I raise my brows, unimpressed. “I think you’re more than capable of choosing your own friends.”
He stares back at me. “You’re right. Does that mean I can choose you?”
There is a suggestive drawl in his tone that makes me think ‘friends’ is definitely a light term. For a moment, I say nothing, but then I squirm. I know I’m not doing anything wrong, but why do I feel like I am?
I’m not looking for a relationship. And if I had to pick, obviously I’d pick Finn over anyone. But this is harmless.
“We can be friends.” I straighten my spine.
Alfie’s eyes flare as if he’s accepted a challenge. “Alright,” he says as he holds out his hand to me. “Friends it is.”
I slide my palm against his. I glance down as his long fingers close over mine, practically swallowing my entire hand.
“Friends,only.” I exhale.
He winks at me effortlessly, and I pause. “Trust me, I’ll show you how good a friend I can be.”
“There you are!” I hear Jade’s voice.
I drop Alfie’s hand like it’s lava. No doubt my face is on fire. “Hey.”
“Did you go to the bathroom?”
Fuck. I forgot I even wanted to go.
“No. Got a little distracted.”
“I see that.” Alice wiggles her brows at me, and I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “Come on. Let’s go to.”
And when they finally drag me away from Alfie, I’m flooded with relief, even if I still feel guilty for talking to him. I glance over my shoulder to find him staring back at me before he salutes and walks off.
Despite knowing I did nothing wrong, I feel disgustingly dirty.
CHAPTER 26
FINN THOMPSON
JJ:
How’s everything going?
Istare down at the message from my best friend as I sit in Maya’s house and watch even more mind-numbing TV while Skye sleeps. It’s late, and I don’t know if I can sleep just yet. As much as I want Maya to go out and have fun, I fear she’ll come home feeling worse than she did when she left.
It doesn’t take a genius to know she has mother’s guilt. She probably hasn’t left Skye with someone while she goes out to enjoy her life before, but she’s not just leaving Skye with me, I’m spending time with my daughter.
My eyes flick over my phone as I stare at the message from JJ.
Finn:
All good.
You’re not at the party?
Na, Silas and Ronan are there though
Can’t be bothered and I’ve got a test I need to prepare for
Fair enough
