Also, did you really think I could be intimidated that easily?
Before I could roll my eyes, another message came through—this time a picture. He was sprawled across a leather chair, book in hand, with his tattoo that I loved on display, eyebrows lifted like he was waiting to be graded on his form.
He was far too attractive for his own good. Of course he was. Like the universe was really going to make it easy on me. What I hadn’t expected was the massive fish tank glowing behind him, filled with colorful coral but eerily empty.
Livvi
Okay, first of all, you’re holding that book upside down.
Second … you have an aquarium?
The dots bounced.
Talon
Caught me. Upside-down reading is an advanced skill.
The fish tank? Purely decorative. It came with the apartment, but I don’t have any fish.
I snorted, typing back.
Livvi
What kind of person has a giant aquarium with no fish?
Talon
One who doesn’t have time to keep them alive.
Livvi
So you’re admitting you’re irresponsible.
Talon
I prefer realistic. Between practices, workouts, recovery, and meets, I barely keep myself alive.
Livvi
Good point. But still … poor empty tank.
His reply came quicker this time.
Talon
You volunteering to fish-sit?
Livvi
Tempting, but I’d probably overfeedthem. Death by kindness.
Talon
Guess we’re both liabilities. Better stick with books.
I bit back a smile, curling into my pillows. It was easy with him—too easy. Every text pulled me deeper, like we were tossing a ball back and forth, neither of us wanting to let it drop.
Another buzz.
