But tonight?
He wasn’t sure he wanted to play it safe anymore.
His phone buzzed.
He reached for it, half-distracted, until he saw her name.
Arden: Trivia tomorrow night. Bring Dan. Penny’s making me go, so you’re coming too. No excuses, Blackwell.
It wasn’t an invite. It was a dare.
He stared at the message, loosening his chest.
She wanted him there. Not for business. Not for appearances.
Because she wanted him. Maybe not the way he wanted her.
Not yet.
But it was something.
He thumbed out a reply.
You’ll regret letting Penny talk you into this. But fine. I’ll see you there.
He hit send, tossing the phone onto the bench.
But his hand hovered. Temptation tugged.
Just one more message. He shouldn’t. He knew that.
Still, his fingers moved.
Are you home safe?
The pause stretched. Long enough to make his pulse kick.
You checking on me, Blackwell?
He exhaled, lips twitching into a small smile.
You shouldn’t be walking around this late. Humor me.
Another pause.
He could almost picture her: head tilted, weighing her words.
Humoring you. I’m home.
Relief hit harder than he expected.
He sank onto the bench, phone in hand.
There were more things he could say.
Should say.
But he didn’t.
