Offside Passion: My Brother's Roommate Series, #3

By Lexy Timms

You can't fake passion…

 

The secret is out.

 

Zoe's brother knows about his little sister's relationship with the captain of his soccer team—and his roommate. He's not happy, but he can't stop it.

 

Zoe is struggling to decide whether she should go to Paris for a semester to study dance or stay in California. Her heart wants to wait for Ian, the man she loves, to finish his soccer career. Should she tell him she's been excepted?

 

Or will their fire fizzle out, just like her brother predicted?  

 

Love is friendship caught on fire…

 

My Brother's Roommate Series

• Book 1 – Scoring Devotion
• Book 2 – Passing Emotion
• Book 3 – Offside Passion

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dark Shadow Publishing
• Release date: Dec 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223745372

Lexy Timms

"Love should be something that lasts forever, not is lost forever."  Visit USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, LEXY TIMMS https://www.facebook.com/SavingForever *Please feel free to connect with me and share your comments. I love connecting with my readers.* Sign up for news and updates and freebies - I like spoiling my readers! http://eepurl.com/9i0vD website: www.lexytimms.com Dealing in Antique Jewelry and hanging out with her awesome hubby and three kids, Lexy Timms loves writing in her free time.  MANAGING THE BOSSES is a bestselling 10-part series dipping into the lives of Alex Reid and Jamie Connors. Can a secretary really fall for her billionaire boss?

Book preview

My Brother’s Roommate Series

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Book 1 – Scoring Devotion

Book 2 – Passing Emotion

Book 3 – Offside Passion

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Offside Passion Blurb

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YOU CAN’T FAKE PASSION...

The secret is out.

Zoe’s brother knows about his little sister’s relationship with the captain of his soccer team—and his roommate. He’s not happy, but he can’t stop it.

Zoe is struggling to decide whether she should go to Paris for a semester to study dance or stay in California. Her heart wants to wait for Ian, the man she loves, to finish his soccer career. Should she tell him she’s been excepted?

Or will their fire fizzle out, just like her brother predicted? 

Love is friendship caught on fire...

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Contents

My Brother’s Roommate Series

Find Lexy Timms:

Offside Passion Blurb

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

My Brother’s Roommate Series

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Chapter One

Zoe

I HEARD THE FRONT DOOR creak open. Someone was home. My heart fluttered with anticipation as I glanced at the information about the dance school on my desk. I hadn’t made up my mind yet, unsure if I should take the opportunity to study in Paris for a semester or let it slip away like a distant dream. No one knew about the amazing chance I had to go to Paris. I couldn’t bring myself to tell anyone. I couldn’t explain why. I should be screaming it from the rooftops. Instead, I was keeping it a secret like it was something I should be ashamed of.

I never imagined I would be good enough at dance to impress some of the best dance instructors in the world. They thought I was good enough to learn from them. I never would have imagined I would make it to this level in the dance world. Part of me felt a little guilty. I knew other dancers that trained for eight hours a day, followed a strict diet, and gave dance their all, and they didn’t make it. I was not the kind of person that devoted much time to dance. Some, but nothing extreme.

Zoe, Ian called out.

His steps grew nearer, and I quickly stashed the brochures for the dance program, hoping he wouldn’t see them. The decision weighed on me, but I still couldn’t bring myself to tell him. I wanted to share my thoughts with him, but the uncertainty held me back. I didn’t want to make things difficult or awkward. Things were so good between us. I loved him. I knew he was going to be leaving soon, but it was different. Going to Paris, halfway around the world, was different than going to the other side of the country.

He walked in with a huge smile. His presence filled the room. There was something magnetic about him, something that drew me in like a moth to a flame. His hair was damp, telling me he had showered after practice. I could see the bruises and scrapes and knew he had put his all into practice once again.

Our eyes met, and a mischievous grin played on his lips. There was an unspoken agreement between us, an invisible pull that drew us together like magnets. The dance school pamphlets still lingered in the corner of my vision, a secret I wasn’t ready to share.

He closed the distance between us. Without a word, his arms wrapped around me, pulling me into a warm embrace. I melted into his touch. It was like that every time we were together. We naturally navigated toward one another.

Our lips met, and the world outside our bubble faded away. It wasn’t just a kiss; it was a promise of what was to come. A promise of passion, of heat, of desire. Our hands roamed each other’s bodies, eager to explore every inch of skin. Ian’s hands found their way to my hips. He pulled me closer, pressing his hard body against mine. I could feel the heat radiating off him, and my body responded in kind. I needed him, and I knew he needed me too.

I missed you, he whispered.

Me too.

