Page 80 of Dancing in the Rain

Before they could say or do anything else, she turned and hurried back to Sara’s room.

Chapter 16

Drew texted Peyton before going over to her place late Saturday afternoon, to make sure it was okay if he dropped by to pick up his things. He’d left his clothes and a small toiletry bag there, nothing he’d needed last night.

She opened the door with a tired smile, looking gorgeous as always, in a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt, thick gray socks on her feet, and her blond hair pulled up in a high ponytail that made her look about eighteen. “Hi. Come in.”

Music played from some speakers somewhere, something smooth and mellow. He didn’t recognize the song or the artist, but he liked it.

“Chloe’s already gone to her friend’s place,” she said, leading him into the living room. “We went to visit Sara and then I dropped her off there.”

“Sleepover. Guess that’s a fun, girl thing.”

“Yeah.” She turned to face him. “I was just cleaning the toilets.” She grimaced. “So glamorous.”

He grinned. “Has to be done.”

“Why do I have a feeling you don’t clean toilets?”

“Nope. Never. Okay, I might have cleaned a toilet once in college.”

“Spoiled.”

“Yep. I admit it.” He held her gaze, and that familiar tension stretched between them. “You okay?”

She blinked. “Yeah. Why? Do I look that bad?” She touched her hair.

“You don’t look bad. You look beautiful. Just tired.”

She nodded. “Guess that’s not a surprise.”

“Anything I can do? Other than clean a toilet.”

She laughed, and he loved the sound. “I wouldn’t ask you to do that. Don’t worry, I’m pretty much done. Was just going to pour a glass of wine and think about what to do for dinner since it’s just me.” She paused. “Would you like to join me?”

“I, uh, already have plans for tonight.”

Her eyes shuttered but she smiled. “Of course you do.” She moved to the kitchen. “I won’t keep you. Your things are in the spare bedroom upstairs.”

“Hey.”

She paused and turned, one eyebrow lifted.

“My plans aren’t anything huge…I’m invited to a party an old teammate is having. They said bring a date…why don’t you come with me?”

She gazed back at him. “A date?”

He lifted one shoulder. “Just casual.”

She tilted her head. “I don’t know. I’m not exactly in a partying mood.”

“I get that. Which is maybe just the reason to go to a party. We could both use a little distraction. A little fun. Why not? You’re home alone…Sara’s being cared for and you’re only a phone call away if they need you. Chloe’s at a sleepover.”

She appeared to think about it, a faint notch appearing between her eyebrows. “I guess I really don’t have a good reason to say no. Except…” Her eyes met his and held. And he knew what she was thinking.

He held up his hands. “We’re friends. Right?”

She swallowed and nodded. “Right.”

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