I laugh at that. “Oh no.”
“So needless to say, we both needed our privacy. I moved out right before the season started. I got a condo in South Beach, and I have no regrets.”
“Or coffee mugs on your end tables?” I tease.
“Yes,” he says, smiling at me. “And instead of seeing my brother naked and hooking up, I have a great view of the ocean. Let’s just say I’m much happier in my own space.”
Suddenly I see Matcha popcorning across the room and I quickly grab my phone. “Okay, change of subject, but do you want to see my chinchillas popcorning?”
“What?” Aiden asks, looking confused.
“When chinchillas are happy, they jump. It’s called popcorning. Want to see it?”
“Hell yes, I want to see this.”
I turn the phone around so it’s facing Matcha. He suddenly pops up in the air, and I hear Aiden laugh. I keep the phone on Matcha for a bit, catching a few more of his jumps, and then turn it back around on me. “That is popcorning. Isn’t it cute?”
“Popcorning is the right word for it. So that means he’s happy?”
“Yep. Or it can mean they’re excited to see their owner.”
Aiden’s eyes flicker sexily at me. “I can understand that.”
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!
Wait. Not OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH. We’re friends. I must remember that.
“They also wall surf. That’s when they run and bounce off the walls. That’s also a happy thing. I have a video of it, I’ll have to send that to you.”
“Yeah, do send it to me, I want to see it.”
We continue to talk just like we did at the hotel. It’s so natural and easy between us. We can be silly. We can laugh, but also talk about serious things. I’ve never had a conversation like this with another man.
Aiden is different,my heart once again reminds me.
“Your eyes are starting to look heavy,” he suddenly says. “I should let you go. I know you have to work, and I have a game tomorrow.”
I blink. I’ve been getting tired, but I’m shocked he noticed that.
He really pays attention.
“You’re right. Posting soccer reels on social media waits for no one,” I say. “I’ll just make sure to get caffine before heading into the office.”
“Same,” Aiden says. He clears his throat. “Are you going to the game tomorrow?”
My heart races inside my chest. “I usually go to home games if I can,” I say, wondering where this is going. “During the Real Miami season, I rarely go because I’m working a lot of nights, and I need time to take care of things at home. Or just not have anywhere to be, if that makes sense.”
“It does. When does the season start for Real Miami?”
“They start training again in January. Oh! Do you know where they’re going for training camp this year?”
“No, but I suspect you’re going to tell me,” Aiden teases.
“Smart ass. Yes, I am going to tell you. Portugal! So I get to go to Portugal for two weeks!”
“Portugal? Wow, that’s incredible.”
“I know. I’ve seen the resort we’re going to and it’s gorgeous. I’m so excited.”
