,” she says, “ It’s why my friends suggested a road trip because they believed a weekend away from the city could clear whatever brain fog he has me trapped in. It turns out, all I need is a night with the famous Hunter Walsh and whatever I have been feeling for Cole and his pathetic lies and apologies, is gone,”

“I’m glad to be of service,” I shrug.