Page 48 of Beau & Autumn

He smashes through a player with his sword, savagely chopping his head off. “Trust me, having an unbiased opinion is exactly what you need.”

“Oh really, wise one? And what words of wisdom do you have for me?”

“Aside from the obvious; you could get to nail the woman of your dreams. It’s Autumn. I doubt you’d find a way to fuck it up. You two have chemistry.”

I frown. “You barely know her.”

“I don’t have to. I can tell by the eyes you’re probably giving her, or practicing in the mirror, that you’re serious. And if she’s flirting back, then that tells you she’s interested.”

“Huh.”

“I mean, have you outright asked her?”

I snort. “Asked her if she’s into me? How long has it been since you went out on a date, Fletch?”

He takes a long pause. “A while, but the dynamics don’t really change.”

“Word of advice; you don’t go around telling the woman you’re interested in that you’re interested until you find out if they’re into it. Fundamental, I know, but true all the same. Plus, there’s the friendship thing. If we go there and it doesn’t work out, what then?”

“You still get to say you boned Autumn Davenport.”

“Be serious, Fletch!”

He snorts. “Okay, okay, but it couldn’t be the worst thing in the world, could it? I mean, what’s the worst that could happen?”

It’s my turn to snort. “Are you kidding me?”

“They often say the best kinda relationships start with a good friendship, at least you already have the bones right there. As long as you don’t mess it up, of course.”

“Thanks, Fletch. That’s super helpful.”

“Glad I could help.”

I cover his back and shoot an enemy, ducking for cover behind a bunker. “So you’re saying don’t chase her?”

“Chase. Wow bro, you’re really out of practice.”

“You know what I mean. Women wanna be wooed now. I saw this article the other day…”

He groans. “Spare me the details. What you probably need to do is gauge it when she’s sober. You’d be cute together.”

I rest my controls. “Cute?”

“What’s wrong with cute? Hey, get down, you’re gonna get slaughtered out there!”

I duck for cover again as bullets come flying at me. “Shit,” I mutter. I’ve never been this distracted when playing. It’s my happy place. My go-to when I’m stressed or anxious or I’ve just had a shitty day. I don’t come here to play at being a wuss. “Goddamn it!” I shoot back as Fletch covers me. “Get your head in the game, VirtualHero!”

“Fuck off.”

He chuckles as we split up. A few moments pass. “It’s kinda hot that she’s older.”

I stifle a groan. No shit. It’s hot alright.

“It’s only hot if she likes younger guys, and so far she’s never dated anyone under thirty. So the odds in my favor are not looking good.”

“You’re toast then.”

“Gee, thanks.”

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