Page 12 of Gentleman's Anger
“You look well and truly fucked, Patty Cakes,” Holly says, pulling her friend into a hug.
“Shut it, but the same could be said for you, Holls,” Patience says. Jimmy and I just look at each other.
“How about some breakfast ladies? Theirs a dinner open not far from here. We can walk,” I say.
“Stretching sounds like a good idea, mate,” Jimmy says, grinning. What a bastard.
“I’m starving,” Holly says at the same time Patience says, “Food. Yes.”
“That settles that then. Shall we?”
* * *
After breakfast, Patience and I take a cab back to my apartment. It’s not really a home. The team provided it. I’ve lived here for almost five years, and I haven’t done anything with it. All I brought with me when I moved here was my clothes and my rugby gear. I’ve added a laptop, a kindle, and books since I’ve been here, but that’s about it.
“How about a shower? I don’t have a tub, I’m afraid.”
“A shower sounds perfect,” she says, presenting me with her back. She moves her hair out of the way and coyly looks over her shoulder at me. “Would you help me, please?” she asks. We are still standing in the middle of the living room.
“Of course, duchess.” After unlacing her, I place a kiss on her shoulder as she lets the dress drop. Her ass and hips come into view. Both are already bruised. Oops. I didn’t mean to hurt her, but seeing them there and knowing they are not from hurting her, but loving her makes me hard as hell.
“Are you joining me?” she asks as she takes off down the hall. My bedroom and bathroom is the only thing down the hall, so she has no trouble finding it, but I’m stripping as I move toward her. Like a moth to the flame.
I’d follow her anywhere.
To the shower.
Straight to hell.
It doesn’t matter, where she goes, I’ll follow.
eight
PATIENCE
Iopen my eyes when the sunlight hits them. Waking up in a strange bed isn’t new to me, however what is strange is the man wrapped me. The heater wrapped around me. It’s so toasty. I think this is the first time I’ve slept in since I was in secondary school.
“Go back to sleep, love,” he grumbles against my shoulder.
Love. It hits me like a ton of bricks. I know it’s a common term of endearment in the UK but he’s American. I don’t think they use it, at least I’ve never heard it.
“I can’t. I think I’m late, but I am not sure since I don’t see an alarm clock anywhere.”
“It can’t be that late, I always wake with the sun.”
“Clock?”
“Hang on,” he says getting out of bed. I already miss the warmth of him, but I sure do like the view of his arse as he walks out the door.
“Fuck. It’s 11:30. I am supposed to be at the stadium at noon. We are meeting the new stakeholder in the team.”
“I know. It’s me. I bought a stake in the team.”
“You didn’t tell me.”
“I’m sorry. Things got busy last night.”
“You’re a part owner of the team.”
