Page 32 of Meant for Stone (Meant For)

“On your way home from where?” he asks, and I exhale.

“I spent the weekend in Chicago.” I don’t know if I want to tell him anything, but I also know I need to talk to someone.

“You spent the weekend in Chicago? Why the hell would you do that?”

“I was with Ryleigh,” I finally admit.

“Shut the fuck up,” he fires back right away. “You spent the whole weekend with her?” He doesn’t wait for me to answer. “Or you were in town and had dinner with her?”

“We played Chicago and then had a couple of days off, so I stayed with her.”

He laughs. “Romeo is going to kick your ass.” He mentions Ryleigh’s brother and his brother-in-law.

“Well, he needs to get used to it.” I look out and see we’ve already taken off.

“Is that so?” I can hear the humor in his voice.

“That is so,” I tell him. “I’m not going to lie. I’m fucking obsessed with her.” Fuck, saying the words feel good. “She’s like all that and then some.”

“Jesus, how good is she in bed?” I clench my fist.

“None of your fucking business,” I say tightly. “All you need to know is this isn’t just a fling.”

“Stone,” he says, “you live in Nashville.”

“I’m aware.” I pretend I’m not irritated with that fact.

“She’s in Chicago and has a really important job.” I’m annoyed he even knows this much about her.

“Again, I’m aware, but thanks for letting me know.”

“I’m not the bad guy,” he reminds me softly. “I’m just pointing out the obvious; long-distance relationships suck balls.”

“When is the last time you were in a long-distance relationship?” I counter him, and he groans.

“I would think spending all weekend with Ryleigh would have you in a better mood.” I put my head back and close my eyes.

“I’m sorry. It’s just we’re figuring it out,” I tell him. “We just haven’t spoken about it.”

“You spent the whole weekend with her and didn’t have the conversation about what happens after you leave?” He laughs the whole time. “You are so dumb.”

“Thanks, appreciate the talk.”

“Anytime. Let me know how it works out for you when you do bring up the, ‘hey, are we dating even though I live in Nashville and you live in Chicago?’”

“How’s your girlfriend?” I snap.

“Well, considering I haven’t met her yet, I’m going to say she’s miserable without me.” He gulps some water. “That’s just my guess.”

“You’re a dork.” I laugh. “She’s probably living her best life without you.”

“Maybe,” he laughs, “or maybe not. Anyway, I’m hitting the shower. We leave in two hours for Vegas.”

“Again?” I laugh as he groans.

“The last time this season, thank fuck. Unless it’s the playoffs, but so far looks like it’ll be Calgary.”

“So far we don’t even qualify for the playoffs,” I inform him. “Be safe,” I say before I hang up with him.

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