by Kyra Lennon
“I owe you an apology, Leah. I shouldn't have taken my anger out on Miguel. You were right, it wasn't fair.”
“You should apologise to Miguel, not me.”
“I already did, this morning. He was more understanding than he should have been after what I did to him.”
“Well, he’s pretty amazing that way.”
“I didn’t come to talk about Miguel though. I want to tell you the truth about what happened with Taylor.”
“A confession?”
“No, Leah, there's nothing to confess. The day she says I kissed her, I did see her. I wanted to talk to her with nobody else around. The truth is, she’s been following me for weeks. Every time I looked over my shoulder, she was there. I wanted to tell her once and for all that it had to stop.”
That was pretty much the opposite of what Taylor had told me. Same story, different perspective.
“I’m having trouble imagining you wanting to avoid a woman who is desperate to sleep with you.”
“Leah, she is nuts. Even I have limits.”
“So why didn't you tell anyone?”
“Because she’s a kid. I thought she’d get bored of throwing herself at me. Instead, she kept showing up wherever I was like a creepy stalker.”
“And she was so distraught that day in the restaurant because …?”
“Because I told her there was no chance of anything ever happening between us. I know what you think of me, but even I have rules about not screwing around with my friends’ women.”
He sounded convincing enough, but there was something about it that didn't ring true. I couldn't shrug off all that Taylor had told me, and how upset she'd been just because McCoy made up a decent cover story. Whatever happened had only just unfolded when I found her in a quivering wreck. There wasn’t enough time for her to make up a lie that big and do it so convincingly.
But what if she did?
This was the wrong place to think about it. It was too confusing, and I’d had too much to drink to think it through rationally. Instead of stressing over what he may or may not have done, I wanted to enjoy myself.
“Leah, do you want to dance?”
I took in the romantic ballad that was playing, smiled sweetly and said, “Yes. But not with you.”
“But I'm the only one who's asking.”
“Well, what guy would be brave enough to ask me with you sitting beside me? I’m going to mingle.”
Even though I’d told Miguel I’d save slow dances for him, he’d insisted that I have at least one. ‘It’s a wedding,’ he said. ‘If someone asks you, accept. There will be plenty of other chances for us to slow dance.’
I started to stand up but McCoy caught my hand. “Please? One dance?”
“No.”
“Why not?” he challenged. “What are you afraid of?”
Oh, why does he believe he's irresistible? I tried to ignore the fact that he really did look incredible, and that, as Alison had pointed out, practically every woman in the room, single or otherwise was looking at him with lust in their eyes.
“I'm not afraid of anything, I just don't want to dance with you.”
“Leah, come on. One dance. It won't kill you.”
It might.
He raised an eyebrow and I rolled my eyes.
“One dance.”
Grinning, Radleigh stood up. I followed him to the dance floor where he gently but confidently snaked his arms around my waist.
The last time we were this close, we were kissing, and the last time he was this close to Taylor, he -. I forced myself to stop. It was only a dance after all. I couldn't help but breathe in the scent of him, though. He always smelled amazing.
“You really do look gorgeous tonight,” he said, breaking into my thoughts and bringing me to my senses in one breath.
“Okay, let's cut to the chase,” I said, looking him in the eye. “This is the part where you tell me that I've got you all wrong, and you're just a poor misunderstood boy, right?”
Radleigh smiled roguishly. “You're good.”
“I’ve had plenty of experience with men like you. I know all the tricks, I've even fallen for them.”
“The tricks or the men?”
“Both.”
“I'm sorry.”
“Cut it out,” I told him, unable to stop myself laughing at the fact that he was still trying.
His arms tightened around me, almost like a challenge, but instead of backing away I relaxed against him. For the first time ever, he’d sought permission before putting his hands on me. Although I wasn’t even close to trusting him, it felt good that he was treating me with a little bit of respect for once.
He felt so different to Miguel. McCoy was taller, his body more firm. Miguel was fit but not nearly as toned. Hugging him was like hugging a cushion.
“So,” I said, looking up at Radleigh again, “what about you? Have you ever been in a relationship?”
I don't know what made me ask but it was worth it to see the look of surprise on his face.
