Page 53

“That would be great. I love spending time with you,” Abby tells her with a smile.

Saff clears her throat again. “I’m not sure…” There’s a pause which focuses my gaze intently on her face, trying to get a read on her. “I think I’m going to look for a steady relationship. So I don’t know if I’ll be available to play next time. And I understand if that means you’d rather I didn’t come.” Her statement doesn’t shock me, it’s not the first time she’s talked about settling down, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s her bad experience that has triggered this decision.

“Don’t be daft,” Abby replies before I get the chance to open my mouth. “There’s never any expectation that we do that. I’d like to say we’re friends, Saff?” Saff’s head bobs with a nod. “We have fun together, regardless whether there’s sex and orgasms involved. I’d love to keep you as a friend, even if that means no more sex.”

I shift closer on the bench seat to plaster our sides together and hug Saff tight. “What she said. You’re my best friend, Saff. I’ll take you in any capacity I can have you. What’s got you thinking this way?”

“I’ve had fun playing with you over the years, Cam, and I think I always assumed I wouldn’t need anything more than casual.” My heart squeezes at her confession. “But when you left, and I had that awful experience, I realised I do need more. I hadn’t realised how much the friendship, along with the sex, was important to me. With you down here and you two…” she waggles her brows at us both, “you know. Well, I want to find my own version of that.”

Abby shifts uncomfortably in her seat, drawing my attention. Her brows knit, and awkwardness clouds her face, but she says nothing. Saff has picked up that there’s more between us than either of us has verbalised. Although, Abby may need more persuading. I have to hope that I’ll find a way to convince her because I’m in this—I want to be with her—and I know we’ll be able to find a way forward if we both try.

“Guys, I should go. You clearly need to talk this out, and I’m in the way.” Abby’s tone is higher pitched than normal, her gaze flickering everywhere apart from meeting my eyes.

“Nonsense.” Saff leaves my side, lunging towards Abby to mirror the one armed hug I’d just given her. “Please don’t go. I didn’t mean for you to feel uncomfortable. I wanted to get it all in the open while I’m still here in person.”

Abby swallows hard as she finally meets my gaze. “Do you mind if I’m here?” The perplexities that can sometimes come with any trio are rampant at the moment. The space we are in doesn’t allow me the opportunity to gather them both close and provide comfort and that sucks.

“Of course not, Pixie.” I give her a lopsided smile. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Yeah, but you two have known each other so much longer. I’m just temporary.” Her voice is pitched low.

“I didn’t mean to cause problems between you two with my announcement. I’m so sorry. I thought you’d already figured outwhat you two are,” Saff tells us both, softly. It’s her turn to look panicked now.

I let loose a sigh. “I don’t think we have worked it out. But I’m still glad you told me in person what you need. I don’t want to lose your friendship, Saff. I know it’s been an adjustment with me being down here, but I promise I want to stay in close contact with you. Maybe I can help you find someone?” I suggest, wondering what the fuck I’m volunteering for.What the hell do I know about serious and committed relationships?

“Oh yeah, and how would that help work?” It’s a relief to see Saff’s cheeky raised brow as she looks at me with amusement.

“I don’t fucking know. It slipped out. I could ask around, see who I know that’s looking for something serious.” I shrug in helplessness, and Saff chuckles.

“No thanks. I need to do this on my own. Perhaps if I do meet someone and start to wonder if they’re the one, I could introduce them to you two and see if you scare them away?”

“I’m up for that if you are, Pixie?” I say with an answering grin.

“Sure,” Abby replies with a smile. “Always willing to convince people that monogamy isn’t the answer.” She makes me want to find a creative solution to keep her without her feeling trapped.

We finish our food and drinks, and I settle the bill, luckily without any arguments. We head out to the airport, me dragging Saff’s bag behind me as we stroll. “So, what did you think of London?” Abby asks.

“It’s alright. I’ll definitely visit again, but can I be honest and say it’s more for the people than for the place?”

Abby snorts in amusement. “You can. When we get another date arranged, I’ll see if I can organise a catch up with Cassidy so you can meet one of your favourite authors. How does that sound?” Saff lets out a squeal of excitement.

“I’d love that. Ooh, do you think I could meet her boyfriends, too?”

“Yeah, maybe I can get our smut book club together for a dinner. Mel and Laura, too. I came up to Glasgow with Laura when I met you guys.”

“That would be great.”

Elation rises in my chest. If Abby is thinking about future plans, perhaps she’s coming around to the idea that there’s a future for us?I fucking hope so.

We see Saff off at the departure gate, waving like loons until she’s completely out of sight. Once we can no longer see her and her riot of auburn curls, I turn to face Abby. The corners of my mouth rise in a smile, and excitement fizzes when she mirrors me. I reach out and clasp each of her hands with mine.

“Hey,” I say, unsure what I’m doing but wanting to keep the connection we’ve had these last couple of days.

“Hey.” Her grin is impish.

“I still have the hotel room for one night. I’m moving into the flat tomorrow,” I tell her.

Her brows raise with curiosity.Should I push my luck?