We never said anything about changing the rules of our arrangement. Is it so wrong of me to imagine what it might feel like to have his mouth against mine? To have his hands roaming over my bare skin?
I haven’t been with someone in so long. I live alone. It’s only natural to feel lonely from time to time… right?
My phone vibrates again as I let myself into my apartment. My stomach flutters, but I don’t let myself look to see who it is until I’m in my bedroom.
Matteo
Sunny, I think I have a problem.
Jade
What’s that?
Matteo
I can’t seem to stop thinking about you.
A smile lifts my lips as I drop down onto my bed.
Jade
Why’s that a problem?
Matteo
Because Coach would be pissed if I hopped on a flight to come see you right now.
Jade
You know what my best friend Nicole always says?
Matteo
What’s that?
Jade
If he wanted to, he would.
I’m playing with fire and I can’t stop myself. I shouldn’t be taunting or tempting him, but he said it himself—his coach would be pissed.
Jade
I’m just kidding, I know you can’t do that.
Matteo
Are you saying you’d want me to, if I could?
Jade
It’s not an option, so it doesn’t really matter what I want.
I’m supposed to grab dinner with Ellie anyways.
The responses are flowing from my mind like an electrical current. I’m totally channeling Candy Stone energy right now. These are the exact things she would say.
Matteo