Nope. Horror. I get riled up every time I watch it,Iswear
The three dots appear again, then disappear. His next response takes longer to come through, and after I receive it, I realize why.
Rowan 4:27 p.m.
Riled up, huh? I think I’d like to see that.
I flush straight down to my chest—suddenly, the office is far too stuffy.
“Son,” John’s voice suddenly rings out, and he’s standing right in front of my desk.
“Ah! Yes?!” I drop my phone onto the floor. I didn’t hear his conversation end, or him approach me.
“Having an interestin’ conversation there?” he asks, and I blush even harder now, avoiding his eyes as he chuckles from above me. “Ah, whatever. You finished that draft?”
“Yeah,” I nod, turning my laptop to face him. “It’s all done. I’ll start revisions on Monday.”
“Nice. Good work, Eli. I thought I’d never get that interview out of Rowan.”
I stare at John for a moment, unsure of what to say to that.You’re welcome? No worries, I fucked him for it?
I kind of want to tell him I’m seeing Rowan, if only so he can be happy for the guy. John has a soft spot for Rowan, whether or not he wants to admit it.
“John,” I start, and he looks up from my laptop screen to meet my eyes. “I’m actually going on a date with Rowan tomorrow.”
John watches me for a moment—expressionless. Then, a slow grin begins to curl at his lips. The old man chuckles lowly, scratching at his white beard.
“That’s good. I’m happy for you kids.” When I don’t offer any further detail, John turns and heads back to his office. He stops just outside the threshold, turning his gaze back onto me. “But Eli—be nice to him. He’s a gentle guy.”
Visions of Rowan gripping my shoulders and pounding up into me while I sobbed flash before my eyes, but instead of mentioning anything likethatto my boss, I just smile.
“Sure, John.”
“You’re full of sass and snark. Which is good, don’t get me wrong. But he’s not used to attention. Go easy on him.” John sounds like a worried father, and instead of being annoyed like I usually would, I find it kind of cute.
“I’ll handle him with care, I promise,” I say, raising my hands in defense. John offers me another grin and slips back into his office.
I pick my phone up off the carpet and finally respond to Rowan’s last message.
Elijah 4:35 p.m.
Rowan, you dog. Is that all you think about? (Because it’s all I think about).
Rowan’s response comes moments later.
Rowan 4:35 p.m.
Woof, woof.
Rowan told me to dress casually for a date, so I’ve spent all of my Saturday morning sorting through every casual article of clothing I own.
Nothing looks good enough.
No combination of low-waisted jeans and tight shirts, or slacks and flowy tops, is cutting it. And that’s literally all I own—that’s my entirecasualwardrobe.
I’m about two seconds from losing my mind, which means I have to call in reinforcements. And calling in reinforcements is the last thing I wanted to do.
If I use up all my bad luck now, that means tonight will go smoothly, right?
