“Of course. I’ll let you know how he is when I get there, ’cause no doubt he will be there already.”
I lean in, hugging her, and the warmth of Alex’s body as she presses against me feels likehome.
She feels safe.
She fills me with calm.
The feeling is… just… warm.
There are no other words I can think of to describe it.
Reluctantly, I let her go, walk Alex to her car, and help her in. She smiles, and I close the door, then double-tap on her window, saying goodbye. The irrational side of me doesn’t want her to leave.
Before I can get too lost in the nonsense, she winks, and I turn, walking away to my car, and as I’m getting in, she drivesoff past me. Sighing, I shake my head, trying to focus on our friendship and not the niggling in the back of my mind.
I can’t help but feel like this could be something of a new normal for us.
And fuck if I don’t love the idea.
***
The house smells like burned toast as I walk in, and I look to the kitchen to see if I’m correct in my assumption. The toaster is out, and next to it lie two pieces of completely black toast. Chuckling to myself, I move to pick them up and throw them in the trash, wondering why the hell Nate has enough energy to burn the toast but not enough to put the craptastic toast in the garbage. Maybe his head isn’t in the right place at the moment.
Turning, I walk out of the kitchen and toward the stairs, bumping into the coffee table as I go. I grit my teeth, wondering how much it will fuck up Whisper’s Fung Shui if I move it back to its original position or even out of the damn way. Thinking better of it, I leave it where it is and continue up the stairs, the ficus hitting me on the face on the way up the wooden stairs, then flicking back into place behind me. I chuckle to myself, thinking of Whisper and how he’s brought some life to this house, even if it’s just with the weird placement of our furniture. The thought reminds me that I really need to check in with him at some stage.
I make it to my room when my cell phone goes off. It’s a message from Jaci, so I smile and open it.
Jacqueline:Good Morning. I’m looking forward to meeting you in person. I hope you slept well. You were the first thing I thought of when I woke up. Sorry if that’s being too forward…
I have to admit, it does make me feel good that I’m having an impact on Jaci, so I smile. I like that she’s being so open with me.
Me:I had a great night, stayed at a friend’s place. I’m really looking forward to meeting you too. I hope to make the night memorable and that we get along as well in person as we do over the internet.
I conveniently leave out the fact that my friend’s place belongs to a woman. I think that would cause more trouble than it’s worth.
Jacqueline:I’ve booked a hotel for Saturday night, since I’ll be driving to LA for the date. Please don’t read too much into that—I’ll be in town through Sunday, so if things go well, we could meet up then.
Smirking, I try to take her word on not reading into that, but the mention of a hotel room is not exactly innocent. But then again, for a woman like Jaci, I’m pretty sure that it is almost ninety-nine percent innocent and totally for the convenience factor and not for the kink factor my mind is taking me on.
Me:Noted. And I won’t read into it. I’m a gentleman, Jaci. No expectations, just looking forward to seeing you.
Jacqueline:Glad to hear it. I should get started on my day—talk soon. Take care.
Me:You too. Have a good one.
I hit send, but then almost instantly get another reply. “She can’t get enough of me,” I murmur to myself, and then notice it’s from Alex. I chuckle at my cocky attitude and read the message.
Alex:Nate’s okay… still broody as hell. Got him a croissant and a coffee, but he’s in full sad-boy mode. Gonna try to work some of my chaotic magic. Wish me luck!!!
Poor Nate. I really do feel for the guy. He loves Ria with everything he’s got. I just wish I could either fix it or help him move on. I tap out a reply.
Me:Good luck. And thanks for feeding him… you’re the real MVP. Honestly, where would either of us be without you?
Alex:You’d both be lost in a pit of despair and emotional darkness. Basically, I’m the best thing to ever happen to you, so make sure Nate knows that. Capiche?
I chuckle as I walk into the ensuite and start undressing, tapping back a reply on the way.
Me:Stripping off now. Shower time. Your pep talk will have to wait. Try not to miss me too much.
