You know I can see you’ve read the message, right?
It’s Matthew, in case you don’t have my number.
My heart starts beating faster as I take my phone and unlock it. My fingers hover over the screen for just a moment before I type back.
Jessica:
Right. Because I get outlandish suggestions every day of the week, so I clearly don’t know who would come to me with that question.
Hitting the send button, I add his number to my contacts list.
Matthew:
You said it, not me.
But you never know, it could happen.
Tell me the truth, how many fake dating offers do you get every week?
And be honest.
I can’t help myself; the corner of my mouth tips upward in amusement.
Jessica:
Har-har…
Zero.
Matthew:
So I’m your first?
My smile falls as the memory from the past flashes in my mind. The crescent moon shining in the dark sky. A lone figure sitting on the bleachers. The scent of popcorn and grass in the air. Those dark eyes staring into mine, wild and untamed. The demons shining in them. The feel of callused fingers on my skin. Firm lips pressed against mine?—
I close my eyes, pushing it back. I’m so lost in my thoughts, I don’t even notice I’m not alone anymore.
“You’ve been quiet tonight.”
My head snaps up at the sound of Becky’s voice, my heart thundering wildly. Locking my phone so she doesn’t see it by accident, I turn around, but I forgot I left the bottle on the edge of the counter, so my elbow connects with it, making it fall to the floor.
“Shit!” I grab the bottle quickly and stand it upright, but not before half of it spills. My eyes scan the counter for a rag; however, Becky is faster. She grabs it and crouches down, wiping away the red liquid from the hardwood floor. “Sorry, you surprised me.”
“Don’t sweat it,” Becky chuckles softly and stands up, her hazel eyes zeroing in on me. “Are you really okay?”
“I… Yeah, just a lot on my mind.”
My cheeks heat as the image of Matthew pops into my brain. I tilt my head slightly so my hair can cover my face.
Get a grip, Jessy,I chastise myself, but it’s easier said than done, and my longtime friend doesn’t miss it.
Becky eyes me quietly for a few moments. “You sure?”
I force out a small smile. “I’m sure.”
She tilts her head. “It’s not Damien, is it? Because if that asshole is still bugging you…”
“He’s not,” I assure her. “I’m fine, really. I just got lost in my thoughts for a little while there.”
