“But what if I bring it up and Reed wants to stay friends?”
“Then you have your answer. And if you do it right, you can then both move on with no hard feelings and clear boundaries. But if he does fancy more of a friends-with-benefits arrangement...”
He lets it hang there, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted. Like I’ve said many times, I like Reed. A lot. But therein lies the problem. I’m pretty sure if I go that route, I’m going to end up like Sean—wanting more. And I’m pretty sure that’s the last thing on Reed’s mind.
Fuck. I run a hand through my hair, feeling more than a little conflicted. It’s a lot to think about and I need time.
Sean’s foot knocks against mine under the table. “Enough about you, though. Let me tell you about the idiots I’ve had to deal with this week.” He talks animatedly as he describes his work week as a National Park Ranger, making me laugh and sympathise in equal measure. It’s exactly what I need to get me out of my head, and I could kiss him for it. I settle for giving him a tight hug when we stand to leave an hour or so later.
Walking towards the door, he nudges me. “How come you didn’t bring Reed with you tonight?”
“He’s staying overnight in Sheffield.”
“Oh yeah, he did tell me. Night out with his new team.”
I nod, smiling when I remember how he was both excited and a little nervous about it. “I like the sound of his new boss. This’ll be a good way for Reed to get to know everyone quicker. Especially since he won’t be in the office all that much.”
Sean snorts. “Ooh you have got it bad.DaddyCooper.”
“Oh, fuck right off!” I shove him, smirking as he stumbles and curses. “Do not start with that.” I glare at him for good measure. The last thing I need is that nickname sticking. “We’re almost the same age, so it makes no fucking sense anyway.”
Sean taps his temple and grins. “Ahh, but he doesn’t have the old silver-fox thing going for him.”
“Shut up.” His grin is infectious though, and I can’t help but join him. We get outside and the sight of the huge Christmas tree reminds me of something. “I’m getting my tree on Saturday.Pete suggested I bring Reed with me. Can’t decide if that’s a good idea or not.”
We’ve reached my car by this point and Sean hums. “Pete suggested it, did he?”
I frown. “We saw him in the pub last weekend.”
He just stares back at me until it clicks.
“No. He can fuck off.” I love Pete, but he’s the biggest flirt I know, and there’s no way I can sit and watch that happen.
Sean laughs. “Better have that talk soon then.”
I grumble in response, making him laugh more. Then he gives me another hug and heads off to his own car. The whole drive home I run his words over and over in my head. I’m tempted to talk to Reed, like Sean suggests, but what if I scare him off?
I’m used to living on my own, but I can’t deny how nice it’s been to have someone already in the house when I get home. Apart from Jen and Kyla. Not that I thought I’d struggle with sharing my space, but I worried it might take a while to adjust.
As it is, living with Reed is easy. We’ve slipped into a routine like we’ve been doing it for months, and the disappointment is real when I pull onto my drive now and see the house in darkness. Which is ridiculous, considering I already knew he wasn’t going to be there.
It’s made worse by the fact most of the houses on my street have their outside Christmas decorations up. Twinkling fairy lights illuminate roofs, windows, trees, and bushes, and I’m smiling until I look at my own house again.
Dark, dull, boring.
Right.
That’s getting sorted this weekend.
Right after I pick up my Christmas tree from Pete. My lip curls in an almost snarl, which is ridiculous. IlikePete.
But do I still want to take Reed with me when I pick up my tree?
I’ve already asked him, though. Can’t very well turn around and say he can’t come without looking like a twat.
Besides, maybe Reed likes Pete’s flirting. It might make my teeth itch, but that’s my problem, not his.
I’m still sat in my car when I spot two faces at the living room window.
