Game On (Game On 1)

“The universe would implode.”

The smile he gave me reminded me of the way he’d been in Phoenix. Even with concussion, he’d been fun and easy to get along with. That was a very dangerous comparison though, so I quickly shook it off.

Radleigh was about to respond when I felt someone tap me on the shoulder.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Stacey said, “but our cab will be here soon.”

“It's okay, Stace. I didn't realise how late it is.”

It was nearing eleven thirty, which wasn't late by some people's standards but after the day I'd had, I was pretty tired.

“Time flies when you're having fun,” Radleigh said, smirking.

Shaking my head, I turned back to Stacey. “We'd better go and say goodbye to everyone.”

She nodded, and it was only then I realised that McCoy and I hadn't let go of each other yet.

I dropped my hands from around his waist and felt a coolness as his warm body moved away from mine. I couldn't bring myself to look at him again, I was too afraid of what might happen if I looked into his eyes.

Geez, get a grip on yourself! It was one dance, one conversation. He’s still a pig.

I linked arms with Stacey and we headed off to say goodbye to Alison and Michael. It was sad to have to leave everyone again, though I promised I would visit again as soon as I could.

Once we had said our goodbyes, Stacey, Billy, Radleigh and I headed outside to wait for our cab. It had gotten surprisingly cold outside and I shivered with the chill of the wind against my exposed arms and legs.

Stacey snuggled against Billy to keep warm and I felt a brief pang of jealousy, wishing Miguel was with me to block out the cold.

“You okay, Leah?” Radleigh asked.

“I'm fine,” I answered with a nod.

Talking to him suddenly felt weird. When we danced I’d come very close to thinking he wasn’t so bad, so while we waited for the taxi I reminded myself of all the loathsome things he’d done.

By the time we got home my hatred levels were fully restored.

Stacey and Billy said a hasty goodnight before stumbling into Stacey’s room, leaving me alone with Radleigh.

“Can we meet in the morning for breakfast?” he asked, breaking the awkward silence that hung between us. “So we can talk about the Taylor thing.”

I nodded. “I suppose so. My flight home isn’t until tomorrow evening. I’ll call you when I wake up.”

“Thanks.”

McCoy slipped his hands into his pockets, then cursed out loud.

“What’s wrong?”

“I think I've left my wallet at the hotel. Can I use the phone to call and check if it’s there?”

I nodded. I had a horrible feeling I knew where this was heading, but I rummaged under the coffee table for the phone book, then waited while he called. The receptionist told him that nobody had handed anything in, and after having a look around, they said it was nowhere to be found.

“Leah -” he began, but I immediately cut him off.

“Yes, you can stay here tonight. But know that it means nothing, and I'm only agreeing because you have no money and nowhere else to go.”

“I was just going to ask if you could lend me the cash to get back to the hotel.”

“Oh,” I said, my cheeks reddening. I should probably have let him finish. “I don’t think I have enough. But maybe Stacey -”