Page 139 of The Puck Stops Here

Apartment 807

He was through the door and across the foyer in a heartbeat, nodding to the concierge as he called the elevator. The doors slid open and he stepped in, barely sparing a glance for the shiny geometric panelling as he pressed the button for her floor. His phone buzzed.

Aiden

You moved out already?

He suppressed a smile.

Blake

It was nice but not that nice.

He’d liked it though. And his first thought had been Astrid. What would she make of it? Not Aiden. His brother who’d led every decision Blake had made since leaving Ashbury Falls behind.

Aiden

So where are you?

Blake

Visiting a friend. Don’t wait up ;-)

Aiden

We have a game tomorrow…

Blake

And?

Aiden

Is this a mutual friend?

Blake

What do you think?

Aiden

You’re seeing her Tuesday!

Not soon enough, bro.

He pocketed his phone and bobbed on his feet. Come on come on come on…

The second the doors opened, he stepped through and there she was. In the doorway to her apartment. Cropped tee, mini shorts, hair wild and eyes bright. A contemporary pop against the art deco hallway. And everything he’d needed since he’d left her that afternoon.

‘Hey.’ He paused before her, ran his fingers through his hair when all he wanted was to rake them through hers. Kiss her like he had not ten hours ago.

‘Hey.’ Those honeyed eyes lifted to his as she tugged at the hem of her tee. ‘Excuse the mess.’

‘If this is a mess, it’s my kind of mess.’

Her eyes sparkled, her mouth curved up, her nipples beading beneath her tee –fuck, was she not wearing a bra?

‘I was in bed.’

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