Page 73 of My Favorite Hero

Everything ok?

Thorne, are you expecting Armageddon? Everything is FINE.

Okay.

Work go okay for you? How’s the website coming along?

Do you want a progress report?

?

I drew in a deep breath, then grinned and typed a reply.

The new one is going well. The old one I’m trying to fix—yikes. The design is overclocking UX. So now, it’s a DDoS mess. Owner is lax with weak-ass auth. Allows bots in like it’s Free Beer night at Dusty’s.

Um, riveting.

You asked. Some men find tech a turn-on.

You’re my turn-on.

If I were there in your bunk with you, I’d turn you on.

Stop it.

I’d turn your software into a hard drive and ramp up your output until you ran out of memory.

Jesus. I am getting turned on now.

Careful. If that monster gets loose, it’ll be knocking on the bunk above you and scaring someone.

LOL – you are so good for my ego. I hate to tell you, but we have single beds, not bunks anymore.

Just speaking the truth. And stop ruining my fantasies.

Okay, then. Live your dream. Night, Pixie.

Night, Thorne.

No kiss goodnight? You gave me one last night. Several actually.

PITA – xx

Stingy.

Me – XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Better. Night.

I stared at my phone for a few moments, rereading the texts. I liked teasing, funny Thorne. He was usually so serious. Although, I had to admit, since we’d slept together, he’d been different. Lighter. Quicker to smile.

I wondered if he’d stay that way.

I was busy working on the website the next afternoon when my phone pinged with an incoming text. I broke into a smile when I saw it was Thorne again.

So I forgot to tell you, next week there’s an open house at the station. The public can come in, look around, ask questions, meet the crews. You could come if you want. I mean, if you were interested.

I would love to. Can I ride in a fire truck?