Give and Take - Joe Burrow AU

Chapter 4

You did not in fact go to sleep when you got up to your bedroom. Despite how exhausted you felt, you couldn't help but eavesdrop on the howling laughter coming from down by the pool area.

You should've gotten in the hot tub.

Your subconscious taunted you with fantasies of everyone trickling off to sleep, leaving you and Joe to your own devices in the hot tub. You would kiss him, you think. But again, as soon as you come face to face with him, you choke with anxiety.

A knock sounds at your door, slightly making you jump out of your skin as you're snapped out of your thoughts.

"Yeah?" You call, but no response.

With a huff of annoyance you get up and move to swing open the door to reveal Tana.

"Oh ... hey."

"You good?" she asks, sounding genuinely concerned.

"Yeah, why?"

"You just disappeared. Everyone was wondering where you were. Can I come in?" she asks apprehensively.

Moving out of the way to let her enter, she leaps onto your bed.

"Are you sure you're OK?" she presses again.

"Yeah, just tired I guess." you reply, joining her on the bed.

She sucks her teeth, "Bullshit."

"No seriously." You reply. You didn't;t want to sound defensive at the risk of having to spill what you're actually feeling. After last night's embarrassment, you feared that if you told Tana about Joe, she would meddle in the situation. Or worse, be upset because she likes him.

She stares at you with raised brows as if waiting for further response.

"Okay, if you say so." she shrugs. Getting up to head towards the door, you call her name, causing her whip around again.

"Yeah?"

"Do you really think I should start dating again?" you ask sheepishly.

"Oh, hell yeah." she responds.

With a maniacal smile and a wiggle of her eyebrows, she pulls a giggle from you.

"We'll have guys lined up out the door for you before you know it. We gotta get you a wax, hair appointment, nails -"

"Goodnight Tana ..." you say pushing her out the door.

*

Surprisingly, you had got a full night's sleep which surely made your head feel more clear. However, as soon as you spotted Joe eating breakfast downstairs alone, you felt uneasy again.

With a closed-mouth smile, you greet him quietly before grabbing a mug of your own to pour some coffee.

"How'd you sleep?" he asks.

"Really good actually." You respond, avoiding eye contact.

"Good. We missed you last night."

You meet his eyes with a pause.

"Really?"

"Tana near started whining that she was the only girl." he responds with a laugh.

"Oh, well, she'll get over it." you laugh. "She's always hanging with the boys when I'm not around."

"Do your friends tour with you usually or do they stay here?" Joe asks.

You join him at the kitchen island with your coffee.