“Did you come to watch the match?”
“I came to see you.”
It’s the truth.I’ve already made a show of myself coming here.No point trying to hang on to the tiny bit of dignity I’ve left.
“And how was it?”
“You’re really asking me that?”
“I am.I want to know.”
“It was class.And don’t take the piss — I’m serious, Captain.You were?—”
“Would you look who turned up to the match today?”Ryan leans over Jamie’s shoulder.“This is no place for you, Doctor.”
“Would you ever just fuck off, Ryan?”
“Ah, such big words.”Ryan laughs as Ian and the other lad stroll over to us.
“What a nice surprise, Doctor,” Ian comments, leaning on Jamie’s shoulder as well.
“Who let you into the blue room?It’s reserved for VIPs, so it is,” Ryan continues.
“Then how come you could set foot in there?”
Ryan grimaces at me while the stranger watches our puzzled exchange.
“There you are.We were looking everywhere for you,” Chris and Riley say as they stroll up to us.“Casey and Nick are knocking about somewhere, and Evan… I haven’t a clue.I lost him the minute the match was over and… Ah, Jesus, would you look at the state of this!”Chris’s voice jumps.“You’re… Ah, for fuck’s sake!”
Ryan just shakes his head, pure scarlet, while Jamie bursts out laughing.
“This is Liam,” Jamie says, nodding towards the sexy stranger.
“Are you… are you…” Riley says, going pale.“Are you Liam O’Reilly?”
The stranger goes a bit red in the face.
“In the flesh,” Jamie says.“Liam’s an old friend and a big fan of the team.”
Old friend.Discreet code for ex–fuck buddy.
“Before you ask, he’s flying solo today.Try to contain your libido, and let’s not make a scene,” Ryan says.
“Fine.I’ll settle for you, too,” Chris says shamelessly, tucking herself under this Liam guy’s arm.
While everyone is busy fussing over Liam, Jamie catches my arm and steers me away.We weave through the crowd and slip out of the room, stopping in the empty corridor that leads to the rest of the facility.
Jamie lets go of me and takes a few steps back as I lean against the wall.
“Seeing you here… I was losing my mind,” he says, his voice suddenly serious.
“I’m sorry.I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.I didn’t mean to bother you.”
“What are you on about?”
“Your friend… I can tell you’re close.”
“Are you for real?”
