Fragile

Chapter 9 - Run In

I turned to Leah, smirking. "Oh, so you're famous famous."

Leah sighed dramatically, sinking back in her chair. "I hate all of you."

I grinned, leaning into her slightly. "Don't worry, I'll try not to let it get to my head."

She rolled her eyes, but I felt her relax beside me, her hand still resting against my waist like it belonged there.

And honestly?

For the first time in a long time, I didn't hate the idea of belonging to something again.

The night had been good—better than I expected. But as much as I was enjoying myself, I knew I had to get home. Riggs was with the babysitter, and even though I trusted her, I didn't like being away for too long.

I checked my phone, seeing the Uber was already on its way. I sighed, setting my drink down and pushing back from the table. "Alright, I need to go."

Beth groaned. "Already?"

I smirked. "Some of us have kids to get home to."

Lotte smiled. "Tell Riggs we say hi."

Leah stood up beside me, slipping her hands into her pockets. "I'll walk you out."

I raised an eyebrow. "Leah, you don't have to."

She tilted her head slightly. "I want to."

Beth muttered something under her breath, and Katie smirked, but Leah shot them a warning look before gently placing a hand on my lower back, guiding me through the crowded bar.

Outside, the cool Manchester air hit me instantly, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the bar. I shivered slightly, crossing my arms.

Leah noticed. "Cold?"

I huffed a small laugh. "A little."

Without hesitation, she shrugged off her jacket, draping it over my shoulders before I could protest.

I blinked, looking up at her. "You really didn't have to do that."

Leah smirked, shoving her hands back into her pockets. "You keep saying that."

I sighed, shaking my head with a small smile. "So chivalrous."

"Obviously," she deadpanned.

I snorted, looking down the street where my Uber was approaching. "This was nice."

Leah nodded. "Yeah. It was."

We stood there for a moment, the streetlights casting a soft glow over us, the hum of the city filling the space between us. It wasn't uncomfortable. It just was.

Leah shifted slightly, glancing at me. "So... when do I get to see you again?"

I exhaled, tugging her jacket tighter around me. "You tell me."

She smirked. "Tomorrow?"

I laughed. "Bit eager, are we?"

Leah shrugged, her gaze warm. "Maybe."

I shook my head, biting my lip. "I'll let you know. Riggs has soccer practice in the morning."

Leah's smirk twitched. "Future Arsenal player?"

I sighed dramatically. "Obviously."

Leah's expression shifted, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Oh yeah?"

I smirked, tilting my head. "Yeah."

She narrowed her eyes slightly. "But I thought you were a Chelsea fan."

I grinned, biting back a laugh. "Oh, Leah," I sighed, shaking my head. "Did you really believe that?"

Leah blinked. Then, she groaned, rubbing her forehead. "You were winding them up."

I grinned. "Obviously."

She let out a slow breath, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable."

I smirked. "You love it."

She sighed dramatically. "I really do."

The Uber pulled up, and I stepped forward, reaching for the handle before hesitating.

I turned back to her, and without thinking too much about it, I leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to the corner of her mouth. Leah inhaled sharply, her hands twitching at her sides, like she wanted to grab me but was forcing herself to stay still.

I pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, my voice quieter now. "Goodnight, Le."

Leah swallowed, her voice rough. "Goodnight, Ev."

And with that, I slipped into the car, leaving Leah standing there, her fingers brushing over the spot where my lips had just been.

~~~~
AN: I apologize for my lack of an update yesterday. I forgot to schedule it. Oops. Leave some ideas! For this or for the bonus chapters book I'll be doing!

Next Chapter:  Wednesday

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