He smirks, and I know it’s true. He sorts himself out and then pulls me over to the sofa.
“I can’t stay,” I say as he encourages me to rest my head on his chest.
“I know. Just rest for a moment.”
I don’t close my eyes, even though I really, really want to. I could happily stay like this for the rest of the day, letting Spence take care of me. But I can’t. I have to get home to Lexi.
I wait long enough for my legs to stop shaking and then get to my feet. “Tomorrow?”
Spence smiles. “I wasn’t sure you’d want to do this again.”
“Why not?”
He shrugs. “I’m not sure that you’re really the casual hook-up type.”
I stuff my hands into my pockets, not sure what else to do with them. “I’m not. But… Ineedthis right now.”
“Stress relief?” he asks.
“Self-care?”
He chuckles as he stands and then kisses me tenderly. “Tomorrow, sweet boy.”
11
Spencer
“What are you doing on Monday evening?” Emily asks the moment I join her with our coffee.
“Why?” I ask, drawing the word out suspiciously.
“His name’s Duncan, and he’d like to take you out to dinner.”
I hold my hands up. “No.”
“You don’t even know anything about him,” Emily objects. “Or what he looks like. He’s hot.”
“You’re married.”
“He’s also gay. Besides, I’m allowed to look, just not touch.”
I stir sugar into my coffee. “Does Aaron know that?”
She sticks her tongue out at me.
“Very mature, Em.”
“Hush. Just hear me out. He’s new around town and has just started working in the same office as Aaron. They got to talking and—”
“I can’t see Aaron trying to set me up on a blind date.”
“I told him to mention you.”
“Of course you did.” I shake my head and lift the coffee mug to my lips.
It’s too hot to drink, but I love the way the steam curls up into my nostrils. I blow across the surface, watching the dark ripples fan out until they hit the other side of the mug.
It’s Friday afternoon, about an hour before Emily has to pick Robbie and Tabitha up from school. I’m halfway through a run of four night shifts, so I’m definitely not on my A game. But I’ve got a visit from Corey to look forward to between my sister trying to set me up and hauling my arse into work for my shift, so at least I’m smiling.