His mouth returned to mine, our tongues sliding against each other as we made out. I could hear his breathing, ragged and heavy. I wanted to feel him. I craved his touch, his body. I wanted him to take me. The air was filled with the sounds of our kissing.

Unfortunately, the heat between us drowned out everything else.

Just as it reached its peak, the door swung open, and Jack’s voice cut through the moment. What’s for dinner? he asked, oblivious to the passionate interlude he had just interrupted.

I pulled away from Ian, breathless and caught off guard. My cheeks flushed, and I fumbled for composure. Ian wore a sheepish grin. Uh, I... I was just about to figure that out, I stammered, attempting to regain my composure.

What the hell! Jack growled. Leave that shit out of the house. I told you I don’t want to see you mauling my sister.

Ian chuckled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. Just enjoying a moment, Jack. Nothing to worry about.

Jack’s expression shifted from curiosity to irritation. Well, enjoy your moments somewhere else, will you? I’m hungry.

Oops, I laughed. I didn’t know he was home.

He was behind me. I thought we had time. Ian pulled me into another quick kiss, a playful twinkle in his eyes. Maybe we should save the steamy moments for when we have the house to ourselves.

I know. You’re just so irresistible.

He winked as I swatted his ass. He followed Jack out of the room to try and get my brother to calm down. I glanced back at the tucked-away brochures. The decision to embrace the unknown or cling to the familiar weighed on me.

I thought you were over this, Jack. Ian’s voice wafted back to me, tinged with frustration.

But Jack wasn’t having it. He insisted that he didn’t need our relationship thrown in his face. I decided to stay out of it for now. If I went out there and tried to get Jack to chill the fuck out, it would only make things worse. Ian seemed to be better at handling these things.

I pulled out the brochures again and sat down on the edge of my bed. I read the information, imagining what it would be like to wake up in Paris. How exciting would it be to go to lunch at a little café and watch people?

While I was lost in thought, Carlos walked in. They’re by the stairs, so I’m taking cover in here, he joked.

Yeah, sorry about that, I said with a grimace. I didn’t know Jack was home.

He caught you guys going at it?

No! I laughed. We were kissing. All clothes were on.

What’s that? he asked, pointing at the brochure in my hand.

I’m thinking about going to Paris to study dance, I admitted, feeling the weight of my decision hanging in the air.

His eyes widened, and he took a moment to absorb the information. Paris? That’s a big move, he remarked.

I nodded. I know. But it’s an opportunity, and I’ve been thinking about it a lot. I had to audition to get the chance, and I was selected out of hundreds of applicants.

Carlos sank into a chair, contemplating my dilemma. Ian didn’t mention you were leaving.

Because he doesn’t know, I confessed. I haven’t actually accepted the position.

Are you going to tell him? Does Jack know?

I shook my head. Not yet.

I’m confused, he said. Why wouldn’t you tell them?

With him gone for the summer and then me possibly leaving for Paris in the fall, I don’t know how our relationship will survive. Me and Ian. Jack will probably just hire a team of bodyguards to follow me around.

He leaned forward. Zoe, you have to talk to him. Don’t let him find out. That would kill him.

I appreciated Carlos’s concern. I’ll tell him, I said. I’m just...

Stalling. He grinned.

I smiled. A little. What about you? Are you excited to head to Atlanta?

He grimaced. I don’t know.

You don’t know?

Don’t say anything, but I don’t think I’m going to do the camp thing, he said.

I couldn’t hide my shock. Seriously?

Carlos sighed, running a hand through his hair. Yeah, I’ve been looking into playing professionally elsewhere. There’s a soccer club in France I’m considering.

I looked at him, intrigued. Really? You don’t want to play on the national team?

I do, but I can have a bigger career if I play on one of the other teams.

It’s a matter of pride, isn’t it? I asked. Making the national team is a big deal.

It is, and I thought that’s what I wanted, but now, I’m not so sure, he said. I wouldn’t be disappointed if I didn’t make it. As long as I get to play somewhere, and maybe make more money elsewhere.

I was surprised he wasn’t as excited as the other guys. I thought you wanted this.

I did too, but I don’t really have a career to fall back on, he said. I don’t want to be a working stiff. I want to use my skills to make some money and give myself a nice nest egg.

What about your girlfriend? I inquired, thinking maybe he was in my same position. Maybe he didn’t want to play on the national team because he wanted to make money to support his girlfriend.

He chuckled. Things aren’t that serious. I wouldn’t miss an opportunity just for her. We are up and down. I thought she might be the one, but honestly, it’s just not going to happen. We have fun, but we’re not going to be together forever.

I couldn’t help but wonder if Ian would feel the same way. Do you think Ian would choose soccer over me? I asked, voicing the concern that had been lingering in the depths of my thoughts.

