A deep laugh came through the line. “You had to think about answering the phone, huh?”
His voice was smooth and I could feel myself smiling.
“It’s okay. I was gonna text you back, but I’m at the gym right now and knew I wasn’t gonna be consistent with it, so I figured I’d just call.”
“Aww, okay,” I said, trying to sound casual, but inside I appreciated that.
“Well, you can finish your workout and text me later. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“You’re fine,” he said. “I got my AirPods in. You got me for a minute.”
My heart did this thing where it like paused and warmed all at once. That gesture ofnot being pushed to the side, but being prioritized, even mid-bench press… did something to me.
I cleared my throat trying to think of what to say next. “Well, I’m not sure what all Niv told you, but…”
“She told me enough,” he said quickly, amused.
I opened my eyes wide. “And what was enough?”
I could hear weights clinking in the background. He was definitely working out.
“She spoke very highly of you before asking for a favor. She said you’re in something really serious… but something about a hall pass was granted.”
I sighed, loud enough for him to hear it. “Ugh. Yeah, about that…”
He laughed like he enjoyed how awkward I sounded. “Go ‘head.”
“I mean, she told me not to go through with it anymore.”
“Why?”
“Because,” I groaned. “She said I was doing too much. That I was overthinking it by trying to talk and get to know you a little, and she told me just to basically scratch the itch and get out.”
“Mmm,” he hummed. “I get that. But you actually make a lot of sense.”
“I do?”
“Yeah. I wanted to do the same. There’s such a thing as soul ties when it comes to sex. That stuff is real. People carry weight. And that energy is transferable. I’m careful about that.”
My body relaxed. It felt good to know that I wasn’t insane for wanting a little more than just a quick nut.
“I knew I wasn’t crazy,” I said, half-laughing.
“Niv’s batshit,” he joked. “So listening to her is always a coin toss. I love her, though. I’m proud of her for everything she’s done. We don’t talk like we used to since I moved, but she knows I’m one phone call away. Always.”
I couldn’t help myself. “If you don’t mind me asking… where do you live now?”
His breathing changed like he was mid-set. “Nah, I don’t mind. I still live in Stonehaven, just further north in the suburbs.”
I didn’t even realize I’d let out a relieved breath until he chuckled. I hated Gun Hill.
“Yeah,” he said, catching it. “I grew up in Gun Hill. But after my son was born, I wanted something different for him. I needed to put distance between him and that life.”
My lips parted in surprise. “You have a son?”
“Yeah. He’s ten. My entire world.”
“Aww.” I smiled. “That’s beautiful. I have a daughter. She’s almost sixteen.”
