Page 64 of Buried Treasure
"I'm sorry," she stammered. "You what?"
His eyes were full of passion as he stared at her. "I said, 'I know.'"
Sydney's head started spinning. His answer had seemed to take all the air out of the room. He knew? He knew what? "I know," still leaves so many questions unanswered.
Andy started walking towards her, determined and passionate and fiery. Sydney actually wondered what the hell was going on. This was definitely not any kind of Andy that she recognized, and she wasn't sure if it was supposed to turn her on or turn her off. But it didn't seem like he was slowing down, and Sydney started walking backwards to get out of his way, finally coming to a stop as her back hit the wall next to the open door. Andy grabbed the door with his hand and slammed it shut, his body invading her personal space, his eyes fiery and hot.
Then he kissed her. It was a solid kiss that pushed her against the wall even more, Andy's weight up against her body as his hands cupped her cheeks. His tongue teased her lips and made her audibly groan. He was determined to practically be a part of her, even as he started to slow down and kiss her with less force. Less force was still plenty of force for Sydney. He pulled away slightly, his breath hot and bothered against her lips as his heart beat fast under her fingers on his chest. He was still so close she could feel him smile against her mouth.
"I missed that," he said quietly.
"Me too."
Sydney reached up, letting her hand tease his jawline as her other fingers continued their trail down his chest. She looked up into his eyes and couldn't help but smile back at him. After all the drama that engulfed them for the past few weeks, it was this quiet moment right now between the two of them that was the best moment she had had in a long time.
Andy's hand covered hers on his chest and he pulled away from her, entwining his fingers in hers.
"Can we talk for a minute?"
She nodded and let him lead her to the high benches in the room usually reserved for the players. He helped her get up on the one closest to them and then jumped up on a second one across from her. She watched as he nervously rubbed his hands on his Pirates-issued track pants.
"I actually don't know where to begin," he said with a nervous smile.
"I…"
Sydney trailed off, not sure really where she wanted to begin either. Andy stared at her with an expectant look, which probably looked like hers. She took a deep breath, figuring she had to start somewhere.
"Ryan gave me a pass to the friends and family lounge thing. I was waiting in there for him when I saw Aubrey?"That didn't sound right. What was that girl's name?"Ashleigh, I mean."
Andy's face went from a curious look to one of disdain, and he quickly ducked his head to avoid Sydney's gaze. But Sydney decided to press on and get this all out.
"Anyway, she was waiting there and her boyfriend came over and I just… I got it. He was standing there with some stitches on his face from the game that I'm assuming you took care of."
"I had to clean them up."
She nodded and gave him a tight smile. "That must suck for you."
He gave her a slight laugh. "That's one way of putting it."
"So the thing is, Ryan is my friend, and that's not going to change. But I understand now why that would bother you so I'll try and be more mindful of that in the future."
"The future?" he asked.
"I mean, if you want there to be a future with us, I guess."
"I do," he said quietly with a smile. "And I know you're dealing with your own things—"
"You don't have to worry about those."
"I worry about those, because you worry about those." He took a breath and shook his head in annoyance. "I have no idea how you're getting through this. I didn't want to tell you this, but I've been reading about what's going on with your job, or former job or whatever, and there seems to be a lot of crap that you're getting dragged into when it's not your fault."
Sydney's hands balled up into fists on the table, and she had to clench her jaw to control her frustration, especially considering she wasn't expecting to have to deal with these feelings here with him.
"You need people who will stand by you. You need Ryan and Lucy." He looked up at her with his piercing blue eyes. "You need me — at least, I hope you need me."
"I do," she replied quietly.
"I'll try and give you whatever you need, Sydney, but you have to actually tell me what that is."
