Page 77 of Nocere

"Thinking about the day Rebecca came for me," I told him while pounding on the controller to fight off an attacker.

"Oh." His voice trailed off for a moment. "From that hotel."

"Yeah. She gave me her card after the first time I met her and when my mom sent me off to that hotel, I called her the minute I was alone," I told him, then fired my weapon at our opponents.

"Good hit. What happened to you in the hotel?" He glanced at me. "No one told me anything."

"You were really little. That time, nothing happened to me except the man I was with took pictures of me for whatever he was doing. Rebecca came for me before anything else happened."

"Well, I'm glad because you're a good sister." He smiled at me, then bumped my shoulder with his.

His gesture melted my heart and I watched him for a moment as a swell of affection caught me. "You know something, Jay. I haven't met a lot of decent guys, but you give me hope that there are great guys out there like you."

"Well, I had some good role models." He nodded back toward the game and we returned to our mission. "And someone to protect."

"Who?"

"You."

My cheeks heated and I leaned my shoulder against his while we continued to play. Memories of Jason defending me in high school, despite our four year age difference, burst to the surface. He never let anyone pick on me, even though he was younger.

I spent the rest of the evening hanging out with him until Rebecca insisted on driving me home. We confirmed our lunch plans for the week, and I bid her goodnight before heading up to my apartment.

"Hey," called Alex as soon as I entered. I found her on the sofa eating mint chip ice cream out of the carton while perched on the sofa.

"Hi." I set my keys on the counter beside my purse before joining her. "How was your weekend with Sara?"

"Good. She just left an hour ago." Alex smiled before offering me the ice cream. I shook my head.

"So, are you two a thing?" I wagged my brows at her and she laughed.

"Maybe. I'm not sure. She plays on Mira's soccer team and I'm going to go to a game next weekend. Want to go?"

"Not particularly." I laughed when I said it. "Sports and crowds aren't my thing."

"Aw, c'mon. Be my wing woman." She made to shove me like she always does, but stopped before making contact. Like last time, she patted my arm rather than the playful gesture.

"Did Samirah scare you off from pushing me around?" I gave her a gentle nudge instead.

She snickered then repeated my motion. "A little. She only has eyes for you."

"I feel the same way. Is it possible to be in love with someone so soon?"

"Totally," she said, her whole face lighting up. "Especially someone as sexy as her."

"Yeah." I smiled while slouching on the sofa. "I talk to her so easily. Normally, I'd be intimidated. I really only talk to you, Ainsley, and Jordan candidly. As far as friends go anyway."

"Well, Sam is different then. You make a cute couple."

"I sent her flowers today. Do you think that's too much?" I glanced at her while gnawing at the inside of my cheek. "Rebecca said it was good to do."

"Not too much at all. I'm sure she'll like it. I mean, I would love if a woman sent me flowers." Alex sighed dramatically before licking ice cream from her spoon.

I chuckled and folded my hands over my stomach. "Maybe you should send Sara flowers."

"Too soon. We were kind of casual about things."

"You seem excited though…"

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