Andi sets her fork down. “Wow. Already?”
“Well, it wasn’t the first time.” I’m fighting a smile now. Alex makes me feel like smiling. That’s… complicated. But impossible to deny.
“They kissed at the Rec the first day he was in town,” Sutton says. “After practice.”
I nod.
“What?” Andi demands. “The guy’s been in town for what? Two days?”
“But we kissed at the airport the first time,” I tell them, suddenly enjoying their disbelief.
“What?”they all three say at once.
I tell them about how he kissed me to hide from Leo, Wilson, and Brewser.
“So whatelsedid you do last night?” Everly presses. “Since you clearly like kissing him?”
I can’t help the little giggle that escapes. I shouldnotfeel giggly about this guy. “Nothing. I swear. He didoffera really fancy hotel suite…” I say.
“Thatis not your style, but I love it,” Sutton says.
“Smart guy,” Andi comments. “It’s not like he can take you to his place here…right above your grandpa’s kitchen.”
“Or her place,” Everly says. “Everyone in town would notice his truck parked there overnight.”
“We didnotgo to a hotel room,” I interject.
They all turn to me in unison.
“Why not?” Andi asks.
“I’m not going to sleep with him!” I exclaim. I get up with my empty plate and carry it to the wastebasket.
“Why not?” Everly echoes Andi.
I turn back with a laugh. “Because this is all for the team. It’s not serious.”
“Youlikehim for real,” Everly says. “And you like kissing him. Why not let it go further?”
Sutton nods. “It started for the team, but why can’t it be more?”
It sounds reasonable, but are they forgetting that he’s leaving?
I frown. “I can’t get involved with himknowingit’s temporary.”
“I know that you’ve been hurt by guys in the past when they’ve left,” she agrees. “But that’s because that was a surprise. You got into a relationship with them, thinking it was going to be long-term andhere. What hurt was them upending your plans and leaving you when you thought you were building something lasting.”
“Well…” I frown again. “Yeah.”
“But with Alex, that’s not the situation. You already know he’s leaving. So why can’t you just enjoy him while he’s here? Go out? Have fun? Have amazing sex with the hottest guy you’ve ever dated? The one that makes you smile like I haven’t seen you smile in…maybe ever?” she asks.
My hands fly to my face.
Everly is now nodding. “She makes a good point.”
“Heiseasily the hottest guy you’ve dated,” Sutton says.
“Does he make me smile like that?” I ask.
