Page 26 of Friends Rucked Up

“Good.” I don’t miss the innuendo, but equally, I’m glad I could fill her up with tasty food.

When she’s done, I wash the plate and cutlery in the sink while she gets comfy in the living room.

“So, what would you really like for your reward,” she asks, not looking up from the TV.

My mouth goes dry. The game we’re playing is walking on the edge of friendly and flirting. It’s fun, but reckless.

“You don’t owe me anything.”

“You’re been so good to me lately. I’d love to repay the favour.”

My mind goes straight into the gutter, but I try to push away my dirty thoughts of her down on her knees. “You can run with me tomorrow morning,” I say lamely.

“Can you imagine what that would look like? You’d literally run laps on me and Coach would be kicking your ass for walking around the park instead of doing your training routine.”

Maybe I’m cruel, but the idea of her trailing behind me out of breath is amusing. If she gave me the opportunity, I’d whip her into shape so we could run together. Any excuse to spend more time with her would be good for me.

“At least I’d be in good company.” I’d slow my pace for her and Coach probably would have me running more laps around the pitch if it affected my speed.

“It’s a hard no from me. Think of something else or I’m just going to have to give you that kiss.”

My pulse quickens at the thought. Would it really be so bad to give in to temptation? Maybe she’ll just plant one on my cheek. It doesn’t have to be the mind-blowing kiss that I’m dreaming up in my head.

“Fine. You can give me the kind of kiss my hard work deserves.”

Maybe I overdid it with that statement. Her cheeks flush red and she finally gives me her full attention. “Really?”

“Sure,” I point to my cheek, leaning in for her to stick it on me.

She hesitates long enough for me to think she’s changed her mind, and I turn my face ready to tell her I’m joking. Just as I do, she leans in, and her lips brush against mine. They’re soft and warm. It’s not quite a kiss, and my need to pull her closer is almost unbearable. We both freeze as time seems to stand still. My tongue darts out and I wet my bottom lip.

“Can I do it now?” she whispers.

I swallow the lump in my throat. Does she expect me to turn my head? If she wants to kiss my cheek, she’s going to have to work it out herself because I’m powerless to help her.

Slowly she edges forward, brushing her lips against mine. This time there’s no mistaking her intention. My mouth opens to her, and a bolt of electricity zings up my body. I’m hungry, and Saylor is the only thing I want.

Capturing her chin, I lean into the kiss. Our mouths move together. A moan leaves her throat as I slip my tongue into her mouth. The kiss is slow and sensual. We move perfectly together, but it’s over too quickly.

Chapter Eleven

Saylor

Putting down Gordon’s tea, I unfold his newspaper from under my arm. “Here you go,” I say, with a smile. I left the drinks trolley at the far side of the room out of the way.

“Thank you, young lady.” He takes the paper, placing it on his knee.

“Also, I have your favourite,” I say, pulling a box of Turkish delight out from my back pocket where I had wedged it between my phone and the material of my trousers.

“So, I was right?” he asks, arching up his eyebrow.

I laugh because Gordon doesn’t miss a thing. “Yes, you were.” The smile on my face feels uncontrollable.

“Tell me what happened.” He pushes the newspaper down the side of the chair before taking a sip of his tea.

I have his full attention for this revelation. Yes, he predicted Alfie might like me, but he didn’t know it. Plus, I haven’t been given any confirmation of Alfie’s feelings yet.

“We shared a little kiss.” I quirk my eyebrow, unable to hide my excitement.

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