When I swing the door open, my heart warms. Sitting neatly on the mat is a Starbucks bag and cup. The scent of pumpkin spice wafts up, warm and sweet, and my lips curve.
I pull the bag inside and peek inside the cup holder: a pumpkin spice latte, still steaming, and a giant pumpkin cream cheese muffin. I can’t stop the grin from spreading across my face.
I pull out my phone and start typing.
Thank you, Flynn.
I spend a few hours, doing laundry and cleaning up around the house before sitting on the couch with a new book. The pink floral cover a sharp contrast to my usual dark moody picks.
What are you reading today darling?
How do you know I’m reading today, Flynn?
…Anyone who could pick Kade Cross out of a crowd is so far in the trenches of literature they spend every lazy day reading.
Touché. Actually, I’m currently reading a rom-com. What are you doing today, Flynn?
Other than thinking about you, fixing this damn gate. Going to run into town, need anything?
My heart swells at his simple kindness. Another part of me aches, too.
No thank you, Flynn.
I stir the chili simmering on the stove, but my mind wont stay in the kitchen. It’s on the sexy masked man behind the screen of my phone.
I wipe my hands, cross the room, and sink onto the couch. My pulse skips as I lift my phone. Before I can second-guess myself, I liftmy shirt, exposing my breasts. I snap a quick picture and hit send.
Have a good night, Flynn ;)
The days drift by in a haze of books, a stranger’s texts and lazy hours of lounging. I keep catching my thoughts looping between two people. The masked stranger who gives me the best sex of my life. And Kellan. Quiet, sweet, Kellan.
I shake my head and toss my book onto the couch with a sigh. When I glance at my phone, the time blinks back at me—7:00 P.M.
How’s your day, baby doll?
I slip into my boots, tug a jacket over my sweater and head outside.
Lazy, just the way I like it. Going for a walk now.
Alone? In the dark? Tsk.
I roll my eyes and shove my phone in my pocket. The glow of porch lights and jack-o’-lanterns guide my path as I wander down the sidewalk.
The cool air bites at my cheeks, it feels clean and refreshing. This is my favorite time of the year—cozy and eerie.
I let myself enjoy the quiet of the neighborhood. Soaking in the spooky decorations before they are replaced with snowmen and reindeer.
With each step, my mind wanders farther. I’m lonely, more than I let myself admit. My family in Virginia—I love them, but even if I were home, it wouldn’t fill the gap. They don’t call or reply to texts anyhow, being there wouldn’t make a difference.
I yearn for someone to share small moments with, someone to laugh with and to care for.
Flynn—the masked man. I wish I knew him, the real him, the person behind the shadows. And Kellan… I want to know him too. I wonder what he likes, what brings him joy, what his dreams are.
Two men, so close but so far away. One who can fulfill my darkest fantasies, and one I could build something with. Both—practically strangers and realistically I have no chance with either.
After a while, the air shifts. A prickling at the back of my neck. The kind of feeling you get when someone’s eyes are on you.
I look over my shoulder, glancing causally. Just houses and trees swaying in the wind. I keep walking, but I pick up my pace.