“Sure I have,” he answered.
“Any that lasted longer than twenty-four hours?”
“Yes. But not for a while. I haven't been serious with anyone for a few years.”
“Why not?”
“Haven't found the right woman.”
“How could you possibly know that when you don't spend more than one night with anyone?”
“Well,” he grinned, “I haven't found a woman who is good enough in bed that makes me want to call them again.”
“Urgh. You really are disgusting, aren't you? Has it ever occurred to you that life isn't entirely about sex?”
“No,” he answered, with mock thoughtfulness. “Actually that hasn't occurred to me.”
I stomped hard on his foot to express my indignation, and he winced in pain. “What was that for?”
“For being such a pig.”
“Well I'd hate to disappoint you, Leah. I mean, what would happen if you actually started to like me?”
“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 -”
“You can’t go in there now,” he laughed as a shrill squeal and giggle came from Stacey’s room.
He was right. He’d have to stay the night.
“I’ll get you some pillows and a blanket,” I sighed, heading to the cupboard in the hallway without looking at him.
I returned a few minutes later with a spare duvet and a couple of pillows, as McCoy was piling up his clothes on the armchair. He'd already stripped off his shoes, coat and shirt. I didn't want to hang around to see him take off his trousers.
“Goodnight,” I said, setting the bedding down on the sofa.
I was finding it hard to meet his eye as he stood there shirtless. I’d seen him with his top off a million times when the players swapped shirts at the end of a match, but this wasn’t the same. We weren’t on the pitch. We were alone in Stacey’s apartment, and he looked … different.
“Goodnight, Leah.”
Blocking thoughts of Radleigh from my mind, I went to my room, changed my clothes and climbed into bed, hoping the tiredness that was washing over me would send me to sleep within minutes.
At two a.m, I was still staring at the ceiling.
I was beginning to feel more than a little dehydrated. I also knew I wouldn't sleep at all if I didn't have something to drink, so I dragged myself from the warmth of my bed and quietly crept towards the kitchen.
I needn't have bothered trying to be silent. As I approached the lounge, I heard the sound of the television and when I entered the room, I saw McCoy was sitting on the floor, leaning back against the sofa wrapped in his duvet. Wide awake.
If I’d known he’d be up, I’d have put my bathrobe on. As it was, I was wearing an old grey t-shirt that only just covered my arse, but there was no point in worrying about it. I wasn’t planning on being near him any longer than I had to.
“Leah,” Radleigh said. “Sorry, did the TV wake you?”
He looked genuinely worried, and I shook my head.
“I came to get a drink,” I told him. “Carry on.”
In the kitchen, I opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of cold water, thankful that Stacey still kept a good supply. I downed most of it in one go. Once I’d re-hydrated myself, I peered out from around the fridge door. “Radleigh, do you want anything?”
“I'm actually kinda hungry,” he answered, looking up at me. “Do you cook?”
“Not at two in the morning.”
“Worth a try.”
“I have ingredients for making a sandwich though. Or there are some cookies. Everything else requires cooking.”
“I'll take the cookies.”
Closing the fridge door, I reached up to the cupboard and rummaged around for the biscuits which I knew would be buried at the back. Stacey always hid them there so Billy wouldn’t find them and eat them all. I figured I could replace them in the morning.
“Here you go,” I said, tossing him the packet which he caught expertly.
“Thank you,” he said, ripping into the packaging.
“You could have helped yourself. I'm not cruel enough to let you starve.”
“I'll remember that next time.”
“Next time Stacey will know not to let you in.”
“Oh don't try and tell me you didn't have fun tonight.”
I opened my mouth to retaliate, but changed my mind. I picked up my bottle of water and started to head towards the door.
“Leah?”
“Yeah?”
“Cookie?” He held the packet out towards me.
After a moment's hesitation, I smiled. “Yeah, okay.”
I stepped towards him and took a biscuit from the packet. As I bit into it I remembered why Stacey always hid them. The chocolate chip goodness melted in my mouth, and I murmured, “Oh wow, I forgot how good these are.”
“Well you're not having them back,” McCoy smirked, moving the packet out of my reach. I was half-tempted to fight him for them but decided against it. I didn’t trust myself.
