“Right. Stay out of it as long as you can.” I nodded, though I imagined hearing someone putting your child down was hard, no matter how old they were.
“Talking over work might help him forget, maybe play a game or two. You two haven’t spent a lot of time together in ages. It really cheers him up.”
“Of course.” I didn’t want to but felt bad leaving him to wallow alone.
I grabbed my notebook of ideas from the kitchen table and ventured into the living room. Morgan sat on the chair opposite the door, flicking through channels on the TV. My heart thumped in my chest and my stomach did a little flip. He looked good; his short, black hair was styled so he had a tip in the front, designer stubble, his t-shirt rose just a little in front, showing a rock-hard stomach.I involuntarily licked my lips.
“Hey, I’ve got the library plans to go over whilst your parents cook food.” I smiled and held up my notebook.
Kate was right. We hadn’t spent much time together since New Year’s Eve, just a few odd gaming sessions here and there. I felt stiff and awkward around him. I didn’t know what I was thinking, he was younger than me, and Kate’s son. I blamed it on New Year’s Eve magic. Everyone kissed on New Year, right?
“Okay.” He looked sad but switched off the TV and sat up.
I placed the notebook on the coffee table and opened it to the page where I had jotted down my thoughts. I took a seat on the sofa and Morgan shifted to sit next to me. His aftershave was dark and spicy, I took a deep breath through my nose to get more of it.Morgan let out a huge sigh.
“Had a rough day, huh?” I asked turning from the notebook to look at him.
His shoulders were sagging, his clenched hands lay in his lap and a small frown on his face. “Yeah, it’s not been my best.”He rubbed at his face and leaned forward. His lips were turned downwards.
“Your mum says you andBrooke got into it? Wanna talk about it?” I reached out and squeezed his arm, feeling the hard muscles underneath caused my heart to jump and a flutter of butterflies in my stomach.
“Not really. Mum shouldn’t be discussing things with you behind my back.” He complained, picking up my notebook and sitting back again, my hand falling from his arm.
“Come on, Morgan, we’re friends, right? Friends tell each other things.” I bumped him with my elbow.
For a few moments he just stared at the designs on the pages. “Okay, basically I was a shit boyfriend. When we were together, I didn’t do anything right and that’s why she cheated. I wasn’t good enough.” He huffed and slammed down the book on the edge of the sofa.
I drew in a deep breath. “Well, that’s bullshit. She cheated because of her own loose morals, not because of you. Now, she’s putting you down to make herself feel better about cheating.”
“What if she’s right? What if I am shit and I can’t get another girl?”
When his eyes met mine, I saw the hurt and worry in them. They had lost their usual sparkle and had a slight droop to them. He broke eye contact and shrugged, rubbing his hands over his face.
“Listen to me.” I turned to him and placed a hand high up on his leg. His gaze darted to my hand, eyes darkening and tongue poking into the corner of his cheek. My pulse quickened. I gave a small smile and re-positioned my hand on his knee. “You are amazing; you’re kind, sweet and caring. There will be girls lining up to date you. Fuck, I’ll bet there’s even more who would love to spend one night with you and would count themselves lucky for that night.”
I looked down, not wanting to meet his gaze so he wouldn’t see I was one of those girls. I’d bet one night with him would be worth it. The brief kiss we shared New Year’s Eve was intense and so damn hot.
“Pfft, yeah, I can see them now. Look out the window, the ladies are lining up.” He sat back. “Look, thanks for trying to cheer me up, I do appreciate it. Let’s just get back to work.” He picked the notebook back up and began flipping through the pages.
“Morgan, I meant what I said. Brooke is trying to pull you down because she feels guilty and probably wants you back. I may not have a say in this, but please don’t get back with her. Your perfect match is out there, someone who won’t cheat on you, and will love everything about you.”
“I won’t get back with Brooke, ever. But show me one girl who wants me as I am.” He gestured to himself.
Fuck, Brooke had really done one on him. “You will find someone. Fuck, Morgan, I’d kill to have someone good like you in my life,” I blurted out.
He shook his head and gave me an impatient look. “Yeah, right. You’re just saying that to make me feel better.Why the hell would someone like you want to be with someone like me?”
Still holding his leg, I squeezed it and leaned into him. “Morgan, I’d never joke or lie about something like that. Youareamazing; I wish you could see what I see.” I stared into his eyes hoping he would see the truth there.
He looked like he was struggling with something, then he dragged me to him and kissed me. I returned it hesitantly at first, but eased into it.His tongue dancing with mine made me slowly lose my mind.
“Really?” He moved back; his eyes searched mine for a hint of deceit, but he wouldn’t find any.I did like him, things were just… complicated.
“Really.” I nodded, breathless and unable to hide it.
Morgan smiled and pulled me into his lap, kissing me again as his hands roamed my upper body, and I ran mine through his hair. “Fuck, Andie,” he moaned.
“Mmm.” Words escaped me.
