Page 72 of Reply All
“Well, how long do you have to be here for, anyways?” He checks his watch. “Because I’ve been here long enough that I can Irish exit the shit out of this event, and no one will care. We can go back to your place?”
Spending a Friday night with Will in any capacity is always tempting, but after seeing him in this suit, it’s nearly impossible to resist. Still, I’m here for work, and that’s important to me.
“I don’t think tonight will be possible. I have a really important job to do.” I try for my best #Girlboss voice, putting my hands on my hips like Wonder Woman.
He beams at me with the smile he uses when he’s being supportive and proud, when I’m pursuing my passion, and he’s there for me. “I think that’s good, then. We can see each other tomorrow. But I’m going to need you to wear that dress again just so I can see it come off you.”
I laugh and shake my head. “You’re incorrigible. And you’re—” My phone vibrating in my hands cuts me off.
Lena
Iris left and Jenna’s here. Abort. You can go home now. DO NOT LET JENNA SEE YOU. I’ve already left in an Uber.
“Shit.”
“What is it?”
“My mission has been aborted.”
He raises a brow. “I thought this whole thing was cute at first, but, like, you don’tactuallythink it’s like a secret mission, right? You’re not, like, raiding the New York Public Library, right?”
I roll my eyes and push him out of the way, checking my surroundings for Jenna.
“Wait, where are you going?” he asks, following me closely behind.
“Home.”
“Why are you whispering and crouching? Doesn’t that make you look more suspicious?”
I stop dead in my tracks and look at him because he’s absolutely right.
“Let me take you home the way I usually would if you weren’t acting like a total head case right now.”
I snort and let him lead me toward the exit with a hand on my lower back, exposed thanks to my backless dress.
When we find a cab, Will gives the driver my address and turns to look at me.
“I’m so happy to see you,” he tells me.
And something about the way his eyes shine in the darkness of the car gives me hope that it isn’t the possibility of sex that has him excited. That he’s actually glad we’re spending time together in any way.
“I was genuinely bummed today when I thought we weren’t going to get to hang out.”
I bite my lip to stifle a grin. “You’re just saying that because you wanted to get laid,” I whisper, hoping the driver can’t hear, but between the partition and his loud music, I’m confident he’s in his own world.
Will’s smile slips, brows pulled together. “You really think that’s the only reason I ever want to see you?”
The city lights zoom past us as we drive down Sixth Avenue, and I stare quietly down at my hands. “I… don’t know. Maybe.”
“Bridge, hey.” Will twists in his seat and reaches over to cup my face. “Look at me.” When I do, he shakes his head, eyes soft. “You know that’s not the only reason why I want to hang out with you, right? It’s not even the main one.”
“I—I don’t know. Sometimes?—”
“No. Never. Don’teverthink that. You are…” He exhales once, frustrated.
And I get it. Iamfrustrating. He shouldn’t have to deal with a needy friend with benefits. FWB are meant to be fun and relaxed. And I feel anything but that right now.
“Icareabout you, Bridget.” His eyes lock with mine, causing all the air from inside the cab to disappear. “I care about you and, while I thoroughly enjoy fucking you, I would give it up in a second if it meant not seeing you ever again. We’re friends, Bridge.”
