Holy shit. Only a week?
I rubbed my eyes and hated the self-doubt consuming me. Did I text him, did I not? Why did I need to?To see how he played, duh.
Right.
I found my phone and typed the message three times before perfecting it.
Kenzie: I’m watching this weird movie again, wishing you were here. Let me know how you played today.
Three dots appeared right away and my stomach did a somersault.
TJ: Are you thinking about my hands on you?
Kenzie: Most of the time, yeah. It’s not healthy.
TJ: Glad it’s not just me then. I played well. Hit a triple and got two singles. We’re back at the hotel now. I’m sharing a room with your brother.
Kenzie: Well, that scraps my idea of phone sex.
TJ: I just spit my drink out. Thanks for that.
Kenzie: Anytime. I’m glad you played well.
TJ: Missing me yet?
Kenzie: I barely notice you’re gone.
TJ: Riiight. I’ll try and call you later if I can. We’re going to fuck with some of the younger players. I’ll be the big man here and admit it. I miss your face.
That sent an unrecognizable thrill through me. No one had said that to me before, ever. It was stupid. It wasn’t some compliment or declaration of love, but it made me feel…desirable. Liked.I’m being a dumb girl with a crush.
Kenzie: I do have a nice face.
TJ: And a nice ass…
Kenzie: You know how to make a girl blush, that’s for sure.
TJ: I know you blushed when I licked my fingers after being inside you.
Kenzie: Jesus, TJ. You went from level one to ten real quick. How is it possible to be turned on, again?
TJ: Shit. This backfired. I wanted to tease you, not get you hot, because now I’m gunna have a fucking boner in front of the guys.
Kenzie: **shrugs nonchalantly**
TJ: We’re heading out. FYI—the guys think I’m hooking up with some chick named Mackenna.
Kenzie: Mackenna? Of all the names to come up with, you chose one that similar to my real name?
TJ: It’s clever, I know. Okay, talk soon, babe.
Babe.
Babe.
I shouldn’t read into it. It was a pet name for people who fucked. Yeah, I’d heard him use it on other girls before. It wasn’t not a big deal. “Ugh, get a fucking grip.” I tossed my phone onto the other couch, out of my reach, and forced myself to finish the movie and do my assignment. Shoving emotions down to where I didn’t actively think about them was a talent I’d mastered living with my parents the past two years. This was no different. I didn’t think about Tanner or whatever feelings I had for him.
I certainly didn’t think about the disappointment when he never called.
