She groans. “Ugh. Come on.”
I pat her leg. “Sorry, babe.”
“But, hypothetically …” She pauses, waiting until I meet her gaze again. “If I met him organically and we hit it off …”
I glare at her. “Organically, as in …trulyorganically, or manipulated with the information you’re reading in his file right now? Like,oopsies, I ran into him at his favorite restaurant, gym, and job.”
Her lip curls with disgust. “Howdareyou accuse me of crossing unprofessional lines like that. Just rude, Serena. Uncalled for.”
My laugh bubbles into my nose, morphing into a snort. “Shut up. You know damn well that behind those innocent eyes, you’re already scheming.”
She taps her fingertips together like an animated villain. “You knownothing.”
My phone vibrates again, and I ignore her, checking it. I expect it to be my dad since we were just texting, but it’shim.
My Masked Valentine: Going to a gala?
You don’t miss anything, do you?
My Masked Valentine: Not when it comes to you
I’m never going to be able to plan surprises for you
My Masked Valentine: You don’t ever need to surprise me with anything
Only you get to have all the fun?
My Masked Valentine: My fun always includes you
So generous
My Masked Valentine: I aim to please the people
I don’t know why, but I feel oddly jealous at his words, of thinking that everyone might get this level of attention from him. I’ve never questioned his dedication and loyalty to me. But I think it’s just human nature to want some reassurance every once in a while.
Everyone?
My Masked Valentine: You know the answer to that question but if you want my reassurance …
My Masked Valentine: You’re the only person in this entire fucking world I think about. I’m only yours just like you’re only mine.
My Masked Valentine: I spend every second of the day watching, listening, and thinking of you. I don’t have time or reason to pay anyone else a sliver of attention
A burst of pain on my bottom lip makes me realize how hard I’m biting down, and I quickly let up. My stomach flutters and flips as I reread his messages before responding.
So intense
My Masked Valentine: You know what else should be intense?
What?
My Masked Valentine: Your water intake because you didn’t even finish your bottle last night. I’m going to need to see you drink at least two of those today
I start typing out a message, telling him to mind his business, but his next text beats me to it.
My Masked Valentine: Don’t even think about being a brat
That only makes me want to be a brat even harder
