Wildcard: Volume One

“Hey, you called me this time, remember?”

“Oh shit, you’re right.” She blushes, and I laugh.

I could spend my whole day talking to you.

Which is probably just a testament to how bored I am.

“It feels kind of strange actually seeing you,” she admits. I know exactly what she means. Compared to talking on the phone, this feels so much more intimate.

“I’m happy to be able to place the voice with a face,” I say, my lips curving into a grin. She blushes again, and I laugh again. “I just mean, you’ve known all along what I look like. It’s nice to be able to see you too.”

“I hope I’ve met your expectations,” she jokes as she rolls her eyes.

“You’ve exceeded them,” I murmur. I laugh as her face goes bright red. I decide to let her off the hook and change the subject. “I don’t want you to think I’m stalking you or anything, but I’m looking at your Facebook profile right now. Mind if I add you?”

“I’d love for you to add me,” she grins. “I enjoy talking to you.”

I smile because that is the first time she’s actually admitted it. I think she realizes it too, because she’s blushing. Again.

“I mean, you’re not a complete asshole,” she adds.

“Wow, thanks,” I chuckle. “You know, you’re kind of cute when you’re embarrassed.”

“So, how is your ass doing?” she asks, raising her eyebrows.

I laugh. Nice change of subject.

“It’s fine. I can start getting out of bed tomorrow and maybe even go back to London by the weekend.”

“Really? That’s awesome.” She smiles. “I bet you can’t wait to get back to your life.” I’m sure I can hear disappointment in her voice. Does she think I won’t be bothering her as much when I’m back home?

Because if she does, then she’s wrong.

“I won’t be playing tennis for a while yet, though,” I explain. “My doctor said it might take months for it to heal completely.”

“Well, that sucks.”

“No, I’m actually okay with it. It gives me time to think about things.”

“What’s to think about?” she asks.

“What’s not?”

“You don’t strike me as the type of guy who thinks things through a hell of a lot,” she says with a giggle.

“Maybe that’s why I need to rethink things,” I retort.

“Maybe,” she says. Her eyes dart away and her face falls. “Shit, I have to get to work. Feel free to Facebook me,” she adds shyly.

“I will if you ever confirm my friend request.”

“Hmmm, I’ll give it some consideration. Have a good

day, Mr Stevens,” she says with sweet smile, just before the screen goes blank.

Chapter Ten

“Mum, can I speak to you for a second?” I call out.