Page 23 of Friends Rucked Up

“Definitely. You hit the nail on the head. Lance is great, but only when he’s your friend.”

We get into the car, and he drives me home before walking me up to my door.

“I had a really nice time tonight.”

That’s the truth. I enjoyed watching the match from the box, meeting the team, and hanging out with Alfie.

“Me too. I’d love you to come to some more of my games.” He looks hopeful, making me want to give him what he wants.

“I’d like that.”

He leans in to hug me goodbye, and I wrap my arms tightly against his huge frame. His grip is firm, and he hesitates to let me go.

“I should go,” he says.

“But I don’t want you to,” I whisper in a moment of weakness. I’d hate for another two days to pass without us speaking.

He rests his forehead against mine. “Me neither.”

We stay like that for a few seconds. My heart beats erratically in my chest. It feels intimate yet not close enough.

“Can I see you tomorrow?” I ask, finally admitting what I want.

“Is it your day off?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll see you after my run.”

“Good night.”

“Night.”

It takes him a moment to pull away and he leaves me feeling all kinds of messed up. Alfie Nash is fast becoming the person I don’t want to let leave.

Chapter Ten

Alfie

Ibreeze through my morning run as excitement bubbles under my skin at the thought of seeing Saylor afterwards. Once I’ve showered, nothing can stop me from racing to her door. She answers wearing fluffy bunny slippers, a fuchsia dressing gown, and a baby pink silky nightie.

“Damn, I missed out. I should’ve insisted to the fireman you needed your own sleepwear when you came over.” I can’t hide the amusement pulling at my features.

“Hush now or I’ll send you away until I’m decent.” She pushes her messy hair away from her face, but it flops back into place. She really is beautiful, even when she’s just woken up.

“Good morning, princess.” All she needs is a gold tiara and blue pearl earrings, and she’d resemble Princess Peach.

“It should be a crime to be this perky at 8 a.m.,” she grumbles.

“You should start running with me. It would give you the energy boost you need to get moving.” I’m not done pushing my luck just yet.

“I think I’ll pass on that idea.”

I follow her into her place, and she uses the bathroom to freshen up. Unlike my minimal space, hers is cluttered with knick-knacks. She has books piled up by the window, knitting needles resting by the sofa, and painting equipment on the side table. I pick up an empty coffee mug and take it to the sink.

She comes back into the room dressed in black jeans and a white vest top as I start the water running. “What are you doing?” she asks.

I tsk. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a slob?”

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