Page 79 of Loving Ladybug: Part One
I put her down. “That is amazing. I’m so happy for you.”
“Also, I guess some other people are putting money on my account, too. It’s so nice that random people would do that.” She got her mini pizza out of the microwave and took a bite. “So good.”
The guys were whispering. All I caught wasAJ.
Gwen plopped down on the arm of the sofa. “What about AJ? Oh. The donor is AJ. Shit. That makes sense. He attended NYIT before he played for the Hurricanes. He has ties to the Knights through his mates. Mercy knew about my tuition issues. Anonymous? What a drama queen.” She laughed. “Wait…”
Her face was a study as she put it together.
Carlos grinned. “Yeah, Mercy and Team Mom have been asking us to contribute to your account. You might think you’re ‘just’ an EBUG, but we do care about you, Mariquita.”
“Awww, you all are the best.” Her hand went to her heart and her eyes teared. “Fuck.” Gwen wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
Carlos’ phone buzzed. He glanced at it. “Well, I’m out of here.”
“Don’t meet her. It’s a bad idea.” Gwen shook her head.
“What? I’m not meeting anyone.” Carlos feigned innocence.
“He’s been texting her all night,” Dimitri tattled.
Carlos hopped up off the couch. “Who? Just texting my boy Dusty.”
“Mmm hmmm.” Gwen rolled her eyes. “Be safe. Don’t trip and fall into her bed.”
I wasn’t sure what the deal was between Carlos and his ex. But I knew she came to town every few months, and it inevitably ended up with him hungover and full of regret. Once Dimitri hadto bail his ass out of jail, which had gotten us all punished with sprints by Coach. I did know he had a long-time friend named Dusty.
“I’ll make good choices.” With a wave, Carlos left.
Right after Dimitri and Anders went home as well. Anders was staying in Dimitri’s guest room for the duration of Squire camp, then heading back to Sweden.
“Can we watch a movie?” Gwen grabbed another beer from the fridge. She held one up and I nodded.
“Sure. What do you want to watch?” I turned on the TV.
“Anything. I’m too happy to sleep.” She plopped down on the couch next to me, really close. “Oh, sorry.” Gwen scooted over and handed me my beer.
I grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch that my mom made and covered us.
“Does someone need a cuddle?” I teased. Oh, I’d cuddle her as much as she wanted. I couldn’t get Dimitri’s party out of my head, where I’d come so close to kissing her.
“Why do I miss being hugged?” Gwen snuggled into me, tucking her bare feet under her.
“Tens didn’t give you enough hugs when I was gone?” I joked. After I said that, I felt a little weird.
I pushed that away.No, no jealousy of her other friends.I hadn’t even met him yet.
“Tens and I aren’t hugging friends–or snuggling on the couch. Not yet anyway. I miss him though. We’ve been looking for the best muffins in the city. We also go country line dancing. It’s fun.” She looked up at me. “You should come.”
“You can do that here? It’s popular at home, but not something I’m into. I’ll go with you if you want, and I’ll snuggle you all you need.” Yeah, not a hardship.
“I hope you and Tens will be friends.” She rested her head on my chest, her muscular body feeling so right, as she practically melted into me.
I stroked her hair as I started the movie. “I’m sure we will.”
As long as he wasn’t an asshole, or mean to her, I’d be friends with whoever she wanted.
Chapter Twenty-Five
