Page 47 of O Goalie Night
Closing my eyes, I replay all my recent interactions with Foster in my mind. The casual touches that felt less than casual. The long, appreciative looks I was so certain I was reading into. The fact that since I got off that plane, he has gone out of his way to make sure I’m happy, cared for, and safe.
What if he is interested in me? What exactly would he be interested in? A casual fling? A roommates with benefits situation? Something more?
My head spins with uncertainty and I close my eyes tightly in an attempt to quiet my racing thoughts.
When I can no longer feel my fingers, I remove them from the cold water and dry them with a paper towel. I take a long, deep breath and try to look at this thing logically.
What is it I always tell my students? The first step to finding answers is asking questions.
I need to have an honest conversation with Foster. The only way to know what he wants is to ask him. It might be embarrassing and I might get my feelings hurt, but we’re both adults and we’ll just have to deal.
I wait for Kim to emerge from the stall and watch as she washes her hands before leaving the bathroom with her. I don’t get very far before I run into Ben.
“There you are,” he says, wrapping me in a quick hug. “I’m heading out. Valentina wants me to meet her at some director’s penthouse.”
Am I imagining it, or does he seem less than enthused to leave his team party and join my supposed “future-sister-in-law”?
“I already talked to Fozz and he’ll take you home. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Of course.” I give him an eager nod. “Tell Valentina that I’m really looking forward to meeting her.”
His face clouds for a brief moment before clearing up again. “Will do.”
I watch him leave, exchanging high-fives and one-armed hugs to almost every person he passes. He’s always been the golden boy that everyone gravitates towards and I guess some things never change.
“Hey.”
I turn and look up at Foster’s expectant face. He looks as nervous as I feel.
“Did you want another drink? Or…” He trails off.
Shaking my head, I say, “No. I’m good.”
He nods, solemnly. “I’m ready to go when you are. Just let me know when you want to leave.”
“I’m ready.” At least I hope I am.
CHAPTER 20
FOSTER
Whatever handle I thought I had on this situation has disappeared—if it ever existed in the first place.
Beth looks out the window silently as we drive home. Her long ponytail falls over one shoulder and even though I long to brush it back, I don’t trust myself to touch her.
I’d been so close to kissing her. In public, no less.
I’d wanted to. Fuck, how could I not?
Even without the sugar stuck to her lips, I knew she’d be the sweetest thing I’ve ever tasted on my tongue. The urge to lean forward and capture her mouth, claiming it as my own in front of everyone there was almost more than I could take.
Thankfully, she’d had the sense to flee, giving me the opportunity to regain my sanity.
Once she had left, I took a moment to get my head straight. I was on my way to the bar to grab a tonic water when Ben intercepted me.
“Hey!” He’d thrown his arms around me. “Thanks for talking to me about Beth. I’m really glad she cametonight. I don’t think you know how much it means to me, the way you’ve been looking out for her. Knowing she’s got you helps me sleep at night.”
The knowledge that my own sleep routine now includes fantasising about Beth tangled up in my bed sheets burns a hole through my psyche.
