Page 7 of Friends Rucked Up

“That’s not a problem. I have work first thing anyway.”

Both of our comments have more emotion in them than necessary. I’m not sure what has upset her, but I’m just trying to hide my true feelings.

“Fantastic.”

We both march up to my flat like we’re racing for a trophy. I let her use the bathroom first and find her a t-shirt to wear for bed. Then, I use the bathroom, while she gets settled in my room. I put on a fresh pair of boxers and a grey t-shirt, before finding her snuggled on my side of the bed. I don’t usually sleep with anyone, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a preferred place on the mattress.

Not wanting to aggravate the weird tension between us, I take the other side and slip under the covers. She has her back to me, but it feels like she’s staring right at me. Inconveniently, I’m already sporting a semi, and I’m slightly frustrated. I’m aware of my whole body as I lie there. It’s worse than when I had a scout watching me before I went pro.

“Aren’t you going to turn the light off?” she asks.

In my moment of distraction, I’d completely forgotten about flicking the switch. “Sure.” I do as she requests before tucking my hand under the pillow and look up at the ceiling.

“Good night.” Her voice has returned to its usual soft tone dissolving some of my overreaction to having her here.

“Night.”

A few minutes pass before she says, “Thanks, Alfie.”

My insides fill with a sense of warmth. I’m glad that I can help Saylor when she needs someone to rely on.

“You’re welcome.”

I wait for her to fall asleep which surprisingly doesn’t take very long. She makes these cute little snoring sounds which make me smile. I’m totally obsessed with this girl, and I’m hopeless to correct it. A sense of peace washes over me that I’ve never felt before. Maybe I was overthinking having her here because this doesn’t seem so bad. Either that or I’m even more screwed than I already originally thought.

Chapter Three

Saylor

Alfie is wrapped tightly around me when his alarm goes off. It feels good, but I’m afraid it’s about to get awkward when he realises what’s happened. He clears his throat before moving away.

“Morning,” I say, trying to act as normal as possible under the circumstances we find ourselves in.

He scratches his forehead before he says, “Morning.”

His voice is groggy with sleep, and I’m not used to seeing him in anything less than top form. It’s kind of sexy even though I shouldn’t be admitting this to myself.

“You can use the bathroom first, then I won’t be in your way,” I say, while rubbing my tired eyes, and pushing my lustful thoughts away.

Getting out of bed is a chore on any given day of the week. I won’t be springing up and rushing into action. By offering to let him go first I’m being polite as well as trying to buy myself more time before my day officially starts.

“No. You go first, I need a minute.” He looks away like he’s struggling with his confession.

What does he need time alone for? Surely it can’t be for the reason my gutter ridding mind is thinking?Does Alfie have morning wood?The thought intrigues me and if I could get away with it, I’d pull the covers back to check if my assumption is correct.

Also, I want to argue because I’d like longer in the bathroom. I like to take a long hot shower to ease myself into the tasks of the day, but it’s not like I have my makeup or even fresh clothes. I’m not going to get everything I want and if Alfie needs a minute, I should give him it as I’m a guest in his house.

Dragging my feet, I go into the bathroom, shutting the door louder than necessary. I rub my fuzzy head while staring at my messy hair. Beer last night was a mistake, my headache is the proof, although I did sleep like the dead in Alfie’s comfy bed.

Using the sink, I try to freshen up the best I can before swiping a pair of his clean boxers off the radiator. Going to work in yesterday’s underwear is gross and from my experience, most men aren’t observant enough to know something is missing straight away. Like my brother says, it’s better to ask for forgiveness than own up to the crime as soon as it happens. It’s a simple solution rather than having to go commando. I dress quickly and go in search of some coffee.

I listen to Alfie in the bathroom while making a brew. His place is bigger than mine, but the walls are so thin I can hear the running water.

Things got weird between us last night. He was so sweet offering me a place to stay but then he didn’t want to share a bed which confused me. I’m his best friend’s older sister; what did he think I was going to do to him? I’m not the type of girl to make the firstmove, plus I’m pretty sure he doesn’t see me like that. Friends can share a bed, it doesn’t have to mean anything.

I’m sipping my drink on the sofa when he appears in a blue cotton vest top and black shorts. His muscles bulge underneath the fabric like his clothing is extra small. He’s dressed the same way I see him every morning, but it doesn’t stop my gaze lingering. Heading to the sink, he fills his water bottle.

“I’ll be gone before you get back. Shall I leave your key under the doormat?” I ask while eyeing the lanyard around his neck which holds his key.

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