Page 99 of Playbook
“You like her.”
“Wow. Congratulations on figuring that out.” I chuckle and shake my head.
“You know what I mean.” He stops at his truck. We rode together today, but neither of us makes a move to get in yet.
“No, I don’t think I do.”
“You’re spending time with her that has nothing to do with making people believe you’re a guy in a serious relationship.”
I resist rolling my eyes, but an uncomfortable sensation works its way up my spine anyway. “We’re having fun and enjoying the perks of the situation.”
“The perks? You mean that your pretend girlfriend is smoking hot and you want to sleep with her every chance you get?”
“Exactly.” I finally open the door to the passenger side and get in. Arch does the same, situating himself behind the wheel and starting up the engine.
“Why can’t you just admit that you like her? This is more than sex.”
“I like her. She is a really cool chick.”
“And…”
“It’s not as serious as you’re making it out to be.” Another rough chuckle scrapes up my throat.
“You know, I thought after watching Hendrick and Knox go through this, you of all people would be more insightful.”
“What in the hell do they have to do with this?”
My best friend groans and lets his head fall back onto the truck’s headrest.
I swat at his arm to make sure he’s looking at me as I speak.“I like her, I do. She’s great and if I were the type of guy that could be in a relationship with anyone for real, then London is exactly who I’d want. But I’m not that guy. I don’t know the first thing about how to love and support someone in that way. She knows that.”Until a few weeks ago, she thought I was a total jerk who slept with women for sport. I doubt she’s ready to go all in with someone like me just because she’s decided kissing me is fun. A whole lot of fun.
“Why not? You’re the best guy I know. And I’ve seen how you are with her. How the two of you are together. You treat her like a goddamn queen, and she looks at you like you are the only guy on the planet.”
I know he means it, but he’s biased. He sees the good in everyone, especially me.“We’re pretending half the time.”
“No.” He shakes his head. “I can tell when you’re putting on a show for everyone else and that stopped weeks ago.”
He’s wrong. Sure, it’s easy to be together and we’ve gotten comfortable with each other and the chemistry is off the charts, but it’s all centered around being caught up in this thing together. Isn’t it?
I’m still thinking about it after our late film review is over. I head to her place instead of home.
She opens the door wearing an oversized T-shirt and her hair up in a ponytail.
“What are you doing here?” Her grin is pleased even if the rest of her is clearly shocked by the late-night drop by.
“I was thinking about you. Thought maybe we could have a sleepover.”
“I have work tomorrow and I have to be there earlier than normal for a big corporate meeting.” She looks as bummed as I feel.
“Why are you up so late then?”
“Finishing an illustration for a client.”
“Lo?” Alec’s voice calls from somewhere in the apartment.
“Sorry. It’s just Brogan.” She motions with her hand for me to follow her. I do…into a small bedroom. She closes the door behind us and with a low voice says, “He has to get up really early during the week.”
“Right.” I’m suddenly feeling a little like an ass for interrupting her normal routine, but then my gaze drops to her computer and I find myself walking closer. “This is the piece you’re working on?”
