Groupies?
Shit, why did I say that? Ugh, how the fuck do I explain this without seeming pathetic, like I’ve been pining over him? I haven’t been, but I couldn’t help looking.
What do you mean groupies?
Care to explain who my groupies are?
Ugh, what do I say? I can’t exactly tell him I saw the same twenty or so guys commenting on every post with peach or eggplant emojis, or flat-out propositions.
Were you stalking me on socials?
There’s no way out of this other than to confess.
I was bored last night when I couldn’t sleep, and you literally tag Luke in everything you post. How could I not have seen your minions fanning your ego every chance they get?
And why do you tag Luke in everything you post when half of it has nothing to do with him?
I try to change the subject a little, hoping he’ll forget about my not-so-accidental stalking.
Until Kaden came along, Luke had zero social life unless I dragged him out of the house. And occasionally, Jackson and Dakota could get him to hang out with them.
I started tagging him whenever I went out. I hoped it would make him want to tag along more often.
That was nice of you.
I can be nice, if given the chance.
I don’t know how to answer that. I don’t even know why he wants me to give him a chance.
Am I really that interesting to you that you’re wasting your Thursday evening texting me?
Shouldn’t you be working? Don’t you have a restaurant you’re opening soon?
Last night was a late night, so I left a little early tonight. We open on Wednesday next week.
You should come
And just to be clear, that wasn’t an innuendo.
He’s obviously watching what he says around me, and I’m annoyed at myself for making him feel like he has to.
I didn’t think it was, but thanks for clarifying.
Attempting to not be presumptuous again. Is it okay if I call you?
Within seconds of responding with my number, my phone vibrates with an incoming call. I answer with a gust of breath leaving my lungs in a whoosh.
“You don’t waste any time, do you?”
“Why would I want to?” His tone is playful, and it sounds like he’s talking through a smile. I wonder if it’s the same one from the other night—remembering that moment has my pulse speeding up.
“Your flirting isn’t going to turn me into one of your fanboys, if that’s your goal.” I make a show of resisting, even as my heart flutters against my ribcage.
“What makes you think that’s what I want from you?” His sultry purr is almost drowned out by a flurry of background noise.
“What’s all that noise? Sounds like there’s an earthquake over there.”
“You’re really good at avoiding questions.” His gruff laughter makes me smile on the inside. “I’m cooking dinner for myself. A guy’s got to eat, right?”