Carlos’s laughter filled the room. There’s no way Ian would ever choose soccer over you. You’re his world. He would choose you over food, water, and air. Never doubt his love for you. He took on Jack to be with you.

I nodded, relieved. I guess I need to trust him to make his own decisions.

Exactly, Carlos said. I wouldn’t tell him he has to choose you. Let him know you are there for him. That you support his dreams, and you would be there for him if he fails. Then you’ll be there to cheer him on when he succeeds. He should do the same for you. It’s the only way to have a healthy relationship.

I guess you’re right, I said. It’s so far apart. It’s going to be hard.

It’s going to be harder if you don’t tell him, he warned.

I know, I sighed. You’re right.

Don’t worry, he said, looking into my eyes. It’s hard, but it’s worth it.

I hope so, I replied. I have to believe it is.

Hey, if you’re in Paris, maybe we’ll bump into each other, he laughed.

I think Paris might be a little bigger than that.

From the living room, we could hear Jack and Ian still arguing, but it wasn’t about me and Ian anymore. They had switched to talking about soccer. Soccer tended to be the general topic of conversation in the house, especially lately.

It sounds like the war is over, Carlos said. I’ll leave you alone.

Thanks for talking to me, Carlos, I said. I appreciate it.

No worries. Just don’t wait too long to tell Ian. I know he’s going to be happy for you. Give him a chance to celebrate with you. Yes, it’ll be hard, but I think he will want to be a part of your success. Give him that chance.

I will, I said. But please don’t say anything to Ian. I’ll tell him. I just want it to be the right time. I don’t want to steal any of his thunder right now.

I won’t, he promised.

After Carlos left, I took another look at the brochure. I knew which way I was leaning, but I was still hesitant. Things were going to be very complicated. But Carlos was right; I knew Ian loved me. I loved him. We had a strong relationship. If we could survive Jack’s wrath and attempts to keep us apart, we could handle a few months away from each other.

I put the brochures under a book on my desk and went out to join the guys. Ian gave me a small smile, letting me know everything would be okay. I gave him a slight nod and walked to the kitchen to see what we had for dinner. I didn’t mind cooking for them. I wasn’t going to get to do it for much longer. Our little family was breaking up.

Chapter Two

Ian

WE WERE ALL HANGING out, debating what to do for the night when Carlos walked in with a very serious expression on his face. What’s up? I asked him.

I’ve turned down the offer to go to Atlanta for the soccer summer camp.

His words hung in the air for a moment, and the room fell silent. I exchanged a quick glance with Jack and Alex, both of them seemingly surprised by Carlos’s decision. I felt a mixture of emotions – a tinge of disappointment. After all, he had been one of the front-runners during our tryouts, and turning down an opportunity like that was no small decision.

You turned it down? Jack asked, breaking the silence.

Carlos nodded. Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it, and I’ve decided it’s not for me. I’m happy for you guys, though.

Jack’s eyebrows furrowed, clearly intrigued. What do you mean, it’s not for you? This is a huge opportunity.

Carlos leaned back, his posture relaxed. I’ve been looking into other places to play, and I’m confident I’ll find something. The national team just wasn’t my thing. I want to make real money.

I studied Carlos’s expression, sensing that there might be more to the story. I couldn’t imagine working as hard as he did to just walk away from all of it. We had all put in a lot of hours. There was no way I could put my body through that and walk away.

You sure about this, man? I asked, trying to gauge his true feelings.

Carlos shrugged, maintaining his nonchalant demeanor. Yeah, I’ve thought it through. I’m good.

Jack seemed dissatisfied with the vague response. You’re passing up an incredible opportunity. What’s going on, Carlos?

Alex chimed in with as much shock as we were all feeling. Yeah, spill. We’re all teammates here.

Carlos hesitated, then sighed. It’s just not the right fit for me, guys. But I appreciate the concern. I’ll find another place to play. No worries. I’ve already got some prospects.  I’m happy for all of you and I know you’ll do great, but I’ve put a lot of thought into this. I know what I want.

I respected Carlos’s decision, even if I thought it sucked. Well, if you’re sure, man, I said, offering him a supportive nod.

Yeah, you have to do what’s best for you, Alex agreed.

Carlos’s smile returned. Thanks, guys. I appreciate it. I hope I haven’t let you down. I want you all to do great. I know you will.

It won’t be the same without you, I said with a shake of my head.

He flashed a cocky grin. No, but you’ll get by.

Let’s go out tonight, Jack said. I feel like celebrating. Just because Carlos bailed on us doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate.

I’ll ask Zoe if she wants to join us, I replied.

Jack rolled his eyes. "Man, you’re already whipped.