Chapter 4
PUT THAT THING AWAY
SHARI
I'm sitting on the patio sofa, finalising the invoices for my latest project, Pickles' head snoring in my lap, when my phone dings. I pick up my phone to see it was a Socialite notification and nearly drop it again when I see exactly what it is.
@bradical_movement likes your post
Well, shit. I didn't think he'd actually look at my Socialite page at all! My stomach tingles knowing that he's even thinking about me in any capacity. It's been just over a week since our fling, so I assumed he was never going to reach out. And I was ok with that. Mostly.
The sound of three more notifications go off in a row.
@bradical_movement has started following you
@bradical_movement has commented on your post
@bradical_movement has sent you a direct message
I decide to look at his comment first and can't help my burst of laughter at seeing it's just a string of emojis on my post from the festival.
@bradical_movement commented:
Thankfully, his DM is actual words. Words that make me feel giddy.
@bradical_movement — Hey sexy. I can't stop thinking about you, it's a real problem.
I tried to play it cool and not reach out too soon, but I couldn't help it.
Barely even made it a full week. You look so damn fit in your photos, Blaze.
Would you be ok with me posting some photos of us together? Brad x
I was so torn about posting any pics of him. I really wanted to, of course I did. He's gorgeous! And we did take some really good ones, but...I just wasn't ready for the judgey questions, ya know? So for now, they're in an album of their own in my phone.
@shareadsalot — Hi! Wow, I didn't actually think I'd ever hear from you. How was the final night? Sorry I couldn't stay, but you know. Work.
If you want to post any photos, go nuts! But could you please not tag me? I just can't deal with all the judgey Karens and their unwanted opinions right now. Shari xx
Immediately, three dots appear as he replies. Why do I have butterflies? We're only texting.
@bradical_movement — Fuck anyone who judges you! You're incredible and beautiful and smart and fun. They're just jealous, Blaze. Of course I won't tag you though if you don't want me to.
The last night was good, but I was definitely ready for it to be over. Especially since I didn't have you to keep me warm in my tent
How was work? Any chance they're sending you near Exeter any time soon?
@shareadsalot — It's actually funny you should ask because I was told this morning that they want me to survey a building in Topsham next week.
@bradical_movement — oh shit, seriously? That's so close it's not even funny! When will you be there? Is there any way you could make a weekend of it? I know I'm failing at playing it cool. Again. But I don't even care that I sound desperate right now.
I shuffle Pickles – who grunts his protest at being moved – to recline alongside me as I turn sideways to lie down and type out my reply, cheeks hurting from how wide my smile is.
@shareadsalot — honestly, you're doing wonders for my ego
And they said I can choose whichever day works best, so if you're serious about me making a weekend of it then I can tell them I'll go on Friday?
@bradical_movement — do it. Book it in now. Come and spend the weekend with me. I'll kick the guys out so we don't have to worry about being quiet
This is either going to be the best or worst decision I've ever made. I categorically cannot fall for a university student! But a goodbye fling wouldn't go amiss, especially when the sex is that hot. I can feel myself getting wet just thinking about it.
@shareadsalot — it's a date xx
@bradical_movement — fucking sound! Blaze, you've just made my whole week X
@shareadsalot — I've gotta ask, why do you keep calling me Blaze?
Of course, I'd noticed during our time together at the festival, but honestly, I was too preoccupied to ask at the time. I have to know, though.
@bradical_movement — isn't it obvious? You're pure fire. In every way. And I can't wait to have you warming my bed again next weekend
@shareadsalot — I feel like I shouldn't be charmed by that, but I absolutely am. I gotta go, but send me your address at some point and I'll see you in ten days xx
@bradical_movement — I can't wait X
19th May 2023
We ended up swapping numbers and texting daily for those ten days, and it's only now that I'm pulling into his driveway that my nerves decide to kick in.
What if I was wearing rose-tinted glasses, and he acts as young as he is? Or worse, what if he sees me and isn't attracted to me anymore? Oh god, what if his friends see us together and think I'm his mum?!
I'm considering turning my car around when his front door opens and the man in question leans against the frame, giving me a knowing smirk.
Damn him. He's actually hotter than I remember.
He casually folds his arms across his chest and we enter into a silent stare off, his smirk morphing into a grin as the seconds tick by.
