Page 28 of Freckles

Francesca’sunexpected behaviour might have disrupted my plans, but it doesn’t take me long to rally. As I watch her and Aidan talk and laugh together, I formulate a new plan; taking my time because the torture of unrequited desire is a new experience, and I want to soak in the frustration until I have my fill.

Each sharp jab of envy only makes me want her more.

It worries me that she barely eats. Sometimes bringing a sandwich from home, often not even having that.

Aidan doesn’t notice. His eyes move to our table more often than they rest on his friend. When she looks away or down, his expression is calculating enough to give me the creeps.

She’s not yet in the room when I enter the cafeteria on Friday. Rather than join the queue, I signal to a girl behind the counter, and she pops out the back, returning with a specially prepared tray.

Coach sends the kitchen a plan, and they stick to it. The food tastes like cardboard and gently sautéed weed, but my taste buds take second ranking to my performance on the field.

I carry it to my usual table, taking a corner seat with a vantage point over the room, claiming the neighbouring seat with my bag.

Aidan soon arrives with my favourite redhead, and when Alice catches my eye, I nod. She saunters over to the pair before they can sit, talking to them in an urgent manner, pointing in my direction.

When Francesca follows Alice’s finger, I withdraw the rugby jersey and phone from my bag, placing it on the table.

There’s another short and furious exchange, then Francesca lunges away from her would-be attacker and strides across to join me, cheeks glowing red. “I thought you told Alice to leave me alone?”

“I did.”

She scowls when I move my bag and pat the seat next to me but takes it, her shoulders slumping. “Then why’s she still targeting me?”

Aidan works out his friend isn’t returning and walks over. “You okay, Chess?”

“She’s fine.”

“I wasn’t asking you, King.”

Francesca’s gaze travels back to Alice, now seated with Dory and Arabella, all three watching developments with a keen eye.

“Everything’s good,” she says, nodding like she’s trying to convince herself.

“There’s a seat here,” Ezra yells, bunching up with Coxey and Ferdinand to make room. Odd behaviour, considering he doesn’t usually give a damn about his teammates, but I dismiss it and turn back to Francesca.

“Protection only applies if you’re my girlfriend.” I keep my voice low so Aidan can’t overhear. “And you made it perfectly clear on Monday you weren’t.” I shrug, hiding my amusement as her forehead flushes as red as her cheeks. “Unless you’ve changed your mind?”

“And what does that entail?”

“Oh, the usual.” I pointedly glance at the jersey. “Like wearing my shirt when I’m kind enough to give it to you.”

“Fine.” She snatches it off the table, stuffing it into her bag before crossing her arms. “I’ll wear it at home.”

“You’ll wear it now or I’ll call Alice over. Your choice.”

With a theatrical sigh, she tugs it out of her bag, shoving her right arm through.

“Take off your blouse first.” I lean closer to her, inhaling the aroma of her skin, rich with florals from her morning shower. “I want to spend all afternoon thinking about my shirt rubbing against your skin.”

“Fine.” She stands, trying to push past me to get out but I lean back, blocking her. “Excuse me,Sir.”

Even mocking, the word sounds good on her.

I reach out a finger and touch it to her bare wrist. “You don’t need to leave here to change. Take off your blouse.”

A shudder ripples across her shoulders, eyes brightening to turquoise. “I’m not stripping off in front of everyone.”

“Then figure out how to deal with Alice on your own.”

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