Page 28 of Friends Rucked Up

I keep going, although we both know I can’t move faster than the man chasing me. “I just came to check you’re okay and you are so I’m leaving.”

“Wait.”

I stop on the stairs and lean against the wall as he joins me.

“Your brother will kill me if he finds out I kissed you. Can we keep this between us?”

Fire burns through my veins and I want to punch something. I’m nobody’s dirty secret. I should’ve guessed which way this conversation was going to go. This explains so much about his behaviour lately. He’s more afraid of what my brother thinks than the way he feels about me.

“Sure. We can pretend it never happened. Actually, I’ve already forgotten out it,” I say through gritted teeth.

He touches my shoulder which would be endearing if it wasn’t laced with negativity. “Don’t be like that.”

“How should I be?”

I’m so over this conversation. I don’t want to ruin the time I have with Harlan by fighting with Alfie, but we are most definitely not okay. I just want to leave. And maybe print his picture off his social media so I can doodle on his face.

“Just give us a pause so I can figure whatever this is before someone gets hurt.”

I frown. There’s nothing to figure out. There’s no us without Harlan and we should’ve stuck to that.

“It was just a silly kiss. It doesn’t have to mean anything. I was just being playful with you and now I realised I overstepped the mark.” I push him away before continuing my descent.

“This isn’t over,” he shouts after me.

Chapter Twelve

Alfie

“What do you want to do today?” I ask Harlan while pulling my t-shirt over my head. My morning run is complete and I’m freshly showered.

“I thought I’d follow you to the club.”

He’s already dressed in charcoal joggers and a grey t-shirt. Locating a black jumper from his bag, he pulls it over his head.

“Sure. Are you bringing your gym wear?”

Harlan is the type of guy who would put himself through the ringer to spend time with the team. I guess it will make a good story for when he joins back up with his friends in Australia.

“Yes. Let’s go and almost kill me off.”

Harlan is fit, but he’s not rugby fit. He doesn’t do weight training. We finish getting ready and make our way across town.

Lance points at my best friend with a curious look. “You must be Harlan. Nice to meet you.” They shake hands before patting each other on the back.

“Thanks. Has this guy been talking about me?” Harlan gestures to me with a wide grin.

“That and I’ve met your better-looking sibling,” Lance says, and I tense.

“I hope you kept your hands to yourself,” Harlan jokes, and Lance gives me the side eye.

“Your sister is a beautiful woman, but we’re all good. She’s not interested in me. I don’t think I’d catch her attention even if I wanted it.” Lance is talking to Harlan, but I feel his eyes on me.

“Too right,” Harlan says with confidence.

Lance is still giving me an unnerving glare, and I look away.

“Shall we pair up for a stretch?” I ask so I can pull him away from Lance.

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