Page 28 of Attraction

“You sure you don’t want another?”

“No, I said I’m fine.” She stares at him and then turns around to look over at the guys. They’re giving her sly disapproving looks, and she begins working on a strategy to ditch her companion and head over to them.

* * *

“Hey Diggs … you wan’ a beer man?” Bud and Zak turnaround from the pool table acknowledging him. Having dropped Rosie home, he’s stopped off at the bar on the way back, to try and make amends with Kat. “Diggs… you listenin’? I said do you want a beer, or have you got your attention on somethin’ else?” Zak laughs. “Maybe a certain blonde in the corner?”

Digby quickly changes the subject. “Oz, how’s Ellen?”

“Yeah, she’s good, man. Gone home now. We told her parents she had stomach flu and stayed with a friend. You know the Doc, she saved her. I can’t thank her enough.” He sighs. “So, you think she’s going to make the team? That Darius is gonna cut her some slack?”

“Hell no, he ain’t gonna give her a damn thing.” Digby laughs. “But honestly… I don’t know. It’s on Darius, you know that. Anyway, she still has to complete the physical. If she gets through that… then, I can’t see why not. What, y’all don’t want her?”

“No, she’s okay. I don’t mind havin’ her on the team,” Ozzie says, smiling.

“Sh-sh, she… o-okay by m-m-m… me t-too…” QT stutters.

Bud shrugs.

“Zak… What’s your opinion there bro?”

“As you say, it’s not my call. We’ll see. Just cos you’re fuckin her, it don’t mean Darius will cut her in, you know that, right?”

“I’m not fuckin her—that’s all done with.”

“Yeah right! Digby, you’re such a shit liar. Oh, and you know you owe us for a new kitchen table. Hell, I can’t believe you did that man,” Oz says, throwing his hand up for a high five with Zak. “Now go get the next damn round for telling that bullshit lie… asshole!”

“Shut the hell up!” Digby laughs. “That table was creaky before we did anythin’ to it.”

He has to laugh as Ozzie grabs the table in front of him, shaking it hard. “Ooooh… ooooh fuck me, Ryan! Ryan… uh- uh!” he mimics.

“Oh, go t’hell!” Digby frowns, glancing toward Kat “Oh and for fucks sake don’t let her know you heard that. Oz, do you hear me? She’s pissed at me already. Don’t need to make it worse.” The others laugh as Digby turns again, watching her and Patrick—still talking in the corner. “So, how long’s she been over there with Munroe?” He frowns. “You know I don’t like that guy. He’s always been an asshole. So, what the hell does she see in him?”

“And you still tellin’ us you’re not screwin’ her? Digby just go get the damn beers an’ stop thinking about your dick.” Zak says, watching her, too. “You’re right, though, whatisshe doin’ with that creep?”

“Nothin’!” Ozzie looks up from the cards on the table. “I’ve been keepin’ watch. Well, I thought things were serious with Diggs and her, so I figured it was best to keep an eye before anythin’ kicked off.”

“I told you guys, me and her, it’s nothin’ serious. Just a bit of fun, okay?”

“Oh, abit of fun… so notnothin’like you said before?” Zak torments. “But you’re right, keep an eye on Munroe—the guy’s a jerk.”

* * *

“So, I was wondering, if you fancy going somewhere? Maybe get something to eat?” Patrick asks.

“Um… no, no I’m good. But thanks for the offer,” Kat says, looking over to the far side of the bar where she can see Digby ordering drinks—his eyes still on her. She can also see the guys watching. Nervously, she sips the soda, twisting the glass around anxiously. “You know I think I should go. I have things to do in the morning. I don’t wanna be late.”

“No! No, stay. What, you’re worried about Digby and what he might say? Oh, yeah, I noticed him staring too.” He grins. “What the hell is it with that guy. He’s such a loser, but women always seem to fall for him. I thought someone like you, a doctor, would have more sense. Guess he must be good in the sack. Am I right? Is he a good fuck?”

“What? I told you we’re not …” She hesitates, watching him touch the back of her hand, stroking it. “We’re not together. I’m going to be on the team.”

“You really believe that? I mean, you really think Darius is gonna let you into that team? Geez… you really don’t know Darius, do you?” He sits back in the seat and grins smugly, “Still it’s good. That you’re not fucking him. That means you’re available. And that means I can make a play, right? We’ve been getting along so great this week, on our morning runs. So. Have dinner with me?”

“Look you’re a really nice guy but….” She hesitates, choosing her words carefully, not wanting to offend. She can tell he’s a little tetchy.

Taking a breath, she gulps down the rest of the whiskey quickly followed by a sip of beer. Her mouth is dry, and she feels hot. Looking up she can see Patrick smiling - staring across the table watching her. She rubs her hand across her brow, she’s sweating profusely, and she feels unwell. “Look, I’m sorry, I’m not looking to seeanyoneright now. I just want to concentrate on my career. I need to make this team, it’s my last chance.” Taking another deep breath, her stomach churns and her head hurts.

“Right, so you’ve not been giving me the come-on all week. I mean, in those cute little running shorts and the smiley flirting. I thought this was like a date. You, me…this!”

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