Page 40 of Rush

I chuckle.

“Don’t forget I’m driving you in the morning.”

I tap two fingers to my head and salute. “Why do you get there so early anyway?”

He’s always there first before all the other players, and he is always the last to leave.

“I like to do cardio before training starts.”

“And after? You stay way later than the other players.”

“Weights. Sometimes, I have a massage. And I like to spend time watching tape.”

“Geek,” I say.

He laughs.

“Well, at least I know why my dad thinks you’re the shit. You’re certainly his most dedicated player.”

“You don’t think I’m the shit?”

“Nope.” I smirk. “I think you are shit.”

“Low, Jailbird.” He slaps a hand to his chest. “You almost hurt my feelings.” He steps back. “Tomorrow morning. Eight o’clock. Be ready to go.”

“Yes, boss.”

“And don’t go watching Dexter without me,” he throws over his shoulder as he heads for the stairs.

Does this mean he wants to come back? Not just to drive me to work, but to watch TV with me? Maybe be my friend?

I feel a little glow inside of me at the thought.

“Got it. But you don’t need to worry. I wouldn’t dare watch it alone. Seriously. I’d shit if I did.”

That earns me a laugh. “Later, Jailbird.”

“See ya, Mr. Perfect.”

I shut the door on the sound of his deep chuckle and lean against it, feeling a little lighter and a lot happier.

It’s Friday. I’m in a great mood. It’s been a good week.

Ares has been giving me a ride into work every day and dropping me home, just like he said he would.

He even walks me up to my apartment when he takes me home, like he thinks Kyle is going to jump out from behind the wall and get me.

There’s also been no sign of Kyle since that night, which is a good thing.

Ares and I are getting along well. No more sniping or shitty comments from him.

We’re actually talking like normal people. And I’m finding that we have more in common than I would’ve thought.

Well, not tons in common. But we like a lot of the same movies and music.

Okay, so that’s it. But I like him. I like what he has to say. I like listening to him talk.

I find that I look forward to our chats in the car.