Last night had been incredible. Falling asleep with Hannah in his arms had been the most intense, amazing moment he’d ever spent with a woman. They hadn’t even had sex, which made it all that much more mind-blowing.
She’d fallen asleep much faster than he would’ve thought. And her steady, soft breathing, and the softness of her breath against his chest, had lulled him into a deep sleep too. Which had been a little surprising. Usually, he had trouble falling asleep while still in cuddle mode.
Eric thrust a hand through his hair as he waited at a light.
He was in deep. He needed to talk this out with someone. Get advice from someone who wouldn’t judge him. Or at least not too harshly.
But who? All his friends would rail at him for breaking the Bro Code.
A light clicked on in his brain. Except the one friend who’d already broken one of the codes recently.
When he pulled into the bank’s lot and parked, he grabbed his phone and texted Blake.
Dude. You working today? Free to meet up for lunch?
While waiting for the reply, he climbed out of the car and made his way into the bank. Several of his co-workers called out a greeting as they prepared to open for the day.
He reached his office just as his phone buzzed.
I’m off. Yeah, let’s grab lunch. I need a break from this wedding stuff anyway. Just let me know when and where.
Shit, once again, Eric had forgotten all about Blake and Kristen’s wedding this weekend. If he’d remembered, he probably wouldn’t have sent that text. No way could he dump this kind of heavy stuff on his friend this week.
He’d just keep it cool at lunch. Keep his business and problems to himself.
Eric typed in the name of a local restaurant and a time, and then locked his phone before slipping it back into his pocket.
The next few hours passed quickly, and by the time he ducked out for his lunch break, he was almost regretting texting Blake this morning.
When he walked into the pub, he found his friend sitting in a booth, sipping a beer and watching ESPN on the big screen behind the bar.
Blake glanced his way and grinned, rising.
“Hey, bro, good to see you.”
“You too.” Eric returned his grin, his muscles relaxing and his worries vanishing as they did that back-slap, side-hug type thing.
Even if they just spent the next hour talking about football, it was worth it. Damn, when was the last time he’d really hung out with Blake? Not much since he’d gotten involved with Kristen.
Eric picked up his menu, scanning for his lunch pick.
“I know you don’t have a long lunch,” Blake said. “So let’s cut to the chase. What did you want to talk to me about?”
Fuck.
“Talk about? Nothing, man.” He cleared his throat and kept staring at the menu. “Just thought we should catch up. Congratulate you on your upcoming wedding and stuff.”
“Thanks. We’re getting married on the beach. You guys should get the info in the next day or so.”
“Nice. Can’t wait.”
“So... really.” Blake arched a brow. “What do you want to talk about?”
“Nothing particular.” Was it super-hot in here? Eric pulled at his collar and took a sip of water.
“Bullshit. You’re the worst liar on the planet, man. You never just hit me up and ask to go to lunch. I know there’s something you got on your chest. Now what’s going on?”
Eric sighed. Might as well just go with the original plan.