After about a minute, I huff in defeat, unbuckling my seatbelt, and the Smuggy McSmugging gloater ambles his way over to my car, opening my door for me.
Somehow his smile grows even wider as he holds out a hand to help me out, and I.
Am. Putty. Because no man should be this beautiful.
Really, he's a danger to himself and everyone around him.
“Put that thing away.”
He pulls me out of the car and into his chest, sending a puff of his coconut and woodsy scent into my lungs. “It's not out yet, Blaze, but I'm game to start early if you are,” he rumbles.
“Not that, you perv, your smile. It's a weapon of mass destruction and I fear for all of us mere humans in its range.”
He throws back his head and laughs whilst I stare mesmerised at his Adam's apple. “Pure fire, Blaze. Pure fire.” He pecks a quick kiss to my lips that leaves me wanting more. So, so much more.
“What is that woodsy smell on your skin?” I ask, pressing my nose to his neck and sucking in a breath in my trance-like state.
“Um, I use cedarwood scented surfboard wax, so I have to assume it’s that?” A small smile lingers on his puffy lips.
“Cedarwood,” I mumble absently, imagining his sculpted body cutting through the waves on a surfboard.
He clears his throat. “Torbyn and Dave are already on their way to Birmingham for Bournemouth’s match against Aston Villa, thankfully. And they’re staying up there all weekend.”
“Oh, I’m not stopping you from going, am I?”
“Not at all, Blaze. I don’t enjoy football, I’m very much a rugby guy.
But even if I were a fan, I’d choose you over the match any day.
” He boops my nose as my stomach performs a little somersault.
“Unfortunately, we have to stay clothed for a little while, though, because Trey refuses to leave until he's met you.
Let's get that over real quick so we can kick him out.”
My laughter trails behind us as I'm unceremoniously dragged across the gravel driveway into the house, my bag in Brad's other hand. When did he even grab that?
The house is very obviously a bachelor pad with its lack of decor – just plain white walls, light oak lino flooring, and basic flatpack furniture.
But at least it looks and smells clean. Or rather, it smells like bleach and Febreeze, so it has very recently been spruced up at least. I’m grateful he made the effort. Could've been so much worse.
A tall mixed race man with his hair braided in cane rows steps out from a door in the hallway and flashes a heart-stopping grin at me. Seriously, what do they put in the water here? The guys at my uni didn't look like these two.
“Shari, this is my roommate and best friend, Trey. Trey, this is my future wife, Shari. Now leave.”
Trey's booming laugh settles my nerves as he pulls me from Brad's grip and into a bear hug. I can feel his deep voice travel through my chest as he states, “Shari, it's so good to finally meet the woman who's going to put my boy on his ass. He will not stop talking about you.”
Is that an American accent I detect?
I don't even know what to say to that, so I settle on a very profound and witty, “Hi.”
This, of course, just makes Trey laugh even harder before Brad's slapping at Trey's hands and tugging me from his grip. “Ok, enough, you can't have her. Get your own. In fact, leave right now to start your search.”
Trey is still smiling even as he shakes his head at Brad's antics. “I truly hope to see you around more, Shari. You kids have a good weekend, and don't forget to use protection.” And with that, Trey's out the door.
“Where's he going to stay this weekend? I feel bad that he has to leave his own house.”
“Don't. He has plenty of beds on offer to him and I'm sure he'll be making the most of it. But enough about Trey.” His lips descend on mine and I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
“Bloody hell, I missed you. Is that weird?”
I feel my cheeks heat with his admission, and I answer honestly, “It should be because we've only known each other a few weeks, but...I feel the same.”
“You ok with dessert first?”
I'm a little taken aback by the sudden change in topic, but also dessert, so, “I’m good with that. What's for dessert?”
I squeak as he throws me over his shoulder, and with a light smack to my ass that I'm garnering is his signature move, he replies, “You.”
“Have you always lived in England?” Brad asks with a quirked eyebrow.
I side eye him. “Noooo, but I am curious as to what might have given me away.”
We're sitting on the sofa, eating actual dessert – apple crumble and ice cream – with our backs to opposite armrests so we're facing each other, our legs tangled together.
He hums his amusement around the spoon. “Your accent, for one. It's generic English eighty percent of the time, but some things have an American or even Australian twang. Almost like you can't decide which accent you want to use.”