So Much More (Book One in the Enough Series)

11. Drunk Dial

Reed

What had I done for the universe to keep dicking me over in such a way? Every time I had a second with Eden, something or someone ruined it. I was frustrated and worried, I knew Nick would try to stick his nose in somewhere, and I didn't want him to be the one to explain everything to Eden. I was debating just texting the explanation to her, as ridiculous as I knew it would be. At least at that point, she would know the truth, and I could finally get it off my conscience. I knew that was a terrible idea, though, and that the whole situation was best explained in person. Instead of texting Eden or doing anything else stupid, I decided to hit the gym for a bit, to work off some of the anger. I texted Bennett to have him meet up with me, and shortly after, that's where we were, running side by side on treadmills in the team's athletic center.

"You've tried twice now, and both times no luck?" Bennett reiterated.

"Always interrupted." I huffed.

"Is it really that big of a deal? So you ended up on a date and hit it off; why does it matter how you ended up there?"

"Because it's a lie?" I slowed the treadmill down, coming to a slow stop. "Fuck, am I making a bigger deal out of this than it really is?" I wiped the sweat off my face.

"I think so, but what the hell do I know. This is why I don't date." He laughed, grabbing his water and heading toward the locker room. Asshole. "Hugh invited us out tonight, drinks at the pub a few blocks over from the apartment. You should come, relax and forget about all this for a bit. Hell, maybe find a new girl." He laughed, throwing his bottle down, and heading straight to the shower.

"I don't want a new girl. I wasn't planning on getting a girl; this was just a good deed that turned into so much more. I like her; I didn't plan on that. Fuck."

"Is this chick really worth all this trouble you're putting yourself through?" Bennett grumbled, entering the locker room.

"Absolutely," I answered without an ounce of hesitation.

After a couple of Canadian beers, I'm spilling my guts to Hugh. He was amused by the whole thing and said I'm making a big deal out of nothing. He even goes so far as to ask a few of the ladies who have joined us. They all seem to agree that I need to tell her but differ on how big of a deal they believe it to be.

"You're so hot; she would be a dumbass not to take you home and keep you." The redhead says in a slur, making me uncomfortable.

"She's right; who wouldn't want to keep you?" Bennett laughed like the bastard he was.

"You fellas wanna have a nightcap?" The brunette purred as she sat on Hugh's lap, much to his delight. He quickly agreed to her idea.

"Ah, why the fuck not. Let's take this back to the apartment." Bennett chimed in, wiggling his eyebrows toward me. Typical of Bennett bringing home a girl for the night; I should have known this would be how the evening would end. He was a player and loved nothing more than one night with a girl. It didn't take long after we moved in with Hugh for his bad habits to rub off on him as well, and together they worked as each other's wingmen.

"Yay!" The girls squealed. "Maybe we can cheer our little lover boy up here." The redhead rubbed her hand up and down my arm, causing me to flinch.

"Guys, I just spilled my guts about the girl I'm into. I don't want to do this." I grumbled in my inebriated state. Of course, no one was listening to me at this point. I followed along as we made our way back to the apartment, with the girls complaining the whole way about the walk.

"This is a nice place." The brunette girl said once we made it inside. The guys were playing bartender, serving up more drinks. I had reached my limit and was pouting on the sofa. I pulled my phone out and saw that Eden had texted me. She apologized for yet another interruption and told me she was available tomorrow if I wanted to hang out. Of course, I did. I text her replying as such. I watched as the three tiny dots popped up and then vanished again.

Great! I really like you too, Reed.

She echoed the words I had said to her before leaving her office. I was smiling like an idiot when one of the girls laid her head on my lap, moving the phone.

"Hey!" She laughed; I didn't hesitate as I rolled my eyes and stood. "Where is ya going, lover boy?" She laughed with a high pitch that could cut class.

I excused myself to my bedroom, but their loud music and laughter drove me insane. This was probably our last night to let loose; our training schedule was already intense with the season fast approaching. I didn't want to ruin the guy's good time, so in my slightly drunken state, I did what no one should do; I dialed Eden.

"Hello?" She answered groggily. I had no idea what time it was.

"Hey." I garbled, attempting and failing miserably to sound smooth.

"Reed, is everything okay?" Her voice was beautiful.

"Yeah. I just... my roommates, they're having a little party." I stated. I was laid back on my bed, looking up at the ceiling.

"Okay?" She tried to hide her chuckle. "Are you... have you been drinking?"

"A little. I'm not a big drinker."

"Uh-huh." I could hear her shuffling around. "Why aren't you partying with your roommates?"

"I'm not interested," I replied just as one of the girls screamed out, then laughter filled the apartment.

"Sounds kind of wild."

"Yeah, I tried to hide out in my room, but they're annoying."

"What can I do to help?" She yawned.

"I can't stop thinking about you." I blurted, immediately covering my mouth as if that would somehow help.

"Oh, yea?" She seemed surprised. "I've been thinking about you a lot lately, too," Eden admitted, making my heart swell.

"Did I wake you up?"

"No, actually, I was reading a little."

"Good. I'm glad I didn't wake you." I turned over on my side, the party outside my door appearing to calm down. "What were you reading?" I closed my eyes, listening to her voice.

"Um, the second book of the Dare Brothers series, Dare To Try."

"Hmm. Sounds interesting." I whispered, feeling myself relax.

"That's just the title. I enjoy it, though; not sure it's up your alley." She giggled softly. "It's a favorite at the store."

"I like science and history."

"Nothing wrong with that." I could hear the smile in her voice.

"Thank you for answering my call tonight, Eden." I yawned, snuggling further into my blanket. "That's such a beautiful name. Eden."

"You're welcome, Reed. I think you're ready to go to sleep now." She hummed.

"Mmmhmm."

"Goodnight."