“Fine,” I told him. “I'll be getting back to bed then.”
“Okay, but before you go -” he paused.
“Yes?”
“Thanks. For letting me come out with you, and for letting me stay.”
“Technically, you should be thanking Billy and Stacey. Everything that happened tonight was because of them.”
“Maybe. But you wanted me there tonight.”
With a low growl of frustration I said, “Give it a rest, McCoy.”
He picked up the remote and turned off the television. I watched his eyes roam the length of my body, lingering for a moment on my legs before returning to my face. I should have been annoyed with him for so blatantly checking me out, but instead I felt heat spreading through me.
“Goodnight,” I said, with a calmness I didn't feel.
“Leah, don't,” he said, throwing the duvet aside and standing up. “Don't go back to bed.”
Bloody hell, Radleigh McCoy is half naked in Stacey’s living room! Black boxers. That was all he was wearing.
“I'm tired,” I told him, forcing my eyes away from him. “I'll talk to you tomorrow. I want to go to sleep.”
“Sure you do. But you can't, and that's why you got up.”
“What are you suggesting? That the thought of you in here kept me awake?”
“It did, didn't it?”
I could feel myself beginning to get flustered because he was right. Just not for the reasons he was thinking.
Well … not entirely for the reasons he was thinking.
“Leah, come on. Why don't you try being honest for once?”
“You don't deserve honesty,” I snapped. “I don't even know who you are! One minute you’re some sleazy guy, hitting on any girl who walks by, the next you’re the perfect date for the evening! Who the hell are you?”
So much for not being honest.
I watched as his brain ticked over for a moment or two. While I waited for a response, my eyes began to travel over his body the same way he’d done to me just minutes before. I gazed his tattooed arms and his firm stomach, then snapped back to his face as he began to speak.
“Radleigh McCoy, third generation soccer star.”
“There’s more to you than that,” I said. “It's just lost under several layers of arrogance and baby oil.”
“And maybe tonight I want to be with someone who knows that, instead of someone who wants to make a quick buck by selling their story to the highest bidder. I’m not complicated, Leah. And I don't change. It's you who changes. You think you know me, but whenever you see a different side to me, your opinion shifts.”
>
I was tired. Too tired for the conversation but too curious to stop.
“Exactly how many sides do you have?”
He took a step closer to me and my heart rate quickened as he did so. In a soft voice he said, “I'm just me, Leah.”
As I stood rooted to the spot, he slowly leaned in towards me.
“What would happen if I kissed you?” he asked, his mouth so close to my skin that his warm breath tickled my neck.
I couldn't speak. He hadn't even touched me, but I could feel him. I closed my eyes against the sensations that were spreading through me just from his nearness but it was too strong to fight off this time. As I opened my eyes again, I tilted my head upwards to look at him, but an image of Taylor’s sobbing face flashed into my mind, making me take a step back.
“What would happen if I said no?”
I willed my body to stop wanting him. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t fair that he looked so good, or that he was making it so easy for me to give in.
“If you say no, we’ll both go to bed disappointed. We’ll fight, we’ll talk, and then we’ll end up here again.”
“But what if I don’t want to keep ending up here?”
“If you didn’t want to,” he said, taking a small step closer to me, “you wouldn’t still be here talking about it.”
I could see the fire in his eyes, but he didn’t make another move. He was giving me the choice. To do something, or to walk away. I reached out and slowly ran a finger down his chest to his abs. My eyes didn't leave his for a second.
I wanted to touch him, I wanted to run away, I wanted to kiss him, I wanted to hit him.
My choice.
My finger gently traced the contours of his stomach, dancing across every muscle, tingling at the softness of his skin.
Decision made.
My lips followed, leaving a trail of soft kisses up to his chest.
Just when I thought I might die from the anticipation of him touching me, McCoy rested his hands on my hips and drew me into him. With one brief look of understanding between us, his lips pressed down against mine, and I wrapped my arms around his back, a small sigh of relief escaping me as his tongue slid into my mouth.
Everything I’d been fighting against for the past few weeks fell away. There wasn’t a thought in my head except for the realisation that the feelings I’d tried to push away were impossible to ignore.