Page 40 of Testing the Goalie

“I’ll figure that out when we arrive. Rio has all the information we need, so that’s really all that matters.”

I chuckle. “I guess as long as one person knows.”

There’s a pause in the conversation. It’s like we are at a loss for words, but neither wants to say goodbye.

“What were your plans for the day?” Ben inquires, ending the silence.

“I didn’t really have any,” I reply.

“Would you like to volunteer at some unknown location?” he inquires.

My brows shoot up at the invitation. I was not expecting him to ask that. Although it wouldn’t be a date, I’d still meet his friends, which is a big step for him. One I’m not going to pass up.

“I’d love to,” I assure him. “But if I’m going to be seen in public, I should probably have a shower and wash the cum off my chest and stomach. Text me the time and location.”

“I have to shower too. I’ll ask Rio for the info and send it over when I have it.”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you soon.”

After Ben says goodbye, I drop my phone beside me on the bed.

I’m so excited to hang out with him outside of the house that it’s not even funny.

This is huge progress.

I can’t wait to see what happens.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

BEN

Can I blame being sex drunk for why I invited Ian to volunteer with Rio and me? If so, that’s what I’m going with because I’m still shocked those words tumbled from my lips. Yet I’m not freaking out like I figured I would be. There’s actually a small amount of excitement buzzing through my veins about hanging out with Ian outside of our usual environment. That should be terrifying because it means we are slowly moving into a territory outside of friends with benefits, but again, the fear isn’t there.

When Ian made the sweet confession about wanting to keep me and being willing to wait until I was ready for more last night, it flipped a switch in me. My brain is still leery and wanting to take things slow, but trust is beginning to form between us. The only way to grow it is by spending more time with Ian and giving him the chance to prove what I mean to him.

When I got home last night, I spent some time thinking about my friendships and the people I’ve surrounded myself with since arriving at GSU, and I realized that not everyone leaves anymore. At least, not how they used to when I was younger. I’ve developed friendships here that I’m pretty positive will last a lifetime, and I’m not scared of them leaving. So why should I just automatically assume Ian is going to bolt the first chance he has?

If Ian were the kind of guy to up and leave after he’s had his fill, he wouldn’t have said the things he did in the shower. He also wouldn’t hold me like I’m a cherished treasure.

Obviously, he was hesitant to say those things, but I’m glad he did. It settled a lot of my anxiety because now I’m no longer afraid my feelings for him are one-sided, which also played a part in me inviting him today.

“Where are we volunteering today?” I ask Rio, coming out of my room to find him lounging on the couch.

“The animal shelter on East Street at one,” he replies, and I nod, moving to the recliner and sitting down.

“Is it okay if I invite someone to join us?” I question, twiddling my thumbs awkwardly.

I’m a bit nervous for Rio to hang out with Ian, but only because I want my friend to approve of the guy I’m seeing. Ian, being a professor, might make things awkward, but I’m hoping that once Rio sees us together, he will be okay with it.

“The shelter never turns down volunteers on adoption day, but who are you inviting?” he inquires, tilting his head to the side, studying me.

“You know how I told you about that guy I’m messing around with?”

Rio smirks. “The one you caught feelings for?”

I roll my eyes but nod. “Yes,” I murmur. “I was talking with him this morning and kind of randomly invited him.”

Rio chuckles. “So, after you had phone sex, you wanted to see him in person, but you already had plans with me?”

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