I jump into action after that, rushing as quietly as I can back to the kitchen and acting like I wasn’t listening in on their conversation.I’m feeling a little emotional from their exchange.
They shuffle into the kitchen together seconds after me, Joey talking now, shoulders lighter, like a kid carrying less weight.And when Joey gives me a smile, heading in my direction and rushing headfirst into a hug, I want to cry in relief.
I duck my head, cradling my boy closer.When Joey has had enough and pulls out of my arms, my gaze meets Sidney’s.
It’s then, right at that moment, that I realize that I’m not falling for Sidney Crane.
I’ve already crash-landed…right into loving him.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
SIDNEY
I’m dying on the gym floor when my phone vibrates beside me.
The audiobook I was listening to pauses as the call comes in, and it takes my last bit of energy to swivel my head to see who’s calling.When I see Eddie’s name, I instantly spring up, energy renewed.
I’m short of breath, but that doesn’t stop me from answering.For a moment, I think about taking this call somewhere private other than the team’s weight room, but my legs feel like noodles right now.If I try to get up, I know I’ll fall right back down.And I’d like to save a bit of my dignity.
I wheeze my hello and hear Eddie hesitate on the other end.When she finally does speak, her voice is quiet, hesitant, tinged with something new.
Hi,she says.Did I catch you at a bad time?
What?No.I’m just dying on the gym floor after completing a treadmill set.
You didn’t complete shit,Mason calls loud enough for Eddie to hear.I give him the finger as he walks away.
I can call back if you need time to get yourself together,she jokes with me.God, I love the sound of her laugh.
Nah,I try to say as normally as I can.It’s all good.Everything okay on your end?
She goes quiet for a second, making me think the call has been dropped.When her voice comes back, her words have me stunned.
Do you want to go out tonight?
Fucking yes!I go from dying on the floor to sitting up, doing a little happy dance.I am so fucking happy!
Hello?Are you still there, Sid?she questions, a laugh in her voice.
Yes, still here.Did you just ask me on a date, Miss Watson?I tease.
Yes.I did.Joey was invited to a sleepover tonight, and I just thought…
Oh.Ohh.
Heat shoots straight through me.Yeah.Yes,I say, trying to sound normal and not like a man about to sprint out of a weight room with only one running shoe on.Let’s do that.
***
We end up at a wine bar near my condo.Nothing fancy, but perfect for an intimate, cozy dinner.Dark wood, a chalkboard menu, and enough dark corners and deep booths for privacy.
Eddie looks incredible.I can’t believe that this woman is here with me.Her hair is done in tousled waves, tempting my fingers to shift through the shiny locks.She’s wearing a simple sweater and jeans, nothing provocative, but damn, she’s temptation personified to me.
Her whole aura tonight reads a little shy, a little bold, and a lot beautiful.
I like this place,she says, scanning the room.It takes every bit of strength I have to look away from her berry-stained lips.
Good.I’ve only been here once before, but brunch has a much different vibe than late-night dinner,I joke.
