I walk to the parking area and contemplate my options. On a whim, I whip out my phone and text Aria.
Me: Are you still up?
There’s a long pause. I lean against my car and wait. I’m not certain why I reached out to her of all people, but she’s the only woman who came to mind, which is odd since I have plenty of options for a late-night booty call. Is that what I’m looking for? A booty call?
Well, yeah, that’s definitely part of it.
My phone beeps, and I fumble to pull it out my pocket, almost dropping it.
Aria: I am now.
Me: Good, I’m coming over.
Aria: Did I say you could come over?
I break into a grin. I can always depend on her to give me shit about anything.
Me: You know you want to see me.
Aria: Are you delusional?
Me: We have unfinished business.
Aria: You might, but I don’t.
Me: Why don’t I come over, and we’ll discuss this.
Her response isn’t immediate, so once again, I wait. Her silence speaks volumes. If she didn’t want me there, I’d get an instant rejection. I sense she’s battling with herself about what to do. The best thing I can do is show patience. I’ve pushed enough.
After what seems like a lifetime, my phone pings.
Aria: Okay, but only for a little while.
Me: Text your address, and I’ll be on my way.
She does so, and I jump in my car and accelerate out of the parking area. The drive to Aria’s apartment is short considering the time of night and lack of traffic. I pull into an empty parking space and waste no time knocking on her door. She opens the door immediately as if she were standing on the other side waiting for me. That’s a good sign. She’s wearing a bathrobe, and I’m itching to discover what’s underneath, hopefully nothing.
Aria moves back to let me pass. I enter and follow her into a small living room. It’s neat and tidy except for a few toys scattered about. The place has a comfortable, homey feel to it. I like what she’s done.
“Is Noah asleep?”
“He’s staying the night with the Bang twins.”
“Oh, so we’re alone.” I grin, making my intentions clear, while she avoids eye contact. Her body language tells me almost everything I need to know.
“Good game, but you guys sure know how to make your fans suffer until the very end.”
“Did you suffer?”
“A little.” Her admission makes me smile. She’s a fan, and I know it. “Congrats on the game winner.”
“Couldn’t have done it without my teammates, but since they aren’t here, and I am, how about we celebrate together?”
“I guess we can have a drink.” Aria strolls into the kitchen, pours a glass of wine, and grabs a beer for me. She’s stalling, but I’m confident she’ll see things my way.
“Here.” She hands me the beer. I take a long pull before placing the bottle on an end table. She doesn’t sit on the couch near me but across the room in a big comfy chair.
“Aria, you know what I want, and you want the same thing.”
