Page 16 of My Secret Bandit

It was only a joke. It was only a joke. Don’t be crazy right now.

Nimble thumbs worked away while I calmed myself, and in seconds, he handed the phone back to me.

“What’d ya do?”

“Nothing.” After giving him a cocked eyebrow in disbelief, he confessed. “Okay. I saved my number and sent myself a message so I’d have yours. I’m supposed to be in a defense meeting right now and we have another practice a little later, but if you’re up for a late dinner…” His words faded as he waited for my reply.

“You plan on tackling me again?”

“If you’re into it, sure.” He laughed.

“Let’s rain check that. Thanks. Dinner sounds nice, though.”

“Perfect. I’ll call you when I get done. Text me your address, and I’ll swing by your place to pick you up. Sound good?”

I nodded. He hugged me one last time before running back in the direction he’d gone before.

“Hey!” I shouted before he reached the mouth of the tunnel. “Do I need to wear anything in particular?”

He turned, jogging backward to see me. “I mean, you could wear nothing, and you’d still be the most beautiful person there,” he yelled back. Even from this distance, his bright white smile made my body melt. I stayed, watching him until he disappeared around the corner.

Back in my car, the realization of what happened hit me like a tidal wave. Ineededto talk to someone.

“What’s up, my love?” Sierra’s voice filled my speakers.

“So, you remember the guy from The Cove?”

“You mean the epitome of what’s wrong with men today or that hot slice of deliciousness?”

“The latter. I wouldn’t waste your time or mine calling about the other.”

“Wait! Is this a ‌juicy story? I couldn’t help but notice a certain someone was mighty upset when he stopped by the office a minute ago. Like slamming doors and throwing shit. I’m pretty sure I heard a ‘Fuck you, Jeffrey’ at one point.”

I groaned. “Fucking Kyle. He’s developed a real knack for ruining my buzz lately.”

“So it is juicy! Say nothing! I’m leaving now. I’ll meet you at your place with some lunch.” Through the phone, I heard her car door close, followed by the start of her ignition and the click of her ending the call.

The sudden giddiness surprised me.

The sun seemed brighter, music sounded better, even the air smelled sweeter. I hadn’t felt this in nearly a year, when I saw my mom, bouncing and waving from her garage after what felt like a million-hour road trip.

Once home, nerves kept me busy. Picking up messes and folding a long-avoided basket of laundry. Laundry and I go together about as well as leather pants in any southern summer, but I needed the distraction.

Holding a takeout box filled with our favorite lettuce wraps, Sierra shoved through the door. After making both plates, she summoned me over to the couch with a pat of the cushion.

“Okay. I’m ready. And I know this is going to be good ‘cause—“ She stopped and pointed at the folded laundry.

“I saw him.”

No point in wasting time. Might as well jump straight in.

“Shut up! Where?”

“After the game… in the locker room.”

“What?”

Her head tilted to the side. I watched realization hit and a new shine overtake the confused glaze clouding her blue eyes.

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