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I took my glasses off and let out a big yawn. Aiden had accidentally woken me up that morning at six when he’d rolled out of bed. My bed. The one he’d slept in with me all night. Well, for six hours. I’d tried going back to sleep, but I hadn’t been able to. Instead, I’d laid in bed and watched television until I figured I was awake enough to get some work done before eating breakfast.
“And your door was wide open,” he continued.
I slammed my mouth closed.
“Noticed you weren’t alone, darlin’.” The idiot didn’t even bother hiding the shit-eating grin on his face. He was enjoying this way too much.
Now I could have handled the situation in a few different ways. I could have played dumb. I could have freaked out. Or I could have made it seem like it wasn’t a big deal. When you’re dealing with one of the nosiest men in the world, option three was really the only choice. Tapping the fork tines against the plate, I leveled an even look at the dark blond across from me. “The lights went out last night during the storm.”
“Uh-huh.”
He was eating this up. “He knows I’m scared of the dark,” I continued.
“Scared of the dark.” Those tawny eyelashes fluttered. “Uh-huh.”
“That’s all that happened. Stop looking at me like that.”
Zac chuckled before spooning oatmeal into his mouth. “Whatever you want, Mrs. Graves.”
That had me groaning. “It wasn’t even like that.”
“I’m not arguin’ with ya, darlin’.” He said that, but I wasn’t remotely convinced he was going to let it go.
“It really wasn’t like that at all,” I added anyway. “He’s just… trying to be my friend.”
A friend who climbed into bed with you? I wondered to myself. Maybe next time he would just get me a lantern for emergencies.
I could easily believe he’d woken up from the lightning and the crazy thunder and the crazier wind. But what had made him think about coming to my room once the lights had gone out? Because he’d seen how it was for me, right? Because he cared at least a little, and that’s what friends did. Or maybe it was because if I had a heart attack in bed, everyone would see that this thing between us wasn’t real, and he wanted to protect his reputation.
I didn’t have the energy or the will to think about it too much.
Zac raised an eyebrow before digging back into his food once more. “You’re more than likely the first person he’s ever tried to be friends with, Van.”
I eyed him, suddenly feeling a little uncomfortable. I just shrugged and went back to eating my food. After all, what would be my argument? “You’re his friend.”
“Not so much, sugar.”
I couldn’t totally disagree with him; all the components I thought made up friendship were seriously missing between Aiden and Zac. They didn’t do anything together. As far as I saw, they never really talked to each other, especially since Zac had gotten kicked off the team. That bond between them had become even thinner. They were just, well, roommates.
Then again, this was Aiden. Did we expect him to give hugs and write love letters? “You know, that day we went out and you got hammered? He came downstairs and helped me get you on the couch. He was worried about you. That says something, I think.”
It was obvious he brushed off my words, and I didn’t push. I didn’t get male friendships and I probably never would. “Are you spending Thanksgiving with Diana?” he asked.
I shook my head. “No.” I’d texted her a couple days ago and her response had been: TOO SOON TRAITOR. I’d give her another week to chill out unless she contacted me first. It wasn’t a big deal. After all, it was just Thanksgiving. How many years had I settled for macaroni and cheese in a box for it? “My little brother has a game on Friday. I’m just going to stay here. What about you?
Zac scrunched up his nose. “I gotta head home. I wouldn’t hold it passed my ma to come get me and drag me back by the ear if I don’t.” He chuffed. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”
I snickered, thinking of Mrs. James and agreeing with him. She was intimidating and outrageous, and a southern belle down to the tips of her French manicured nails. I’d met her on several occasions when she’d come up to Dallas for games. “I could see her doing that.”
“She would. I think she thinks she’s been givin’ me enough slack since I got released. ‘My baby needs to come home and let his mama help him get sorted out,’ her last voicemail said.” He shot me a look. “You wanna come with me?”
For a moment, I contemplated tagging along but shook my head. “I should probably just stay here. Thank you though.”
He shrugged, only looking slightly disappointed. “If you change your mind, you know you’re welcome.”
“I do. Thanks, Zac. I’d tell you to stay, but honestly, I’m a little scared of your mom. I’d probably drive you myself if I had to.”
“Chicken.”
I grinned. “You’re the one who doesn’t want to go home. Just make sure you keep up with running. I don’t need you slacking off. Your smoker’s lung is bad enough and we’re on a tight schedule.”
He moaned but grudgingly nodded. “I will,” he assured me with a smile that came and went as quickly as it had appeared. “Before I forget again—what the hell is up with you and Christian?”
