Page 36 of The Fantasy League
My eyes swept over to his giant arms, remembering how warm they felt wrapped around my body when he pulled me closer to him at the gala. How natural it felt to sink into his touch. How, for a few minutes, I forgot we were even pretending at all.
“Right, Red?” Abel tapped my hand with his fingers and a jolt of electricity rattled through my bones at the contact.
“Mhmm, yup.”
“You do realize you just agreed to eat cow tail?” He narrowed his gaze at me.
“What?” Dammit, I must have zoned out harder than I thought.
“I’m kidding,” he joked. “I’ll have my usual, and she’ll have the risotto.” He grabbed the menus from the table and handed them to Carlo who then walked back to the kitchen.
“You know I’m capable of ordering for myself, don’t you?”
“I’m aware.” He relaxed his shoulders, keeping the same permanent grin he’d had all night plastered on his face. “But I’ve tried everything at least a dozen times, so I know you’ll like what I picked.” Abel’s face softened. “Trust me, Red.”
“Fine,” I grumbled, unrolling my silverware from the napkin. “So this is the place you come when I skimp you on leftovers?” I asked, looking around the dimly lit restaurant.
“You could say that.” He smirked. “Carlo and I have been buddies since I moved here after being drafted. His family’s been good to me, especially when I first got to town and didn’t know anyone. It was nice to be a part of a big family for the first time, you know?”
My heart sank at his words.
I didn’t know.
I’d grown up surrounded by four overbearing family members and an extended family with a nasty habit of showing up on our doorstep uninvited.
I didn’t know the last thing about what he experienced.
“So, have you brought any of your other girls here?” I arched a brow.Nearly every table in here was filled with couples aside from the group in the back, which I presumed—based on their slicked-back hair and pristinely ironed suits—were here for a business dinner.“I’m sure Carlo has met them all, so I’ll be sure to ask for pointers so we can make this thing more believable before we leave.”
Shit. He’d just opened up to me about his childhood trauma and lack of friendships in his life and I turned it back on myself.
Who was the asshole now?
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to turn that around and make it about—”
“None,” he cut me off.
“None?” I questioned with widened eyes, not entirely sure I understood what he was saying.
“You’re the first girl I’ve ever brought here.” He lowered his voice low enough that I almost missed it. “And probably the last.”
“Wha— why?”
“This place. These people.” He nudged his head toward Carlo whose arm was slung over Gianna’s shoulders. “They’re special to me, so I don’t bring many people here. Especially not people who have the potential to be temporary in my life.”
Wait, wasn’t this entire situation between the two of us temporary? Which meant his statement didn’t exactly make sense, but I wasn’t going to ruin the conversation again by questioning him on it.
I hated to admit it, but a large part of me was starting to like whatever dynamic was going on between us though. Mornings at his place were easier. And the conversations weren’t as painful as a root canal anymore. And it was kind of nice to spend time with someone other than Mae and Lea for once.
What if I didn’t want to be temporary in his life after all of this was over?
Our conversation was interrupted by Carlo bringing our meals to the table.
Saved by the bell.
I wasn’t ready to have whatever conversation Abel was trying to have. Especially since he made it clear that there was an impending expiration date when we signed up for this little charade.
Abel and I scarfed down our plates in record time, and I even asked for seconds of the risotto. I hated to admit that Abel was right, but everything he ordered was absolutely mouthwatering.
