He looks caught for a second. “You know Tuesdays are my only real free day.”
“And Mondays. And most evenings except game day and the day before game day. Except if you’re traveling.” I repeat his schedule with boredom in my tone, and he laughs.
“Exactly. And I’m tired after practice and just want to come home and relax, not go out on a date.”
“Then invite her here. Get her on your turf and you can relax together, like we’re doing now,” I suggest.
“I like relaxing with you,” he says quietly.
Something twitches in my belly. I’m not sure what. Maybe it’s the pasta I’m currently chowing down on, but it feels like something else entirely.
“I like relaxing with you, too.”
If that isn’t the understatement of the century. I’m already starting to realize how much Iloveit here. It’s slower paced. Ford actuallylistenswhen I talk. He’s kind and understanding. He’s a good friend.
“But don’t you want to find someone to share your life with? Isn’t it lonely living in this gorgeous place with this romantic view and not having anyone to come home to?” I ask quietly.
I want him to be happy.
I could make him happy.
I push away that intrusive thought immediately. It’s off the table. It’s not something I ever considered. Sure, he’s hot as hell, and he’s kind and sweet and, in general, a really, really good guy who loves bacon and breakfast for dinner.
But he’s also Archer’s brother. He’salwaysbeen off the table, and just because Archer and I broke up—again—doesn’t mean jack shit.
I’ll text Morgan after dinner. That will help drive that intrusive thought right off the edge of a cliff, just where it belongs.
Me:What does your schedule look like this week? I’m arranging a date for you and Ford. It’s Tatum, the girl from the plane, by the way. [grinning squinting face emoji]
Her answer comes quick.
Morgan:I’ll clear whatever I have going on for a date with Ford Bradley. [hot face emoji]
Me:[rolling on the floor laughing emoji three times]
Morgan:I have a parent meeting on Friday I’m happy to move if needed.
Me:He has a game Sunday, so can you do tomorrow night? He might be tired after practice, but I can figure out a place to meet that’s close to the training center.
Morgan:Yes! OMG YES! Are you serious RN?
Me:Yep, consider it done. I’ll text you the details later.
Morgan:Thank you, new bestie! You can be MOH at our wedding!
I stare at the words, not sure why I feel a stab through my ribs at that. I want him to be happy. It has to be becauseArcher and I broke up, and I’ve never been further from the dream of getting to be the bride for once.
“She’s free tomorrow if you are,” I say as he finishes cleaning up from our dinner. I’m sitting at the kitchen counter across from where he’s rinsing the silverware and cups we used.
He lets out a long, heavy sigh. “I can do dinner tomorrow. Let’s plan on seven, and I’ll meet her at Gillian’s. It’s a steakhouse near practice.”
“You got it.” I text her the details before he can change his mind, and I also text him her number.
Mission one: Score Ford a girl—complete. Maybe. If they hit it off. I guess time will tell.
* * *
When I wake up, the house is empty, but there’s a note on the counter in Ford’s neat penmanship.
