Page 51 of King of Hearts

“Except that idiot.” I replied, throwing my thumb back over my shoulder towards Dylan.

“Is it serious?” Seb asked mockingly. “Is she the captain of your heart?” He grinned and I threw a poker chip at him which he easily caught.

“Honestly, I don’t know wh–” My ringtone distracted me, and I pulled my phone from my pocket to Arna’s name on the screen. “Sorry, just a sec.”

Seb smirked knowingly and I walked into the kitchen for some privacy before accepting the call.

No sooner had I answered when she started speaking. “Andy, hi. I’m so sorry to call you, I know you are in the middle of a boys night but I really wanted to know what you were thinking over the statement we put out and I was going to text you but I also wanted to hear it from you and now I’m a stalker who is sitting out the front of your apartment hoping I can see you for literally five minutes to make sure you’re okay.” She paused briefly. “That we are okay.”

I walked past Dyl on the lounge and to the edge of the balcony. When I looked down to the street, sure enough there was a taxi, lights on, idling at the kerb. While I still hadn’t replied, too shocked at the fact she came all the way here, she continued.

“Oh my god. I’m a stalker. I’m literally at your house even though you said you were busy. Forget I called. I will –”

“Arna.” I said, shaking my head as she continued to ramble. “Arna.” I repeated, smiling when she quieted. “Come upstairs, would you?”

“What – now?” Her obvious shock made me chuckle.

“Yes - now. Graham will buzz you up.” I watched below as the door to the taxi opened and she slowly walked towards the building. She hesitated, running a hand through her hair, before she continued walking inside.

“Who was that?” Dyl asked when I returned.

I ignored his question, heading straight for the entrance. When the lift doors opened, I felt my stomach settle. The familiarity of her mouth, the curve of her shoulders and the innocence of those damn blue eyes was as calming as a week of sleep. I hadn’t recognised feeling on edge, so it was unexpected as much as it was comforting.

“Hey.” I said as she barrelled straight for me and threw her arms around my waist, burying her face into my chest.

“Is it weird if I say I missed you today? How much of a stalker am I if I say that?”

“I’d say that’s definite stalker material, Ando, get rid of her.” I felt Arna freeze at Dylan’s words. Nosey prick couldn’t stay put, instead coming to get a glimpse of who was here before she even entered the apartment.

“Shut up, Dyl.” Lowering my voice for only her, I added, “It’s only him and one of my mates, Seb. And I missed you too.” The uncertainty in her eyes was exactly what I needed to see from her at that moment. While I hadn’t given the niggling thought that shewantedto be seen kissing me any credence, I was ashamed to admit it was there all the same. I squeezed her quickly, planting a soft kiss on the top of her head before ushering her inside.

“Hey, Dylan. Nice to see you again.” She greeted, a genuine smile on her face, any sign of unease gone.

“As always, the pleasure is all mine. It’s my birthday today, do I get a birthday kiss?” He asked, leaning forward and I put my palm smack bang on his face and shoved him, his laugh muffled against my hand.

“Would you piss off, kid?” I said, grinning towards Seb who was also quietly chuckling.

“Seb, meet Arna. Arna, this is Sebastian, a good mate of mine.” Seb stood giving her a brief wave.

“Nice to meet you, Arna.”

While Dylan would say whatever he could to rile me up, Seb was far more likely to remain quiet, assess the situation and provide me with his opinion when it was just the two of us. Another one of his qualities I respected. He wasn’t interested in fame, gossip or notoriety. He just wanted to be better than he had been as a kid.

“Likewise. I’m sorry to intrude.” She said turning back to me. “I just wanted to see what you thought of the – urgh – statement.” She shrugged pointing to her phone.

“I haven’t even seen it. Show me.” I answered truthfully, heading towards the fridge to grab her a drink.

“Shit, okay.” She gave me her phone as she took the glass of wine I offered. “Oh, gosh, thank you. I needed this.”

I scanned the page she had open on her phone, feeling instant relief at the short statement on Urban Pulse’s site.

Amidst recent speculation, Arna Frost, editor at UrbanPulse, and Andy Gloss, Captain of Sydney Hearts Football Team,wish to address their close friendship, declining to comment onpersonal matters.

They request your understanding of their privacy.

“Friendship?” I asked, my brow raised questioningly.

“What the heck was I supposed to say?” She flummoxed before taking another gulp of her wine. She was nervous and for some reason I found that I liked this flustered side. She was usually so confident, supported by her charm, but here in this moment she cared about whatIthought.

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