Page 35 of Here In Your Arms

“Hey Morgan, how are you?”

“Same old, same old, meeting some friends here and wanted to come say hi before they arrive. Also,” she lowers her voice a little. “That book was fire and I need more.”

Rory laughs. “I’m so glad you liked it! Maybe we can swap books sometime.”

“I would love that!” Morgan squeals.

At that point, Morgan realizes we’re watching the entire interaction and glances from Rory to us, to Rory again. Her eyebrows go up and Rory gives a small nod. I sit up a little straighter when I realize she’s been talking about us. Hopefully, this means she’s just as interested as we are.

“Uh, Morgan, this is Kyle and Wes. Guys, this is Morgan. We met here a few weeks ago,” Rory introduces us before turning to grab Morgan a drink.

“Nice to meet you,” I tell her as we all exchange pleasantries.

When Rory returns and hands Morgan her drink, she takes it with gratitude before turning to survey the room. She raises her hand at someone and turns back to Rory.

“Looks like they’re here. Do you want to do coffee or something soon?” she asks.

“That would be great,” Rory says. “Have fun with your friends.”

“MORGAN! Get your fine ass over here!” is shouted from the far side of the room.

I turn to look and see three women at a table, one of them with a shock of purple hair piled on her head. Morgan laughs and shakes her head, waving goodbye at us and heading over to the noise emanating from their table.

“She seems cool,” I comment.

“Yeah, we just met, but there’s something about her that’s just clicking.”

“That’s awesome,” Wes tells her.

“You know what else is awesome?” I try for a smooth segue.

“That was terrible,” Wes says to me.

“Not the smoothest transition I’ve seen but not the worst,” Rory comments. “Let the man continue.”

“Fuck off.” I shove gently at Wes, who just chuckles. “I was going to say spending time with Rory is awesome. I think we’re due for another date if everyone is up for it,” I tell them.

Rory’s smile widens. “I’d love that.”

“Me too!” Wes says, jokingly shoving his body between us.

“Of course you would, you cutie,” Rory teases, pinching Wes’ cheek.

Laughter bubbles out of me at the interaction, because good Lord, I’ve thought about doing the same damn thing to him when he’s being cute like that.

“What about this Saturday morning?” I ask, “There’s a cool farmer’s market downtown we could check out.”

She hesitates. “I’m watching my niece this weekend. I’m not sure if we want her along for a second date.”

Before I can answer, she’s pulled away again. I look over at Wes. “I don’t have a problem if her niece comes, do you?” I ask him, wanting to be on the same page before she gets back.

“No, I don’t mind. Just means we have to behave,” Wes points out.

“Or just be subtle.” I wink.

When Rory returns, we’ve got our answer.

“We have no problem with your niece coming if you’re up for it too,” I tell her. “I know it means you’ll have to keep your hands to yourself, but we’ll manage it.”

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