Page 25 of One Time Player

“Hello.” My voice is terrified.

A bubble of laughter.

He’s freaking laughing.

“OMG, Patty, you’re too funny,” he cackles. “You’ve got to relax. I wasn’t going to read into the red heart. I didn’t think you suddenly fell in love with me, even though I’m quite the catch.”

“That’s not it,” I stutter.

“No? Then what is it then. You’ve never replied with a red heart before,” he states, his tone carrying a mirth I don’t appreciate.

“Relax yourself. I just appreciate you picking me up from the airport,” I reply, feeling out of sorts. We’ve developed our friendship with me on another continent. It’s going to be weird going back home and being face-to-face. I think communicating through the phone has made it easier for me to open up. I never would have otherwise. That, and I may have enjoyed a little too much beer while in Scotland and wines while in Italy, which made me loose-mouthed.

“Fine, if you say so,” he concedes.

“Cocky bastard,” I mutter to myself.

“What was that?” he asks.

“Nothing. Got to run,” I say, and I end the call without a goodbye. Take that, Evan Hayworth. I have not fallen for you. That would be the furthest thing from the truth.

* * *

Evan

I check my watch for the fifth time in the last ten minutes. The board in the terminal says Patty’s flight arrived forty-five minutes ago. I don’t understand the holdup.

I decide to text her. I don’t think she would just leave the airport in an Uber. She knew I was coming to get her.

Me:I’m in the terminal waiting for you beside Starbucks.

I wait.

This summer was very unexpected. After I started talking and texting with Patty, I decided I needed to get out and have fun with the guys. I did some clubbing, more golfing, and then we spent the last two weeks in Florida working out daily with a trainer on the beach. Talking to Patty made me feel good. It gave me something to look forward to.

The last week we were in Florida, we also rented a large yacht and spent our days lounging around under the Florida sun. Overall, it was a good trip, and it was nice to come home too. I spent time with Liam and Skylar. Seeing them so happy together pulled at something inside me. I liked what they had, but I knew I wasn’t ready to give my heart in that way. Instead, I decided on celibacy. I had done my share of fucking around in the past and I was over it. I was also horny as hell because my right hand didn’t seem to be cutting it for me.

My phone pings.

A message comes in from Patty.

Finally.

Patty:Sorry, took me some time to clear customs. I kind of have a lot of luggage.

Do you have a big car? I can always order and Uber.

What does this girl have with Ubers?

Me:My truck will handle your luggage just fine.

I watch the sliding doors where all passengers leave the gate. I’ve seen people run into the arms of significant others, I’ve witnessed a dude drop down to one knee and propose to a girl. And still no Patty.

A person then comes through the doors with a cart covered sky-high in suitcases. I’m tall so it isn’t a problem for me to see over the tower of luggage. My gaze connects with Patty who is struggling to push the cart, which must weigh a million pounds.

I don’t know what the protocol should be. Do I give her a wave? A small hug? A peck on the cheek? I’ve never been good friends with a girl before.

She pushes through the swinging barrier or whatever it’s called and then she pauses in front of me huffing.

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