Eli fishes his phone out one-handed, thumbs it across, and lets me take her contact. No hesitation, no clue. Just hands me the one thing I shouldn’t have.
I save it underLuwith a puppy and sunshine emoji before I can stop myself.
Nobody notices. Nobody calls me on it. And I sure as hell don’t call myself on what it means that I wanted her number this bad.
Eli drifts back to the bar, Gary shouts about last call, and Nickelback grinds out the same two chords it’s been playing all night. I drain the rest of my beer, phone heavy in my pocket. I tell myself to leave it. Wait until tomorrow.
But by the time I’ve stepped outside into the cool night air to wait for my cab, thumb hovering over her contact, I already know I’m going to cave.
Me:Want to look after Dusty when we’re on the road?
Lu:Who is this?
Cheeky. She knows damn well.
Me:Logan.
Lu:Ohhh. Miller. Straight to business, huh? No “hi, how was your day?”
I huff out a laugh. She’d roast me either way.
Me:Oh yeah? Howwasyour day, Parnell? Reject another porch douche?
Lu:Look at you, checking in. Relax, Miller. No porch drama today, just bad jokes and too much talk about CrossFit.
Sharp and stupid relief hits me, and I hate how much I feel it.
Me:So a dud.
Lu:A polite dud. Which is worse, tbh.
I smirk at the screen.
Me:Listen, I don’t need an overshare.
Lu:Please. You’d die without my commentary.
I shake my head, thumb hovering. She’s probably curled up, laughing as she types, smug as hell.
Me:Anyway, it’s practical. You’re across the street and Dusty likes you.
Lu:Smart dog. My answer’s yes. He’s my favorite Miller, anyway.
That one digs under my ribs harder than I want it to, even though I know she’s teasing.
Me:Will pay you in cash… or Eli said cupcakes.
Lu:Adorable. You trying to bribe me, Miller?
Me:Just telling you your options.
Lu:Mmm. I’ll take both. Dusty deserves it.
She’s probably grinning down at her phone right now, and I rub the heel of my hand over my face, trying to erase the thought.
Me:Don’t get used to it. He’s spoiled enough already.
Lu:Guess that makes two of us ??
