Page 37 of Whispered Promises

ROSY

An alarm blares in the background, pulling me from sleep.

“Stop.”

My muffled voice command silences the noise, and I groan loudly into my pillow. Whoever invented the working day was cruel. Alarms should be banned and unlimited sleep encouraged. Lazily, I slowly push myself up to sit on the side of the bed, then grab my phone. A new message has butterflies flickering in my stomach and a smile gracing my face.

GymAlpha

Good morning.

A cautious movement catches my attention, and I turn to see Moshi sitting next to his bed, watching me warily.

“He messaged,” I whisper excitedly. “Look at you being brave this morning. Are you hungry?”

Locating some food, I empty it into a fresh bowl, then slowly slide it to him.

“I need to shower and get ready for work, then I’ll be back.” I grab my phone and head to the bathroom, my face already aching from how much I’m smiling.

Me

Good morning

Just as I’m about to start on my skincare, post-shower, I see a notification on my phone.

GymAlpha

You getting ready for work?

A snort leaves me. He’s as minimalist in messaging as he is when talking.

Me

Yup, just got out of the shower. You?

GymAlpha

So you’re still wet?

Heat roars through my body. Crapsicles. I did not see that coming. Indecision wars inside. Should I go with it or pretend otherwise? More typing bubbles appear before they stop, and the worry that he might be regretting what he said has me quickly responding.

Me

Not from the shower.

I drop the phone on the bathroom counter and back away from it, gnawing on my nail. The anticipation churns uncomfortably in my stomach.

Did I misread what he meant?

What if I crossed the line from flirting into sexting too soon?

Is sexting still even a thing?

Leaning forward, I grip either side of the sink tightly, and stare at my reflection in the mirror. A nervous laugh bubbles up, echoing around the room. This is going to be so awkward if I said the wrong thing.

My phone lights up with another message.

Gripping it in my hand, I take a moment to stare at the notification before I force myself to open it.