Arrogant Devil(110)

“Andie, yoohoo! Earth to Andie.”

I glanced up to find Kinsley staring at me over the back of the couch. Becca sat beside her, flipping through TV channels at a rate that made my eyes water.

“Becca and I found this really good Netflix documentary series about baby arctic whales, and if we start it tonight, we can probably finish all the episodes before we head back to L.A.”

She seemed really excited about the prospect, but there was no way I was joining them. I was putting the finishing touches on a sandwich in our condo’s tiny kitchen, and instead of replying, I took a giant bite and offered her a vague head nod.

“Wait. Why are you dressed like you’re going out?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

Becca turned back to assess me as well and I swallowed down the glob of peanut butter lodged in my throat.

“Oh. Well.” I glanced down at my jean cutoffs and a cream, off-the-shoulder blouse. “Because I am.”

Kinsley threw up her arms. “But Liam will be over here soon, and you are supposed to be our little baby beluga.”

“I thought you loved whales,” Becca added.

They knew I had a love for whales and they’d likely picked the series because they thought I needed cheering up. They assumed I was upset about Freddie’s betrothal, but I couldn’t have been further from upset. I didn’t need to mope around our condo like my love life was over, because in fact, it was just getting started. I’d received an invitation on Facebook to a poker night hosted by a few members of the Portuguese men’s soccer team, and there was no way I was going to pass up that opportunity. They were all tall, tan, and ridiculously handsome. I hadn’t played poker in years, but I figured I could skirt by on luck long enough to find a replacement for my Rio boy-toy. I mean, what isn’t cute about two soccer players in love? Nothing, as evidenced by Kinsley and Becca’s storybook romances.

“As fun as the documentary sounds, I think I’m going to go out.”

They frowned in tandem.

“Look, I don’t expect you guys to understand. You’re both married, and well, boring.”

“Hey!” Becca said.

I threw them an apologetic smile. “I mean, it’s the truth. If you guys were single, you’d be coming to this poker night with me.”

“Not true,” Kinsley argued.

I laughed. “Right. Let’s see. Remember when you broke the rules to date Liam Wilder even though he was your college soccer coach?”

Becca burst out laughing, but Kinsley turned and narrowed her bright blue eyes on me. “That was different.”

I shrugged. “It just seems strange that you’re so adamantly against me going out and meeting a cute guy here when you both have had your fair share of fun.”

Becca hummed in thought. I knew I was making a valid point.

“I just think I should get the choice to make the most of being in Rio.”

Kinsley nodded. “You’re right. But just so you know, you’re gorgeous, Andie. And I’m not just saying that because I like you. You could be betrothed to a million Freddie Archibalds if you wanted to be.”

I shook my head. “Thanks for your confidence in my polygamy skills, but really, I’m not even thinking about that—him—any more.”

“And if you want to go out and have fun, be my guest, but I’m not going to stop being overprotective of you. I made a promise to your mom that I’d watch out for you while we’re down here.”

“My mom called you?!”

Kinsley shot me a glare. “Christy has me on speed dial.”

Of course. I should have known.

I grabbed my small clutch from the dresser in my room and then slipped on my favorite pair of brown leather flip-flops. When I walked back into the living room, Kinsley and Becca stared up at me, assessing my outfit.

“You’re wearing a bra right?”

I rolled my eyes.

“And underwear? Are they your own this time?” Becca asked.

I ignored them and walked to the door.

“Stay safe. Text us and don’t stay out too late. We have an early practice tomorrow.”

“Wow you really have been talking to Christy lately,” I teased over my shoulder just as a knock sounded on the door. As anticipated, Liam stood on the other side with a bag full of takeout clutched in hand. He’d just showered and his hair was damp and mussed up a bit. Kinsley had definitely gotten lucky with him. I smiled and stole a handful of French fries as I sneaked past into the hallway.

“Hey! Wait. Aren’t you watching the documentary thing with us?” he asked.

“No, unlike you losers, I actually have plans.”

“Stay safe!” he shouted as I leaned forward to press the elevator call button.

Staying safe wasn’t really hard to do. While Rio at large had issues with crime, the village in contrast was secure and locked down after 8:00 PM. Athletes were free to roam as they pleased. The Portuguese guys were assigned a condo two buildings down from mine. The breeze from the ocean picked up my hair and blew it every which direction. I twisted the long strands in a low bun to keep them from sticking to my lipstick. I’d kept it simple in the makeup department. I still had a tan from outdoor practices back home, so I didn’t have to worry about foundation. I’d swiped on a subtle shade of red lipstick and mascara, and felt confident as I rode the elevator up to the third floor.