Me:LOL!
I couldn’t stop the laughter that kept bubbling up, my mouth aching with how much I’d smiled. Every time we chatted for hours like this, I wished I could hear his voice. There were so few occasions when I’d heard him speak.
Calling him was becoming an increasingly enticing urge. But every time my finger hovered over the button, I chickened out. It had to be the perfect moment, the perfect reason. But I wasn’t ready to stir things up.
Nash:He sure takes care of those ‘ducks’ though.
Me:Oh yes, he does. ??
Me:I doubt real men are so thorough.
Nash:Andyou know this how?
- NASH -
With a groan of longing, I slumped back into my leather armchair, my head hitting the cushion. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could take it. I picked the book back up and continued reading a steamy passage. It only made things worse.
This book was more alluring than anything I’d ever experienced on a TV screen. If this is what Sybil read, I wondered what she’d be like in bed. I was taking notes for sure.
I dropped the book again, unable to let it go.
Me:Have you ever been on a date?
There was a long pause. Dots kept popping up on the screen, then disappearing again. I suspected she hadn’t, not if she was so introverted.
Sybil:I had a boyfriend once, in middle school. But I was 14. I hardly count that as an actual date. I kissed him, though. It was awful. He was not The Montana Man.
I laughed.
Me:14-year-old boys don’t count.
Sybil:It was a weird phase I was in, too. Pretty sure I was acting out and being rebellious. I didn’t even like him.
Me:What aboutin high school?
Sybil:I was home-schooled after that. It’s a long story.
Me:So you’re saying you’ve never been “Montana Manned”?
Sybil:Nash! I’m not answering that.
Me:So you haven’t.
Sybil:Not answering.
Me:Would you ever be willing to drink coffee with me?
Me:I could just sit on your stoop. We can talk over the camera if that makes you feel better?
Sybil:Lol.
Sybil:Maybe.
I smiled at that but left it there. This was good progress. We’d finally broached the subject, and that was good enough for me.
I began reading again, glancing over at Sybil now and then, feeling as though she was already mine to care for and love. Now, it was just a matter of getting her in front of me, then I’d show her all the perfect ‘ducks’ I’d be willing to give her.
CHAPTER 17
