Page 41 of Stealing Home

“Adri, I know you better than that.” She says pointedly.

“I hate that for me right now. Okay, I’m attracted to him. I’m not blind. He can be a little flirty but I chalk it up to him being him. The man is most definitely chipping away at my walls, though.”

“Let him. You don’t know if he can be the one if you don’t let him try.”

“I know. But what if he isn’t? I thought Toby was, and I was so off about him.”

Heather walks in with three glasses and hands one to Dani and one to me, then sits back down on the couch.

“Heather, is Cole a good guy?” Dani asks her.

“He’s the second best guy I know. Obviously, my husband is first. But it makes sense since they’re brothers.” She responds.

“You have someone vouching for him. Do you trust Heather?” Dani asks me point blank.

“Of course I trust Heather. But what if it didn’t work out? I love my job and this life I’ve created now.”

“Well, your job would never be in question. You are also now one of my best friends and I would never cast you away. No one is saying you have to do anything you don’t want to do, but babe, I wish you could see the two of you from the outside. You both kind of gravitate to each other. Cole looks at you how Tyler looked at me when we first met. This does not get repeated, you two. Promise?”

“Promise.” Dani and I both say.

“A few weeks before your interview and meeting us, Cole came over to hang out cause we wanted to tell him about this house and how we’re going to be putting an offer for it. We told him the house next door was for sale and he made an appointment with our realtor to see it the next day right then and there. I asked him why and he said he wanted to be close when we start a family and us for him when he does. I asked with him and Layla breaking up if he felt like he could settle down. He told me he hopes the next relationship would be his forever because while he might give his brother shit about settling down, he was envious because his brother was starting his family and it’s something he wants and would like to do with his brother too since it’s just them. He’s tired of the single athlete life and people using him. I honestly wouldn’t encourage you if I thought he’s still in his fuck boy era because I value who you are to me too much.”

I’m a deer caught in headlights. That’s a lot to take in, but at the same time I can tell how sincere she is and the honesty radiating off her.

“I need another drink. Anyone else?” I ask getting up because I need a moment to myself to process.

“I’m good. Thanks.” That comes from Dani.

“I’ll take another.” Heather hands me her glass.

I walk into the kitchen, set our glasses down on the counter and grab the soda and jack from the fridge. It’s my turn to getHeather back for our first girls night. I make both our drinks strong because I know I need it if I’m going to deal with those two for the rest of the night.

“Here you go, lady.” I hand Heather her drink and go back to the love seat.

“Let’s watch a movie.” Dani says, and I know it’s because she knows I need to breathe from the Cole conversation.

Heather picks up the remote and puts on Twilight.

“Great pick.” I tell her.

“Right? We can just veg out now. I’m sorry if I upset you.” Heather

“You didn’t. I’m just processing.” I tell her.

We watch and comment on the movie and all the things that are horrible and funny while we continue to drink. It’s honestly so nice to have girlfriends, but girlfriends that get along too is something I was missing in life and didn’t know until tonight.

The movie ends and Heather looks over at Dani and then to me and asks “Are we watching New Moon next?”

“Yes.” Dani and I reply at the same time.

We all take a potty break and change into our pj’s and pile back on the couch to watch the second movie.

“Do you have a blanket?” Dani asks Heather.

“I do. Adriana, do you want one too?”

“That’d be great. I’m a little cold.”

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