Page 77 of What If I Knew You

I tap the screen on my phone sitting on the coffee table in front of us. “Well, rest assured it’s only seven so you have plenty of time to get to your late-morning meeting.”

His smile fades and his gaze meets mine. “I’d have no problem telling them to go fuck themselves if you need me.”

Don’t know what Dad would have to say about that.

I think I would rather Bodhi live to see another day.

“That’s okay. Work meetings are important. And I’m actually having lunch with my dad today, so I should probably unpack a few boxes before I get myself ready to meet him. One of these days I might actually have a completely unpacked home.”

“Don’t be too hard on yourself. Life happens.”

Placing my hand on his knee, I squeeze his leg slightly and say, “But thank you, Alan. Thank you so much for being here with me last night. Well…” I cock my head. “All night, actually. I think you had the right idea in not wanting me to be alone. I didn’t realize I would need someone to help me through a tough day but I’m really glad it was you who knocked on my door. Layken is great and all, but you were much more comfortable.”

“I was happy to do it. And I’d be happy to do it again any time. Besides,” he says with a smirk, “I need to find out what happens if or when Claire goes back through the stones.”

“True!” I chuckle softly. “And I need to know if Ned Stark gets set free.”

“Then I guess we have a future date ahead of us at some point.”

“I think you can count on it.” I smile.

“Good. I’m glad.”

Alan stands from the couch and offers me his hand. When I take it, he helps pull me from the couch and then folds me into his arms. His embrace is warm and soft, but his body is anything but. Warm, yes, but his arms are strong and his chest is solid. I bask for just a moment in the protectiveness of his embrace and the scent of his cologne still lingering on his clothes and try to memorize the feel of him until I can see him again.

I really like your hugs, Alan.

“I should head out. I’ll need to shower and change before my meeting, but I hope you have a great lunch with your dad today,” he says as his arms lift. He places a kiss on my forehead and then tilts my chin with his fingers and presses his lips to mine. His kiss isn’t long but he sweeps his tongue lazily against mine and it’s just enough contact to make my heart race and my body start to heat. When our mouths separate, I quickly cover mine with my hand.

“God, I’m so sorry. I probably have the worst morning breath.”

He smiles. “No worse than mine and I don’t mind one bit.” He plants a kiss on my cheek and squeezes my hand before opening the door. “I’m sure we’ll talk later.”

“For sure.” I nod. “Thank you again. You being here meant more than you know.”

“Anything you need. Anytime, Corri. And I mean that sincerely.”

And I know he does.

He gives me an understanding smile and nod and then waves goodbye.

I shut the door behind him and then lean up against it, replaying everything about last night that I can remember.

“What are we doing here?” I whisper to myself. “And why are you so outlandishly hot?”

Is this like…a thing?

Are we a thing?

Not a thing?

Are we just fuck buddies or…

Could we be more?

I don’t even know if that would be a possibility.

And maybe he’s not really interested.

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