Page 19 of Teasing the Winger

“Who did my laundry?” I question, leaning against the wall.

“I did,” Sasha tells me with a wide smile. “And don’t worry, I called BooBoo first to make sure I didn’t wreck anything.”

I’m taken aback by his words. That feels like a lot of effort to go through for someone who he even admitted isn’t his best friend.

“Thank you,” I whisper, unsure what else to say.

“I also made you some food,” he says while turning his focus back to the game. “The plate is in the fridge; all you have to do is warm it up.”

I stare at him like he’s grown a second head. I know he told me he was going to be here for me today, but I’m still shocked and a bit in awe that he did so much for me, all because I had a bad day. I’ve seen Sasha’s sweet side a few times over the years I’ve known him, but it’s never been directed toward me like this, and I don’t know how to process it.

Instead of saying anything, I just dip my chin and head to the kitchen to see what he made. My hopes aren’t high, considering Sasha always burns the popcorn on movie nights and one time he almost set the apartment on fire when him and Monster tried to make some sort of deep-fried dish.

My jaw damn near hits the floor when my eyes land on a plate of chicken, rice, and veggies waiting for me. I know I slept for several hours but this man not only did my laundry, but he cooked a meal for me that is exactly what I would have made for myself. BooBoo probably filled Sasha in on my meal plan while he was telling him how to do my laundry.

I don’t think I’ve ever had someone take care of me like this before, and I don’t know how to react.

“I hope I cooked everything okay,” Sasha says, joining me in the kitchen as I place the plate in the microwave. “I followed the recipe BooBoo sent me, and I cut the chicken to make sure it wasn’t pink inside, but cooking isn’t always my strong suit.”

“Why did you do all of this?” I ask while staring at the microwave.

“It’s what friends do,” he tells me, and I can see him shrug his shoulders out of the corner of my eye. “You had a shitty day, and I wanted to cheer you up. You aren’t one who likes it when people make a big deal about things for you, so I figured I’d just lighten your load.”

Before I realize what I’m doing, I’m turning and pulling Sasha in for a hug, causing the vibrant man to squeak and stiffen before softening into my embrace and wrapping his arms around me in return.

“Thank you,” I whisper as I hold him for a moment.

“You don’t have to thank me. I promise it was no big deal,” he responds while rubbing my back gently.

This hug feels good. His arms making me feel wanted and cared for,

I should probably let him go. The hug is going on far longer than is normal for a thank-you, but for some reason, I don’t want to release him. I want to keep him in my arms. The thought alone is alarming enough to cause me to step back.

“I know you say it’s no big deal, but it is to me. I really appreciate it,” I tell him, and his cheeks pinken a bit. Bashful isn’t a look that Sasha gets often but it’s cute on him.

“Well, now that I know doing small acts of kindness can earn me a hug from the grumpy Rio, I might do them more often,” he teases.

I roll my eyes, but there is a smile on my lips all the same.

The microwave beeps, and I pull my plate of food out, tilting my head. “Come on, I can eat this in the living room. I’m curious to see who’s winning.”

Sasha follows behind me, and I wonder what it would be like to hang out with him one-on-one. Suddenly, I want to know more about Sasha and what makes him the person he is. He has so many sides to him, and I’d like to see them all.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

SASHA

Bronny kicks at the coffee table and throws his controller onto the couch beside him. “Why do I fucking suck tonight?” he grumbles, then stands and stretches his arms above his head.

“You suck most of the time, but tonight is worse than usual,” Monster teases.

Bronny flips him off. “Whatever. I’m done losing, so I’m going to bed,” he grumbles, waving at us before disappearing down the hall.

Monster looks at his phone, and his brows shoot up. “Shit, I didn’t realize it was so late I’m going to hit the hay too,” he says before leaving too.

“I should not have napped as late as I did,” Rio mutters. “You can head out if you want.”

“I’m cool with chilling for a little longer. I haven’t been sleeping the best the past couple of nights anyway,” I tell him, and he nods like he understands exactly what I’m going through.

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